Ask your questions about Renunciation and Relinquishment of United States Citizenship and Certificates of Loss of Nationality.
Author Archives: Petros
US expat tax and FBAR: Discussion thread (Ask your questions) Part One
Please note this thread is an archive and no longer current. The conversation is continued here:
Please ask your questions here about US Expat tax and FBAR.
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Expat Tax Forum Hijacked (Updated)
It comes as an absolute and utter surprise to me that the excellent discussion at the Expat Forum regarding United States expat tax has been suspended because a small group of people with an agenda, who had no respect for the expat forum rules, have hijacked it. This is from Expat Forum owner Bob Sheth:
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Canadian RRSPs may receive special treatment in OVDP
Note: “ij” is a regular on Townsend’s blog. He is, from what I gathered, originally from China (I think), spent some time in Canada, when he opened up an RRSP account, and then moved to the United States. He entered the 2009 OVDP and has been very worried that an RRSP in Canada would be hit with a 20% fine. To this day, the IRS has not given guidance on RRSPs. If IJ is correct, and RRSPs will not be subject to OVDP fines, this sets a kind of precedent for all registered retirement accounts in the world, or so it could be argued, under the Equal Protection Clause.
From Just Me:
Just saw this here, and thought some Canadians might be interested. Can’t vouch for it….
The Antidote from Just Me: Open Thread
Hey folks, Just Me sent me the following video, the antidote to unemployment, FATCA, FBAR, and IRS taxes getting you down: “Spread the sunshine….Fun fun fun” — thanks Just Me. Life is a yellow ukelele (and I love the ukelele).
A Canadian article carries Shulman's water
IRS attaches no deadline to amnesty program
Apparently, Mr. McKenna did not see our press release or chose to ignore it. I have pasted most of it with a link in the comments.
Links and quotes from Just Me
I received this from Just Me:
ML,
First of all I am sure you have already seen the spat of stories about the VDP, so won’t belabor it here.. However, earlier today I found some other interesting comments /stories which are below. I conclude with something I posted at the WSJ.
[Just Me]
Press Release: Isaac Brock Society
Caution to U.S. Citizens and U.S./Canada dual citizens who are residents of Canada about the IRS announcement (IR-2012-5) January 9, 2012, regarding Offshore Voluntary Disclosure
On January 9, 2012, the IRS announced a renewed Offshore Voluntary Disclosure program. This is an IRS program designed to bring tax cheats into compliance. During the last two disclosure programs in 2009 and 2011, a significant number of unsuspecting Canadian residents entered these programs to “make it right” with IRS. We strongly warn law-abiding Canadian residents of the dangers of entering this program which is intended to attract tax cheats who live in the United States but have undisclosed offshore accounts.
Dominant nationality protects individuals from state overreach
The laws of each state determine who is a citizen and therefore, who it will protect. The Michigan Law Review 83 (1984) deals with the problem of dual nationality and how Iran-United States Claims Tribunal (1981) arbitrated claims by dual Iranian-Americans citizens, in their attempt to recover lost property. Iran claimed the duals as Iranian and therefore, under the doctrine of state nonresponsibility, as having no right to reparations, i.e., no right to the protection of the United States.
The War of 1812 is Canada's Fourth of July
The 1812 overture: Making the most of a forgotten war (The Economist)
The forthcoming celebration of 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 shows that Canadians view their repulsion of the United States military invasion as their own Declaration of Independence from United States’ tyranny. James Fallows, don’t you approve of our patriotism?
Isaac Brock gave his life to protect Canada. What are we willing to give?
Hat tip: Just Me