Leaving the USA: your checklist

Leaving the US has more tax and account decisions than most countries. Start with the big ones: your green card, your retirement accounts and your final tax year.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 15 items

Tax and status

Decide about your green cardOCI and documents: keep it with a re-entry permit, or give it up formally (form I-407).
Plan your final US tax returnNon-citizens without a green card file a part-year (dual-status) return; citizens and green card holders keep filing every year.
Plan your state taxFile a part-year return; some states keep taxing you unless you clearly cut ties.
Check your Social Security recordAt ssa.gov: 40 credits qualify you, and benefits can be paid to you in India.

Accounts

Decide about your 401(k) and IRAYour 401(k) and IRA after you move.
Ask your brokers about an Indian addressSome restrict accounts; move them before you leave if needed.
Keep a US bank account, credit card and phone numberFor payouts, credit history and two-step logins.
Use up any FSA balance; keep your HSAHSA money stays yours and can pay medical bills later.
Keep 529 plans if you have themThey can pay for eligible universities abroad, including some in India.

Home and car

Sell, rent out or end the leaseYour home abroad; selling as a non-resident can mean 15% withheld upfront (FIRPTA).
Sell the car, cancel insurance and return plates if your state requires it
Set up mail forwarding or a trusted US addressFor tax forms and bank letters.

Family

US passports for US-born children, and OCI cardsRenew passports before you leave.
School and vaccination recordsIndian schools ask for them.
Get an International Driving PermitFrom AAA, before you leave.

Questions

Do I have to file US taxes after moving to India?

US citizens and green card holders do, every year, wherever they live. Others file a final part-year return for the year they leave, plus returns later only if they have certain US income.

Can I keep my US bank account after moving to India?

Usually yes, though some banks restrict accounts with foreign addresses. Ask your bank, and keep at least one account for payouts and refunds.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.