Deckard1138 recently received a reply from Democrats Abroad which he wanted to share. His comments precede the letter. Perhaps we should give a letter/email blast another try?
I am thinking of adapting the letter to my Rep/Senators indicating that these harmful effects were damaging enough that I had to renounce my citizenship. Given the fact that this is due to the threat to my non-US family, perhaps it would be shocking enough to at least cause curiosity and hopefully, get past the “offshore tax cheat” label.
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Well, here’s something new from Democrats Abroad. While I do not agree with their premise that “To date, many of the harmful effects of federal laws and policies on Americans abroad have been unintentional”, I am heartened to hear that they are at least attempting to reach out for support from both parties, trying to “…get another dozen sponsors this year, including a few Republicans.”
If a critical mass of House sponsorship can be gathered then there is a chance that Congress might begin to wake-up and respond to the monster they’ve created. It’s been a terribly long time since that Carter-era commission looked at Americans abroad, so I think every effort should be made to bring that attention into the present where it is needed more than ever.
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Dear ————-,
There is legislation just filed in Congress that could be a game-changer for Americans living abroad.
That bill, House Resolution 597, the Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act, would require that the US Congress to systematically study the impact of government policies on the 6 million American citizens living abroad.
To date, many of the harmful effects of federal laws and policies on Americans abroad have been unintentional. With the passage HR 597 lawmakers would be much better informed about those unintended consequences. Congress would have a better idea of who we are, where we live, and the impact of Federal law on us on issues like taxation, immigration, voting rights, and access to financial institutions.
Our good friend in Congress, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY and Chair of the Congressional Americans Abroad Caucus) said Americans living and working abroad “are our country’s informal ambassadors around the globe and help strengthen the U.S. economy and promote American influence. Their concerns about how their government interacts with them deserve to be heard — and paid attention to — here in Washington.”
Representative Maloney just introduced HR 597 with Reps. Honda (D-CA) and Napolitano (D-CA) as co-sponsors. The bill was first introduced in the last Congress, but it did not get on any Committee agenda for lack of multiple co-sponsors. A reasonable strategy for Democrats Abroad would be to get another dozen sponsors this year, including a few Republicans.
Congresswoman Maloney is now seeking co-sponsorship for the bill from other members of the House — on both sides of the aisle! We need your help. Contact your representatives to help in the cause. A letter from you now, asking your Representative to sponsor HR 597, will help move the bill through the legislative process.
A short letter will be enough to draw attention to this important bill. Here’s an example:
“Dear Mr./Mrs/Miss ___________: As one of your constituents, I ask that you co-sponsor bill HR 597, the Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act, to examine the range of issues faced by the 6 million Americans who live outside the United States. Such a Commission would be extremely helpful in recognizing our contribution to the American political process and the U.S. economy. I am a proud US citizen living in ________ (your country).” It’s always a good idea to add a personal appeal, if you have time.
If you do not know the name of your Representative or his or her address, please go to http://www.house.gov/ and submit your U.S. voting address. Address the letter to The Honorable ___________, United States House of Representation, Washington. DC 20515
Help us get HR 597 passed. It’s our time to show who we are as U.S. citizens abroad.
Best wishes,
Kenneth Sherman,
International Chair.
PS-We could also ask our stateside families and friends to send the same………….
I got that e-mail from Democrats Abroad as well. I was sufficiently startled to see them actually getting off their behinds and doing something for the sake of those they are supposed to represent, that I went ahead and sent a letter to my Representative. I requested co-sponsorship of HR 597, and also for my Representative to join the Americans Abroad Caucus.
Expectations low, but what the heck. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Thanks, Nobledreamer. Interesting, Kenneth Sherman is the same person I wrote a letter to criticizing his fauning of Obama during the Democratic Covention. He lives in Canada.
Bill Posey is my rep. He’s already highly critical of DATCA, and may find it politically beneficial to portray USP’s abroad as victims of FATCA, rather than being perceived by others in congress as supporting American tax evaders, which FATCA supporters like Barney Frank had.
Who exactly are my representatives in Congress? I am not considered a resident of any state really. I only file taxes federally. So who represents me? Who do I send this too?
The POP Vox link for supporting this legislation has been previously posted here.
That is the easiest way to send a message to your House member, where this legislation currently sits…
ACA is also supporting it here.
@a
On Pop Vox just use your last address or phone number where you were once upon a time, or an address of a relative. That is convenient and easy to do.
I wrote a few weeks ago on PopVox using my mail forwarding address, and my former, former representation responded with:
I have to chuckle a bit. More former Senator is Charles Grassley. I am sure he’ll be super receptive.
I don’t know. I feel sticking one’s head up is an invitation to get one’s head lopped off. I’m wary about the whole damned thing. As far as I’m concerned, anybody in government in the USofA is anathema.
I believe that the Isaac Brock Society should itself:
1. Formally/officially support the initiatives of other groups
2. Organize a specific presentation, which can be an independent presentation and will assist other groups (which can even be on this blog). I suggest that the theme should be:
The reality of US citizenship abroad – see the following from Em quoting Patric Hale
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/02/22/bloomberg-cost-of-dropping-citizenship-keeps-u-s-earners-from-exit/comment-page-1/#comment-199206
At this point, the Isaac Brock Society is the best resource to tell the story of accidental Americans and the reasons why they have been forced to renouce.
My general sense is that this is an opportunity like the 1979/80 opportunity that died with the defeat of Carter (described here):
http://renounceuscitizenship.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/president-carter-believes-in-human-rights-and-americansabroad/
As was posted a few days ago, Senator McGovern wrote the following:
“Numbering well over one million and representing the United States around the world in all aspects of commerce, these overseas Americans constitute an important national asset. Recently, however, U.S. law governing the rights and obligations of these citizens has fallen subject to increasing criticism – first, as to its fairness; and second, as to its wisdom, at a time when America’s international economic competitiveness, which depends heavily on effective business activity by U.S. citizens abroad, is under severe challenge. I therefore deemed it important that the policy implicit in this diverse body of law be subjected to a fresh and comprehensive examination.” – Senator George McGovern July 2, 1980 – From: U.S. Law Affecting Americans Living and Working Abroad
Furthermore, the House Ways and Means Committee is (so they say) working on the issue of Tax Reform. This is an opportunity (kill two birds with one stone) to organize and present something directly (it’s o extra work) to Senator Nunes (Republican CA):
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/02/15/devin-nunes-r-ca-named-chair-international-tax-working-group-good-or-bad/
I really believe this is worth a try. Obama in his State of The Union address talked about free trade. Nunes claims to be an advocate of free trade. We do know that sending Americans Abroad is (as noted by McGovern) a form of free trade. We have the ability to explain better than any single group how citizenship-based taxation hurts free trade. Consider the comments of former PM Mulroney on this issue:
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2013/02/14/former-canadian-prime-minister-mulroney-explains-how-free-trade-necessitated-tax-reform-lesson-for-u-s/
Closer to home, we have the fantastic contributions of Roger Conklin and Patric Hale:
http://renounceuscitizenship.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/u-s-citizenship-based-taxation-harms-u-s-economy/
http://renounceuscitizenship.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/roger-conklin-on-the-stupidity-of-us-tax-law/
http://renounceuscitizenship.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/citizenship-based-taxation-the-u-s-trade-deficit-and-the-destruction-of-u-s-capital/
Again, this is an opportunity to organize and to educate. We cannot afford to NOT particpate.
I noticed that for the first time, the National Taxpayer Advocate is recruiting member/s for the TAP from those living outside the US. Perhaps someone from Democrats Abroad could get on that – and work on some of those ‘unintentional’ consequences.
Interesting that TAP is acknowledging that this is the very first time there has even been a panel position for someone living ‘abroad’. Did it finally seem too glaring an omission? Were there too many SAMS complaints to the NTA Olson about this?
… “For the first time this year, TAP is also expanding recruitment efforts to U.S. citizens living abroad or in a U.S. territory”
TAP represents taxpayers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the interests of U.S. taxpayers living overseas, including dual citizens, who must meet U.S. tax obligations.”
See source; http://improveirs.org/tap-news/
See also: …” How TAP Helps International Taxpayers
The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is comprised of approximately 80 members from across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We have recently received increased feedback about tax issues from U.S. taxpayers living abroad. To those taxpayers who have contacted TAP, please know that the issues facing international taxpayers are very important to us.
While we do not have a panel member that lives abroad, we greatly value feedback from international taxpayers. Our TAP member from Puerto Rico represents the interests of U.S. taxpayers living overseas, including dual citizens, who must meet U.S. tax obligations. As part of TAP, this individual wants to hear suggestions from U.S. taxpayers living abroad about improving IRS processes and procedures.
If you have tax-related questions or issues you think may affect citizens living abroad, or suggestions for improving tax processes and procedures for international taxpayers, please submit your comment via the Speak Up! page. We will review all comments and take them into consideration as we make recommendations to the IRS.”…
Exactly how did they ‘represent the interests of US taxpayers living overseas, including dual citizens’ before this? And what would someone from Puerto Rico know about the tax trials and tribulation of those ‘overseas’?
Absurd that they want to tax and penalize 6-7 million living entirely outside the US, and also our dual ‘foreign born’ children, but it takes until 2013 to recruit one of us to participate and identify how the IRS doesn’t work for us.
Too late for this dual.
@US Citizen…
I agree.
Supporting the RBT, imperfect as it is, is the only concrete proposal on the table right now. It still has to deal with the political realities in America, and the more politicians hear from us, the better. Supporting this meager HR 597 via Pop Vox is the simplest way to communicate. It allows you to send your email easily.
Also, there are other forums, like in this tweet tonight from Israel Radio commentator, that presents opportunities to discuss on linkedin. I will take any opportunity there is.. 🙂
Douglas Goldstein @DougGoldstein
Should America switch to residence-based taxation?: http://lnkd.in/WGMnEh
@badger ACA has applied to be part of TAP. It may be too late for you, but I do think that there is an awaking in Congress, probably because of the FATCA fallout that has happened, that might lead to needed reform. And then again, maybe not.
So for those of us still in the CCW (Comply, Complain and Warn) category, we have to take advantage of these opportunities. I can understand others who have given up and moved on without that little blue book of horrors. Fair enough if they have no interest because of the negative impacts all of this has had on them. However, for the rest of us, we can not be soo timid and quiet any longer. Just my opinion, and I understand others might feel differently.
@Just Me, I am glad to hear that the ACA is seeking a spot.
I haven’t given up on the principles and goals here. I care very much about these efforts. Just personally, for me – nothing the US does – will fade the scars made by what has already happened. I am only a US citizen by force.
Because the laws assume I am guilty unless I prove myself innocent, I could only see fighting the laws as the only way.
Renunciation probably doesn’t protect me from FBAR penalties and 8938/3520 penalties, andl all other options are sh_t
The disappearance of well known international tax cheat Charles Rangel’s name from the list of co-sponsors since this first surfaced as HR 6263 last year is at least one positive sign.
That said though, while I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from voicing support, my view of it remains the same as when it came up the last time. Completely unnecessary since several groups have already studied the entire issue. Repeatedly. A boondoggle for those involved. Congress hoping that voters will confuse fact-finding that results in a non-binding ignorable report with real action.
Yeah. I’m already out the door in spirit. Why should I stick my neck out now?
Meanwhile, one of those tools that is supposed to ‘represent’ me, that is from the state where I used to reside, (Michigan) is Carl Levin, and that is one of old fossils over there that is working to fuck me over! Why am I asking him for anything when he can just kiss my ass, instead?
Anything that requires overseas Americans to write in about, or sign, ANYTHING is doomed to failure. They don’t want to stick their neck out – for fear it will be chopped off.
@mjh49783, I post here and comment on papers on US issues for the benefit of Americans abroad who haven’t yet renounced, for my family which still lives in the US, and for my country that I live in. Other than that, I’m loving Europe more with each day that passes!
@Star… @mjh49783
Fear has its consequences also. I don’t discount it. I too have felt it! However, if no one will stand up and try, then all have to accept the consequences of those non actions. Doing nothing is a decision too. I understand it, but as time passes with the ever increasing surveillance state, hiding becomes less and less of an option. Might work for the short term, but in the long term, the global trends on all fronts are not encouraging…
http://www.americanbanker.com/bankthink/expect-blowback-if-kyc-rules-are-expanded-1057055-1.html
BTW… This was the short comment I put up and was sent to Rick Larson, the representative in Washington State…
@Watcher….Yup, or Nope… Rangel hasn’t shown up yet…
4 cosponsors
Honda, Michael “Mike” [D-CA17]
Napolitano, Grace [D-CA32]
(joined Feb 14, 2013)
Capuano, Michael [D-MA7]
(joined Feb 26, 2013)
Davis, Susan [D-CA53]
(joined Feb 26, 2013)
Regarding:
S. 268: CUT Loopholes Act
SEC. 102. STRENGTHENING THE FOREIGN ACCOUNT TAX COMPLIANCE ACT (FATCA).
and other sections
FATCA is the Worst Law the US has Never Known.
FATCA must be repealed now. Republicans must begin to publicly stand up for US citizens overseas.
USA is losing 4x the number of citizens due to renunciations/relinquishments than it has ever lost before.
S 268 must be eradicated immediately.
Please send a list of things that are legal for a US Citizen to do when they live overseas—the list will be much shorter than what is illegal.
Write your country’s Green Party, and get them to join with Canada Greens
http://www.greenparty.ca/statement/2013-01-28/backgrounder-canada-and-fatca
THe president of the Canadian Green party wrote me that he is interested. Get your country interested in contacting the Canadian Green Party.
@Just Me
I’ve made my decision to leave based on my belief that the political system in the US is irreparably broken, and that it no longer represents the ideals of liberty and freedom that it claims to represent. Damn straight I fear them! I almost had a gun pointed at my head by one of thost jack boot border agents one day when I tried to leave to visit my wife! I’ve already posted that at length in an earlier thread. And who’s to say that I wouldn’t face some sort of retaliation for reporting that guy to his superior? The trust in the system was already gone at that point, so I’ll be damned if I’m going to wave the flag and fight for a better America!
Once I become Canadian, I’m going to relinquish my US citizenship as fast as I can!
If they’re all freakin’ democrats, they’re all coached by Obama. I doubt the bill is going anywhere. And I wouldn’t trust Honda-san with a 10 foot pole.