Moving From Simi Valley to Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is one of the most-searched destinations for Southern California home shoppers. If it's on your list, the move has two halves: selling your home here without surprises, and knowing what changes the day you become a Nevada resident.

Our free guide, Leaving California: The Seller's Game Plan, covers:

• The tax questions to answer first, and the list to bring your CPA
• A worksheet for your real walk-away number
• Three ways to time your sale with your Las Vegas purchase
• How to sell from a distance if you've already moved
• A 90-day checklist for leaving the state

The California side: what to settle before you list

• Capital gains. If you owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years, the IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly). That's IRS Publication 523.
• California can still tax the gain after you move. A California home is California-source income, so the state can tax the gain even if you already live in Nevada. Your CPA will want to see the numbers before you list, not after.
• The withholding form nobody warns you about. At closing, escrow may withhold 3⅓% of the sale price for the California Franchise Tax Board unless an exemption applies (Form 593). Selling your main home often qualifies for one. Ask early so it doesn't catch you by surprise.
• Timing. Sell first, buy first, or close both at once. We plan both moves together so you're not stuck in between.

What changes when you move to Nevada

• No state income tax. Nevada doesn't have a personal income tax. Keep in mind that California can still tax income earned in California, including the gain on your California home.
• Claim your primary residence for the 3% property tax cap. In Clark County, the tax bill on an owner's primary residence can't rise more than 3% a year. Other homes get a cap of up to 8%. You choose one primary residence in Nevada, so make sure the county has yours on file (Clark County, NRS 361.4723).
• 30 days for your license and registration. Nevada's DMV says new residents must get a Nevada driver license and register their vehicles within 30 days, and out-of-state insurance isn't accepted. Check dmv.nv.gov for the current rules.
• HOAs are common. Many Las Vegas neighborhoods have HOAs. Read the dues, rules and reserves before you write an offer.
• Summer is serious. Visit in July before you commit, and look at cooling costs, shade and pool upkeep when you compare homes.

Questions people ask

Does Nevada have a state income tax?

No. Nevada has no personal income tax. California can still tax income from California sources, such as the gain on a California home sale.

How does the Nevada 3% property tax cap work?

In Clark County, the tax bill on your primary residence can't rise more than 3% a year. Other homes get a cap of up to 8%. You pick one primary residence in Nevada, so make sure the county has yours on file.

Can you sell my Simi Valley home if I've already moved to Las Vegas?

Yes. We handle showings, vendors and updates here, and escrow can usually arrange for you to sign where you are.

Can you help me find an agent in Las Vegas?

Yes. We'll help you connect with an experienced local agent there and coordinate both closings so the dates line up.

Is this tax advice?

No. We're Realtors, not CPAs. We explain the general rules and give you a real estimate of your sale price and selling costs to take to your tax professional.

Keep reading

• Leaving California? How to Sell Your Simi Valley Home and Time Your Move
• How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Simi Valley?
• Moving from Simi Valley to Phoenix
• Moving from Simi Valley to Boise
• Moving from Simi Valley to Nashville
• Moving from Simi Valley to Dallas
• Moving from Simi Valley to Florida

Sources: Clark County, Nevada, Tax Abatement (NRS 361.4723); Nevada DMV, New Resident Guide and Registration Requirements; IRS Publication 523; California Franchise Tax Board, Form 593. Rules change, so confirm details with the agency or your tax professional. Information current as of October 2026.