7. Should I choose "I intend to return" or "My intent to return is uncertain"?

It is up to you to decide which category to choose.  Only you know if you have a current intention to return to live in the US sometime in the future.

If you choose “I intend to return”: You don't have to have a set date of return and it doesn't have to be within a set time frame, but you do need to have an intention to return at some time in the future. If you choose “I intend to return,” you will receive a ballot to vote in both federal (US President, US Senate and US House of Representatives) and state elections (Governor, State Legislature, etc.).

*Note: Registering to vote does not change your tax status. But selecting “intend to return” rather than “my return is uncertain” may be one of several factors your state uses to determine whether you may be subject to state income tax. (Eight states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — do not impose a state income tax.) Before you note that you “intend to return” on your form, you may consider seeking advice on these matters from a tax professional.

If you don’t have a current intention to return to your state or otherwise don’t wish to choose “I intend to return,” then you should opt for “my intent to return is uncertain.” (Some states also provide an option for “I’ve never lived in the US.”) You will receive a ballot for federal elections — and 33 states will also provide a ballot for state elections.

If you opt for "return uncertain” (or "I've never lived in the US" where applicable), you'll get a ballot for federal elections, but you won't be able to vote in state elections if you vote in any of the following states:

Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (some counties), Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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