After commenting many times that I would like to see a case where the US Government / IRS actually went after Americans living overseas, I finally found something. The story (dated 2009) is here: http://ticotimes.com/costa-rica/irs-goes-after-us-income-expats-in-costa-rica
The article states that the couple sent a letter to the IRS stating that they weren’t going to pay taxes. They also encouraged other Americans to do the same, and they set up a company to promoted this message. Verdict: $200,000 fine. I believe the American couple got into more trouble by encouraging others not to pay taxes. But we’ll never know if it they were extradited based on “encouraging others” or just by defying the IRS in the first place.
The message I get from this is:
Just file taxes in America, even if you have nothing to pay. Then when you’ve finally come to the realization that a blue passport is more of a headache than it is worth, due to the FACTA, taxes, aggression, wars, etc.., just renounce quietly and be done with it.
*can canada extradite a us citizen oner gst and pst taxs
@Rebelyell, they might “deport” someone if they failed to pay GST/PST. But you don’t “extradite” someone over breaking a domestic law.
Can Cnada extract taxes from an American citizen if they claim it is owed and there is a protest and disagreement.
To tony and others:
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/fatca/comment-page-16/#comment-281962
The “promise” from Canada’s Finance Minister James Flaherty:
More than ever and sooner rather than later, it is beneficial for any permanent resident of Canada to obtain Canadian citizenship — if that is their wish. Anyone living in Canada (or any other country) who retains their US only citizenship should absolutely be aware of the responsibilities, consequences (as well as benefits if that is what they see). Even if US citizens reside in Canada temporarily, fully intending to return to the US to live at some later time, they must be aware of the requirements of US citizenship-based taxation law. No way any longer someone should be a foolish ostrich in denial — or at least that’s the way I see it. For ourselves and for our families, we must all be as aware as possible and make our decisions accordingly.
Interesting topic of barring US ips, for our own protection. Of course, if this place became a target of investigation they could get around any obstruction, and simply create a subjective list to be passed on to the next level within the homeland security apparatus. It is hard to tell the difference between a govt operative and a harmless troll these days. The internet is dominated by US people and, as always, they are a great cover for nefarious activities by whatever US govt agency. If US ips were barred it would be more difficult for them to entrap, by soliciting and falsely posing as sympathetic comrades in arms. Basically, I am not that familiar with how and for what the US govt spends its cyber war budget…
Sorry DHS, “comrades in arms” isnt meant to be interpreted as advocating violence. Just thought I’d let you know…. (wink wink)
I would NOT be at all surprised if Isaac Brock Society were to be quietly scrutinized by U.S. Dept of Homeland Security. They could assume that some of us are tax evaders and that many here are tax protesters. I’d imagine they’re appalled with the numbers renouncing on here and especially alarmed by the site’s blatant encouragement of expatriation. They’ll loathe the overall America -bashing.
I already regret having been so open on here but what’s done is done.
Even after successfully receiving a CLN, my understanding is that one is still a U.S. person for tax purposes at least till they’ve filed their final dual-status return and 8854; and they’re not completely released from the IRS till all statutes of limitation have closed for the still-open tax years and F-bars.
Has there been any further public statements from Canadian government officials re an IGA or Fatca?
@Steve, I don’t know but at least there haven’t been any further statements to my knowledge in the U.K. I believe it will go through though our Parliament haven’t actually officially signed it yet; so it’s yet a done deal though the U.K. wants to introduce its own version of FATCA.
@monalisa1776: Even after successfully receiving a CLN, my understanding is that one is still a U.S. person for tax purposes at least till they’ve filed their final dual-status return and 8854…
That used to be the case prior to HEART, but it changed in 2008. Your US person shackles were released on the date you renounce at the embassy.
@monalisa1776,
Re your comment and others on privacy of these emails, I have always assumed that all emails of IB commenters, who all aim to be IRS compliant (forever) as best they can, can easily be accessed by “government agencies” and that it is best to include only what you would be willing to disclose in public.
However, US persons, even those unfortunate souls living abroad, still have the right to complain and legally “…provide one another with resources and strategies, comfort and advice.”
One could argue that the phrase below “leave a comment” —“your email address will not be published” is (not intentionally) “misleading” and that IBS might wish to add a short phrase there or somewhere on the site acknowledging the possibility that we are not alone, and to be careful what you disclose.
@IRScompliant, I don’t have anything to hide, as such, but could imagine they could trace IPs if they wanted to scapegoat some of us.
@Watcher, I agree that renouncing has freed me from future tax obligations but that I could run into problems if I don’t do all the final filing and paperwork next year correctly and/or within the deadline.
I also understand that anyone renouncing still has to wait out any open statutes of limitations on their tax returns and Fbars.