In the past this was never a problem. But recently I discovered it might be an issue if your primary home is in some states:
- I am a US citizen.
- My job is a telecommute job in the US, the company is in one state and the work is done connected to their headquarters, remotely.
- My permanent home is in another state. In the past this was no issue.
- But due to family matters I find myself spending abroad. I still work at my job for the company in the US, remotely. I might be here for some months or even years. I do come back home once or twice a year but only for a short period each time.
Problems:
- I just got called for jury duty, and I can't find how to get an exception for being out of the country. I was able to reach a human but he says I have to either show up to the jury duty summons, move to a different state or move my residency to the country where I am now... even if it changes soon.
- Further, the person I talked to said that it doesn't matter if my permanent home is in his state and all of my records, accounts, etc are in that state. He says that if I do not physically spend at least 180 days out of the year present in the state I cannot be a resident and MUST move away. But as I'm abroad... I am not going to be that long in *any* state.
The biggest issue is that if I give up residence in all of the states, I won't have a legal identifying document (other than my passport) and a driver's license is required to remain employed.
Makes no sense. It seems that this state remained stuck in the 20th century and does not understand the level of mobility possible by 21st century workers.
I knew of this 6-month physical presence requirement for foreigners with a green card to be considered a resident, but is it real for US Citizens? Or was the agent confused or maybe just making himself feel important by trying to ruin someone's day?
If real in some states, what states do not care if you are physically present for X days, and what states will accept being out of country as a valid reason to be excused from jury duty?
(I found out at least one county in Illinois that accepts it, but I know nobody there and it would be a weird place to move my permanent residence to)
Thanks in advance for any knowledge and advice in this matter. I am pulling my hair out.