[This is from the September 14 2015 Tax Blog on www.taxconnections.com]
“How To Live Outside The United States In An FBAR And FATCA World” by John Richardson
“When in Rome, live as a Homelander” does, when elsewhere, live as they live elsewhere.
Introduction:
Americans abroad are constantly told that they should “come clean”. They should file their U.S. taxes. This assumes that they are somehow “unclean” or perhaps “dirty”. The life of an “American abroad” is about three things:
1. “Thinking Clean” – The importance of “thinking clean” while living abroad.
2. “Coming Clean” – Atoning for the sins of “living abroad” and entering the U.S. tax system; and
3. “Living Clean” – Living as a Homeland American outside the United States
“Living clean” for Americans abroad
A supporter of “citizenship taxation” is a person who thinks about “citizenship taxation”.
An opponent of “citizenship taxation” is a “U.S. tax compliant” American abroad who understands what it’s like to live under “citizenship taxation”.
There are rumored to be “millions” of people with a U.S. birthplace who live outside the United States.
The Good News:
According to the constitution of the United States, those people began life as U.S. citizens. If they have NOT committed a “relinquishing act” they are still considered by the U.S. to be U.S. citizens.
The Bad News:
According to the constitution of the United States, those people began life as U.S. citizens. If they have NOT committed a “relinquishing act” they are still considered by the U.S. to be U.S. citizens.
Continue reading