Category Archives: renunciation tours

Considering renouncing US citizenship? @Expatriationlaw information sessions Fall 2018

FATCA, U.S. citizenship-based taxation (which includes much more than taxation) and restrictions on financial and retirement planning are causing many Americans abroad to renounce their U.S. citizenship.
The US Government is well aware of the problem that FATCA (coupled with US “citizenship-based taxation) has caused for Americans abroad.
The proof comes from the following two tweets:
1. 2014 – Don Beyer (currently a Member of Congress) was the US Ambassador to Switzerland from 2009 – 2014. In this interview he acknowledges some of the problems of FATCA (incredibly acknowledging that FATCA has led to divorces.


2. September 24, 2018 – A comment by a Foreign Service Officer in Frankfurt acknowledging the problems the United States has caused for its citizens living living abroad. He also acknowledges  that people are renouncing their valued U.S. citizenship. I have linked directly to his comment. But, I suggest that you take the time to watch the whole video. You will see “heart breaking” stories of people who feel that they can no longer remain U.S. citizens. (Thanks to Solomon Yue for his tireless efforts in advocating for tax changes to “Save U.S. Citizenship” for Americans abroad!)


The United States would rather have FATCA than have Americans living abroad.
FATCA is a tool to enforce (what the United States refers to as) “citizenship-based taxation”. In practice (as patriotic as it sounds), “citizenship-based taxation” is actually the U.S. policy of:
Imposing “worldwide taxation” on people who are “tax residents” of other countries and who do not live in the United States.
 
I will be conducting information sessions (some formal presentations and some informal discussions) during the next few weeks as follows:
Bangalore, India – October 22
Brisbane, Australia – October 25 (with Karen Alpert) – 19:00 – 21:00
Auckland, New Zealand – October 31
Sydney, Australia – November 1 – 19:00 – 21:00 The address is 58A Macleay Street – Entrance near Baroda Street – Potts Point NSW 2011 – There is a train you can get to Kings Cross Station.
Dubai, UAE – November 4
Limassol, Cyprus – November 7
Who: John Richardson, B.A., LL.B., JD (Toronto based lawyer)
When: 19:00 – 21:00
Cost: Free, but preregistration is required for all sessions except the October 25 session in Brisbane (where you can just appear)
Registration: Please send an email to: citizenshipsessions at citizenshipsolutions.ca
This post will be updated as further information becomes available. Feel free to check back!
Topics discussed:
Although there will be variation from location to location, the topics covered are likely to include:
Continue reading

"It's better in the Bahamas – Combining your renunciation with a vacation


For years I have seen the slogan “It’s better in the Bahamas”. It’s a great place to vacation. It’s a short flight from Toronto. It’s relatively inexpensive to visit. It’s was the home of one Sir John Templeton (one of the most famous renunciants of U.S. citizenship). And when it comes to “renouncing U.S. citizenship”, it might be “Better in the Bahamas“, because you can schedule a renunciation appointment on a predictable date!
What follows are some recent reports about the renunciation process in Nassau, Bahamas.


Continue reading

New instructions to book Canada appointments to relinquish or renounce US citizenship


Click here if you want help with your renunciation of U.S. citizenship.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Updates – February 2018:
I am available to assist you on a “consultation basis” (fee based). If you wish assistance please contact me by email or through the contact form..


_______________________________________________________________
 
So, what’s new?
The 2017 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” failed to provide any relief for the “tax residents of other countries” that are subject to U.S. “worldwide taxation”. The United States continues to impose “worldwide taxation” on the “tax residents” of other countries (who do not live in the USA). There are some who believe that the situation is now worse. Specifically that the United States is now imposing a “transition tax” on the owners of Canadian Controlled Private Corporations. The demand to renounce U.S. citizenship continues to grow.I predict that number of renunciations will dramatically increase. Those Canada U.S. dual citizens who have NEXUS cards should read the following post which discusses the impact of renouncing U.S. citizenship on your existing NEXUS card.
Those who are NOT renouncing but are attempting to seek a “relinquishment” based on an earlier “expatriating act” will need to complete DS-4079 (and I strongly suggest get professional advice).
Those who want additional information about the lawful abandonment of lawful permanent resident status (Green Cards) should read here.
For those who want to  book appointments to relinquish or renounce U.S. citizenship in Canada:

  1. These new instructions have recently taken effect.
  2. In order to book an appointment you email: CanadaCLNInquiries@state.gov
  3. You will receive a reply that includes (see below)
  4. Note that you are not permitted to have an “attorney” with you at the appointment
  5. You must also complete the questionnaire which is here:

Questionnaire
(Canada seems to NOTcontinue require Form 4079 to RENOUNCE an issue that I have discussed here.) Form 4079 is used for RELINQUISHMENTS.
Continue reading