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An Appalling Practice Used In Only Two Nations, Of Which The US Is One

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Nick Giambruno via Doug Casey's International Man,

It’s sort of an obscure story, but it’s also incredibly instructive.

That’s the story of how Eritrea—a tiny, mostly unheard-of country in East Africa—taxes its citizens who live abroad.

Eritrea is one of only two countries in the entire world that taxes its nonresident citizens on their global income. Specifically, Eritrea levies a flat 2% tax on the income of its citizens who reside abroad.

Nearly every other country in the world bases its tax system on residency rather than citizenship. For example, if you’re an Italian citizen and leave Italy to become a resident of and earn income in Dubai, you would not have to pay taxes on that income to the Italian government. If you were an Eritrean citizen, on the other hand, you would have to pay taxes to the Eritrean government no matter where you live and work.

This practice has been condemned as “extortion” and a “repressive” measure by an “authoritarian” government by the media.

In fact, even the UN has weighed in. In Resolution 2023, the UN Security Council condemned Eritrea for “using extortion, threats of violence, fraud and other illicit means to collect taxes outside of Eritrea from its nationals.”

You may be thinking, “What’s the controversy? Eritrea is getting criticized, and rightly so.”

To understand the controversy, we have to examine the only other country on the planet that has a similar tax system.

Eritrea’s Expat Tax on Steroids

The only other country to tax its nonresident citizens globally is of course the US.

The US essentially does exactly the same thing as Eritrea to its nonresident citizens, except that it’s done on a much bigger scale and with absolutely draconian penalties.

Eritrea’s paltry 2% tax is a mere fraction of the top 39.6% federal tax rate that expat Americans have to pay—even if they earned that income abroad and never set foot in the US. (The US does allow for an exemption of a limited amount of foreign earned income, if strict requirements are met.)

It should also be noted that Eritrea is a poor country and has a very limited capability to actually enforce its 2% expat tax. Many Eritreans who live abroad have never even heard of it, let alone are frightened by it.

The US, on the other hand—being the world’s financial and military superpower (for now at least)—does have the capability to enforce its byzantine tax system literally anywhere in the world. When you consider this capability and the penalties—which can only be described as cruel and unusual—it’s no surprise that US expats are terrified. And they should be… or they aren’t paying attention.

American expats are threatened with prison and outlandish fines merely for not filing a litany of complex forms correctly—even if no taxes are due in the first place.

When you consider the totality of it, it’s not actually a fair comparison to contrast poor little Eritrea and its relatively modest expat tax to the monstrosity of the US system.

Eritrea gets hounded, ostracized, and sanctioned for using—according to the UN—“threats, harassment and intimidation” to “extort” taxes out of its citizens living abroad. You would think there would at least be a peep of criticism for the only other country that does essentially the same thing, but on steroids. But you’d be wrong. If you listen for it, all you will hear are the crickets chirping.

This isn’t surprising, though. Even though it’s clearly a double standard, it’s easy to understand why it exists.

As the world’s sole superpower and issuer of the premier reserve currency, the US is not accountable to anyone. It’s a heck of a lot easier to push around some small, impoverished African country than it is to stand up to the US juggernaut—just ask Canada.

Canadian Confusion

Recently the Canadian government took the drastic step of expelling the head of the Eritrean consulate in Toronto because he had been involved with levying the 2% expat tax on Eritreans living in Canada.

It would seem that Canada doesn’t like foreign governments shaking down Canadian residents. That is, unless the foreign government is the US government.

Somehow I don’t expect the Canadian government to give any American officials the boot… even though they’re shaking down vastly more Canadian residents for vastly more money.

Curiously, Canada’s reaction to the US’s expat tax is exactly the opposite of its reaction to Eritrea’s. Rather than taking action to prevent the US government from harassing US citizens living in Canada, the Canadian government has amazingly facilitated it, by complying with the FATCA law—even though it contradicts Canadian law.

The Uncomfortable Truth

It’s always better to face reality than to ignore ugly truths. And the story of Eritrea’s expat tax helps us reveal a big one. Namely that Americans—especially those who live abroad—are living under one of the worst tax systems in the entire world.

A rather ironic situation, when you take a look at history. Americans went from revolting over a comparatively small tax on tea to the system which exists today.

But don’t hold your breath for positive change. At least not as long as the US dollar remains the world’s premier reserve currency. Until then, no other country is going to meaningfully stand up to the US as it forces its tax policies on the rest of the world through things like FATCA.

Likewise, positive change through the US political system is just as unlikely. Most Americans passively accept as “normal” the current tax system. And insofar as they want change, many Americans want more people to “pay their fair share.”

The bottom line is that it’s simply not possible to stop this tsunami.

The best you can do is to educate yourself on your options, and take practical steps to protect you and your family.

Moving some of your savings abroad in the form of offshore bank and brokerage accounts, foreign real estate, and physical gold held in safe jurisdictions will go a long way toward protecting yourself. Obtaining a second passport is an important part of the mix as well.

It’s not all doom and gloom; the world is your oyster, and there are very attractive jurisdictions that are cause for optimism. That’s what International Man is all about—making the most of your personal freedom and financial opportunity around the world.

Be sure to get the free IM Communiqué to keep up with the latest on the best strategies.

 

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Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:19 | 5228543 deagle44
deagle44's picture

wow this site has become such a Russian propaganda outlet.  Every article must have to get approved by Russia Today hahah.  America bad, Russia good.  repeat

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:20 | 5228545 Rican
Rican's picture

What the fuck does this have to do with Russia?

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:27 | 5228563 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Democrats Abroad Publishes FATCA Research – “FATCA: Affecting Everyday Americans Every Day”

http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2014/09/15/democrats-abroad-publishes-fatca-...

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:31 | 5228576 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Forget Zimbabwe, U.S. Tax System Ranks At Bottom, Just Better Than Portugal

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2014/09/16/forget-zimbabwe-u-s-ta...

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:36 | 5228597 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

U.S. Fee to Drop Citizenship Is Raised Fivefold

http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/BL-TOTALB-2116

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:39 | 5228608 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Exit Strategy: FATCA Tax Law Keeps Pushing Americans To Give Up Citizenship

https://www.uschamber.com/blog/exit-strategy-fatca-tax-law-keeps-pushing...

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:46 | 5228621 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Originally titled: "The Business of Life" - father of dual national born in the US

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2014/09/12/dear-son-why-you-shoul...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:18 | 5229039 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Excellent Rant. Cudos.

I'm not an expert on these things. But there is another side of course, as you know.

Over the last year we saw someone pay $5000 for Exit Tax to give up US Citizenship.

But in Ecuador I meet a strong, young, Canadian with US Work VISA living in Ecuador not working or doing ship. He stated he had to go back to Florida to reset his Work VISA for the US or lose it. Canadians do very well with Mining, but not sure what his Father did exactly. Anyway this Canadian was living in Ecuador in his fathers nice 2000 SQ FT House with Swimming Pool on a hill overlooking the Pacific. talk about Gaming the System.

What the hell I gave up my Youth to be self sufficient. What the hell. Don't Canadian's know they are supposed to give up their sense of self, their dreams, and their whole lives to work for a big organization?

Meet another Canadian who was retirement age... he was in the military and private military contractors before moving over to mining. He was set. He was living the big life. he had more than me and better than me and was a little ass kicker.

Canada is on fire with their mining and other industries. Per Capita they are worth more than US Citizens.

USA as a dream is a lie. your parents work and give up taking care of family... and you can never really get back what you have lost. US is about making money, but by giving up family and relatives to move for a corporate or government job.

Maybe the loss of Jobs in the USA is a blessing. Maybe we will recover our families and our sense of values for families. Instead of grown boys playing with toys in Ecuador instead of working or facing life.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 06:28 | 5229274 Bangalore Equit...
Bangalore Equity Trader's picture

Listen. Agreed. When the "J"'s took over America the people really became worthless vessels marching to the orders of their masters. Soulless, without independent thoughts.

Zombies worshiping the paper "CONFETTI" that their J-masters call omnipotent and omnipresent.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 07:12 | 5229309 ajax
ajax's picture

 

 

I've posted it before but here it is again:

TAX-BASED CITIZENSHIP RENUNCIANTS Under section 212(a)(10)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to deny admission to former U.S. citizens that are deemed to have expatriated for purposes of tax avoidance. In over a decade, the Department has not issued regulations nor has it undertaken any significant steps to enforce this provision. The Committee directs the Secretary to report within 90 days on the steps the Department is undertaking to enforce this law, including a schedule for issuing guidance or regulations, if necessary.


S. Rept. 113-198 - DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2015113th Congress (2013-2014)

https://beta.congress.gov/congressional-report/113th-congress/senate-rep...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:33 | 5229068 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

No. This is Political Posturing. "Estonia has the most competitive tax system in the OECD. It’s corporate tax rate is 21%, and there’s no double taxation on dividend income."

What is the true tax rate for Corporations in each country?

I've never see this info or an article. Journalist are either intimidated or complicit.

http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/CP (corporate profits, 1-1-2014)
http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/DIVIDEND

Corporate Taxes end of 2013 = 273.5 Billion (Treasury data end of Fiscal year Sept 2013)
Corporate Profit end of 2013 = $1.9045 Trillion

$273.5/1,904,5 = 14.4% Corporate Tax

30 September 2013, Final Monthly Treasury Statement, Outlays and Revenues, Table 5. http://fms.treas.gov/mts

The consensus is that US Corporations pay 12% tax, but I haven't the exact figures for this. Still 14% is very low compared to the Official numbers.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:29 | 5228570 Deathrips
Deathrips's picture

Someone let the dumbass into the party again.

 

What a fucking moron. Talking shit with no factual base....Dude fox news is a couple clicks away, you could sit there and suck off obama with your eyes.

 

The US corp needs those revenues...it has already spent them. Im not sure about ERITREA.

 

RIPS

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:32 | 5228747 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

The funniest part, in a fucked up kind of way, is that the govt often ends up spending far more money processing these forms and on litigation and enforcement than it even collects in FATCA taxes. It's not even about the money, it's about increasing govt power over not just citizens living abroad, but foreign govts and banks. Compliance with this is forcing govts around the world to either change their own laws or ignore their own laws, or be cut out of SWIFT, etc.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:20 | 5228871 Deathrips
Deathrips's picture

I am dealing with their bullshit daily.

 

Cheers Carl.

 

RIPS

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 00:28 | 5228987 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

I'm looking at the DEEP PLANT 'deagle44'. His totality of comments start on the date 08/31/14 (although his membership is supposedy 4 years 22 weeks old).

Here is the page:

http://www.zerohedge.com/search/user_comments?name=deagle44

On 09/02/14, he made the FIRST reference to 'ZERO HEDGE' and RUSSIA'. EXACT QUOTE: "zerohedge is like Russia"

All of you realize that the Arabs speak Arabic, and don't use English letters or acronyms, don't you?

The Israeli Secret Intelligence Services is how they like to be referred to when communicating to their brothers at Langley.

BOY HOWDY! I'm gonna get some RED ARROWS...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 08:34 | 5229441 General Decline
General Decline's picture

So now we can't even trust the duration of ZH membership anymore?  I'm starting to doubt the sky is blue...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:31 | 5231104 forensicator
forensicator's picture

 Israeli Secret Intelligence Services - so now we know where ISIS got it's name.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:39 | 5228589 Zirpedge
Zirpedge's picture

"wow this site has become such a Russian propaganda outlet. Every article must have to get approved by Russia Today hahah. America bad, Russia good. repeat"..too true, they are playing along the prevailing Cold War Redux dialectic. It's a hell of a lot easier to control both sides than to take a real interest.

Once the world is divided into two parts, the need for a single global governance to emerge will be self evident. It's easy to see why US citizens living abroad are required to pay taxes. The benefits to citizenship extend beyond boarders. We truly are world citizens and are willing to pledge our fortunes to the establishment of one democratic world of peace and prosperity..

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:46 | 5228626 CCanuck
CCanuck's picture

I can't quite figure you out zirp, if your trying to be sarcastic like MDB..you suck

If you truly believe the shite you dribble out ..well .....GO FUCK YOURSELF...you dumb brainwashed mental midget.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:48 | 5228634 NidStyles
NidStyles's picture

Or, you know it could be that the politicins are crooked and greedy assholes.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:18 | 5228710 CCanuck
CCanuck's picture

could...?

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:26 | 5228880 Deathrips
Deathrips's picture

Here's a story.

 

Once upon a time an idiot was programmed by the boob tube.

 

 

The End.

 

RIPS

At least he didnt threaten to kick your smart balls through the roof of your smart mouth.... :)

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:42 | 5228915 falconflight
falconflight's picture

You're just throwing a bomb for effect, right?

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 08:38 | 5229453 General Decline
General Decline's picture

It's such high level sarc nobody gets it.  It's kinda like being the only person in the world with an 80 channel CB radio.  Yeah, you're king-shit - every body else has only 40 channels, but you got nobody to talk to.  Sorry for the 70's era CB radio analogy.  I recently watched Smokey and the Bandidt.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 00:49 | 5229017 effendi
effendi's picture

Zirp is right, benefits of citizenship do extend internationally. A US national can seek the assistance of American embassies, will get evacuated from turd world shitholes on government organised flights when revolutions break out and get to renew passports, vote in US elections and travel freely back to the US (no visa or green card required).

So it isn't unreasonable that expats pay taxes (although the amount is way too much, the same as it is too much for those who remain in the US). It is also wrong that a fee is charged to renounce citizenship or that taxes can be levied after you are no longer a citizen.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 10:10 | 5229800 layman_please
layman_please's picture

one can vote!? L-O-L

US embassies are CIA headquarters 

and

of course US government will evacuate all the personnel who helped to stage to coup in the first place

 

you missed the sarc intentionally, didn't you?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 11:36 | 5234295 welostyourgold
welostyourgold's picture

"...benefits of citizenship do extend internationally. A US national can seek the assistance of American embassies, will get evacuated from turd world shitholes"

There is a Marine Sergeant in Mexico that might disagree with you...

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:32 | 5229066 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

Obligatory 'sarc' tag removed by site moderator...

'BOARDERS' are people that pay to sleep in your house or pay 'rent' to live in 'boarding rooms' or are chattle (farm animals) that are 'boarded' while the owners are on 'vacation' (like the dogs being taken to 'boarding kennels').

'Democracy'.

Two wolves and a sheep arguing over what's for dinner.

REMEMBER to attach the god-damned SARCASM tag, for fuck's sake!

"The benefits to citizenship extend beyond boarders." YES, INDEED! Imagine all the jobs created within the Prison-Industrial Complex when the employees of such can't cook anymore and have to call for 4,500 'BIG MAC MEALS' to be delivered to the Prison because of 'legal mandates' to treat the people 'humanely! 'GREEN SHOOTS', just ahead! The 'ECONOMY' is absolutely fucking BLOSSOMING!

The fucking TWILIGHT ZONE (circa 1959):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G11AhAIf18A

SARC TAG RE-ENABLED. Feel free to downvote me.

I met a sweet young thin (but not TOO thin) sexy and pretty blonde girl named 'Selica' today. I was wearing an old T-shirt that advertised the brand-name 'Toyota' (no bullshit here), and she said that I was wearing HER shirt (a kind of play on 'brand identity' on her part). I missed all the clues as I went to the cooler and got my beverage, but she made sure to point out her name as I walked back up front (her nametag predominately hung on her right breast, with her perky upturned nipple clearly defined). The only issue that I have is that I have daughters that are older than her (I'm good-looking to women, and able to satisfy them very well, and my daughters [all four of them] are all in her league as far as females go.). She's of legal age and all, and I don't think she has tatoos or anything; and, I'm not married any more (twice-divorced), and have no 'social diseases'.

QUESTION: Should I play her game and make her want me more, or should I just take charge and show her what it's all about?

ERITRIA.

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:34 | 5231112 forensicator
forensicator's picture

fuck you zipedge and your NWO

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 06:52 | 5229288 Gavrikon
Gavrikon's picture

What does Russia have to do with this story?

But since you brought it up, Obama IS a piece of shit, and Putin DOES kick ass.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:38 | 5228602 Zirpedge
Zirpedge's picture

The good thing though is that once your out, your out. Good riddance in my opinion, if you don't like America YOU CAN GET OUT!

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:50 | 5228638 NidStyles
NidStyles's picture

and miss your great company!?!?!

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:53 | 5228648 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Yea it is great, I renounced it was the happiest day of my life. No more filing out forms with penalties raging from thousands of dollars to half my account balance. You can keep your country, never will I go back after they treat americans abroad and in my case former like shit. :)

Just watch out for the crushing debt ;)

"
The U.S. is a third world country. You're way over your heads in debt. Your unemployment rates are disastrous. You have a very big group of people under the poverty line. 40% of americans is on food stamps. Your federal government is a two party fake democracy where money and lobying means more than what the people want. You're warmongering defenseless countries to get oil. Your education system is a joke. You're practically all still religious like it's the middle ages.

Let's get one thing straight. I don't hate the U.S. nor it's citizens. I'm just observing facts here. Want some more: your news stations are a joke even more so than ours. Your minorities are being severely oppressed. You're way behind other western countries on freedoms like gay mariage and abortion. Your jails are literally overflowing. Your local government is one big bureaucratic mess. Your local police forces are... well, in the news lately.

Your healthcare system is a joke, millions can't afford basic healthcare. Your nation as a whole has a bigger problem with obesity than any other western country. Your mainstream tv is the most mind-numbing dumb bullshit that has ever seen the face of the earth. I honestly didn't think it could compete with the bullshit that they show here, but I take that wholeheartedly back after a couple of visits. I'll stop here before I make you even more mad, wouldn't want to give you a heart attack.
"

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:06 | 5228827 moonstears
moonstears's picture

America is the greatest, summed in two words...Krispy Kreme. Don't forget to turn the lamps out and drop the bug nets o'er the windows, assdassmos.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:11 | 5228846 Zirpedge
Zirpedge's picture

"Assdamoss" "MosdefAssad" haha alol

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:56 | 5228931 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

You know how movies and TV shows are rated? I mean letters and numbers like “PG-13" or “G” etc. I really think they’re missing the most important one that they don’t use, and this REALLY applies to much of the USA’s current output. I think they need a new rating called “IQ75" which would be appropriate for a huge percentage of what we see here in the comment section.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:25 | 5228842 Zirpedge
Zirpedge's picture

Only mental midgets scrutinize american pop culture and the judicial and political improvements made in this country over the last couple of decades. If you ran to the EU good luck choosing sides between us and Putin. Your damned either way.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 02:59 | 5229137 IronForge
IronForge's picture

Asdasmos:

I grew up overseas; and I've been planning to work abroad for some time now; and found the ex-pat-gone-ex-citizen intriguing.

Were you a US-Born Person, or were you born abroad?
How long did you live/work abroad before you've renounced your Citizenship?
Did you go the traditional route, or were able to take a shorter route via 'Investing' in the Country?

Thanks

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 03:28 | 5229158 asdasmos
asdasmos's picture

Traditional route and born abroad. Leverage the connections you made abroad.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:51 | 5231398 IronForge
IronForge's picture

Thanks; and best wishes.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 07:46 | 5229354 Agstacker
Agstacker's picture

I'm curious which country you moved to, thinking about it myself.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 09:34 | 5229617 SocialismIsCancer
SocialismIsCancer's picture

Much of what you wrote about USA is true but some is just populist/socialist garbage, eg how many people in USA cannot afford healthcare. I can afford it, and applying oneself to get the education, training and skills required to pay one's living expenses is every person's first duty, not suckling off the socialist parasite titty.

I have traveled extensively to more than 120 countries for my various businesses & pleasure, had the need to seek medical attention outside the USA multiple times, and I can report from direct personal experience as an educated/experienced medical professional that the quality of medical service (defined as timely effective diagnosis and treatment) in healthcare systems in most countries SUCKS compared to the USA, especially the countries that boast the most about how cheap their medical care is and how everbody gets it. Example: I spent an entire night in the biggest hospital emergency room in Rome drenched in my own blood, which dried my clothing into a cast that I had to be cut out of in the morning, WITH NO TREATMENT, because the hospital staff told me they were overwhelmed by the FLOOD of mostly non-Italian invaders from Africa and the Balkans, all of whom are equally eligible for the free socialized healthcare services - which nobody gets because there are far more receivers than payers !

The measure of the quality of medical care is how quickly and effectively you get diagnosed and properly treated/cured once you enter the system, not how many grossly overpopulated human parasites are provided with free/low-cost premiums/charges - that does not help you when you have paid and are in need of care.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 09:30 | 5229633 SocialismIsCancer
SocialismIsCancer's picture

What is this country that you have described as a utopia ???????????

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 14:27 | 5230862 Zerozen
Zerozen's picture

Since when are gay marriage and abortion "freedoms"?

And how exactly are minorities in the U.S. severely oppressed? They are heavily overrrepresented in government and are the biggest suckers at the teat of the welfare state. They've been getting preferential treatment under affirmative action/quota/set-aside policies for decades now. I could go on and on. Just because they still occupy the bottom of the social pecking order doesn't mean it's because they're being oppressed.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:31 | 5228582 reader2010
reader2010's picture

There is so-called taxable income and non-taxable income. Read the tax code and you should realize the taxable income is for working class. 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:42 | 5229078 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Here are some links:

http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/CP (corporate profits, 1-1-2014)
http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/DIVIDEND

Corporate Taxes end of 2013 = 273.5 Billion (Treasury data end of Fiscal year Sept 2013)
Corporate Profit end of 2013 = $1.9045 Trillion

$273.5/1,904,5 = 14.4% Corporate Tax

30 September 2013, Final Monthly Treasury Statement, Outlays and Revenues, Table 5.

http://fms.treas.gov/mts

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:36 | 5228595 thebigunit
thebigunit's picture

I just got back from my mediitation class and now you've made me mad all over again.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:41 | 5228615 FreedomGuy
FreedomGuy's picture

Someday, sometime we will have to review what it means to be American, again. It used to have something to do with freedom and charting your own course in life.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:47 | 5228623 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

No, I know this law but it won't work.  I does have to with Russia because how law reads is that if she leaves here and goes back to Russia and works there, even though she is a Russian citizen she is liable for U.S. income tax JUST BECAUSE SHE HAS, OR HAS EVER HAD a US greencard which or not could be related to my income.  That is the way it is dude.  Check it out.  

I gave up on corporate and government.  I can't do it because they are they lamest motherfuckers I have even seen in my life.  Why should I even get out of bed if I know you are going to get it and the bankers make it worse.  I do not want to live like that.  Good luck getting any money out of me or wife.  

 

It is a true story that I stopped at Costco and bought the most protien per dollar value that they have.  This is ZH right?  Well, you can get 90 eggs for $8.69.  For that price, you really can't go wrong.  Not only that if any go rotten I will be throwing them at the "pricks" who steal my kids toys and then beg for Halal at the expense of the state.  Here you go.  Got a glove?    

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:00 | 5228667 Otto Zitte
Otto Zitte's picture

A green card makes you property. How's your French?

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:32 | 5228728 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

My french is just fine.  I am a country boy from Wisconsin and I know what fromme is.  Those French women look like they have some really hairy pussy.  If I end up in France (or Spain for that matter) I do not think I will test the waters for two reaons.  Reason number one:  I gave my word to that woman I married and you can't take it back.  Number two, we actually have good dental floss in the US that gets consficated by our heroes at the abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz agency over and over.  Yep, those guys because they like acronyms.

 

You can't win them all.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 00:14 | 5228968 mijev
mijev's picture

I just read that hairy pussy is making a comeback. Though i doubt we'll go back to the days of the afro

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:52 | 5229087 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

The coarse 5-O-clock shadow of their shaved armpits and the inbred desire to eat snails (or, rather, 'snail-trails') makes French women somewhat less desirable than other occidentals. 'Muff' is all good and well (as long as it is not accompanied with hairier legs than yourself).

Should I draw the line with a French woman who has hair on her BACK?

The kind of hair on HER back isn't so bad.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 12:08 | 5230371 detached.amusement
detached.amusement's picture

No, that's just "lazy" making a comeback

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:47 | 5228629 Omen IV
Omen IV's picture

In Resolution 2023, the UN Security Council condemned Eritrea for “using extortion, threats of violence, fraud and other illicit means to collect taxes outside of Eritrea from its nationals.”

 

did the USA vote on the resolution and what was the vote?

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:06 | 5228830 thebigunit
thebigunit's picture

Darn good question!

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:09 | 5228838 thebigunit
thebigunit's picture

The U.S. was one of 13 votes to "approve" the resolution:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_2023#Voting

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:49 | 5228631 fishwharf
fishwharf's picture

Thank goodness I'm not a U.S. citizen.  I did apply to become one a couple of years ago, but my application was returned because a couple of errors.  That was a close call.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:00 | 5228666 nmewn
nmewn's picture

There is something called a Floridian and a Texan and a Georgian ya know.

Not many takers on New Yawkas for some reason ;-)

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:20 | 5228865 FrankieGoesToHo...
FrankieGoesToHollywood's picture

But Im sure they kept the application fee.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:58 | 5228660 Otto Zitte
Otto Zitte's picture

Yes, but Lady Biden and her monkey army are collecting taxes from the International Royal Slaves. Its different...

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 21:58 | 5228661 Salah
Salah's picture

GODDAMMIT YOU ALL CAN THANK THAT FUCKING REPUBLICAN PIG FARMER, US SENATOR CHUCK GRASSLEY OF IOWA FOR THIS....100 FUCKING PERCENT OF IT!

AND THAT'S A FACT, JACK! 

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:13 | 5228849 moonstears
moonstears's picture

Actually Milton Friedman(income tax, that is)

moonstears ponders "How that guy could be sooooo smart(no sarc) yet spring that on us?"

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:23 | 5228877 FrankieGoesToHo...
FrankieGoesToHollywood's picture

I hope he smokes a turd in hell for that.  I cant think of a more damaging idea than his tax withholding...It is the single largest contributor to the size of the US gov.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 22:41 | 5228752 Tinky
Tinky's picture

I have a solution to this abomination that should even appeal to politicians, as revenues are actually likely to increase.

The U.S. should immediately cease taxing non-residents, and simultaneously begin to tax anyone based in the country who, while using the internet, types "loose" when they mean "lose". I figure $1.50 per offense should easily offset lost tax revenues from expats, at least for the first year. Then, the fine could be increased as some of the offenders begin to change their behavior.

Only a real looser would object to such an elegant solution.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 00:52 | 5229020 AustrianJim
AustrianJim's picture

I feel your pain.

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 23:21 | 5228870 Lanka
Lanka's picture

Many people have gone to extraordinary means to obtain US citizenship, without knowing the potential tax consequences.

There are millions of US citizens, born or naturalized, living in other countries.  Most do not file taxes, as their income (if they have any) is not reported to the IRS by them (self-employed or local employer) or by a US company (W-2)/Pension/Social Security.  They still owe the taxes, per US regulations, but without someone informing the IRS, the IRS has no record of them.  (Squealers can get a 10 % kickback from the IRS.)

If someone is a US citizen and living and working in a foreign country, when/if filing their US taxes, they can exclude $97,600 (for 2013) from foreign-earned income.  To qualify for such exclusion (or a portion thereof), the person must be a bonafide resident or physically present in a foreign country for 330 days over a 365 day period (rolling).  Qualifying for the exclusion is not that difficult, contrary to what is said in the article; since 1977. I have qualified for the exemption 15 times when filing.

Obamacare just keeps on giving, as it changed the tax regulations and made the exclusion to come off the bottom of your income (AGI), not the top of your income.

Local taxes can be more onerous, reaching the maximum tax rate (40 or 50%) at a low threshold (say after the first $20,000 in annual income).  When living in Venezuela in the 90s, everytime Ione left the country, one had to produce a waiver from the tax authorities indicating that the tax filings were up to date/in order.  Most locals in Venezuela under-reported their income so as not to pay any taxes.  Any local taxes paid can be taken as a tax credit against US taxes.

Even though 99% of US citizens, with income, living in a foreign country would not owe any US taxes, they do not bother to file.  

 

 

 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 00:45 | 5228996 Rhal
Rhal's picture

Its taxation without representation all over again.

Toronto tea party anyone?

This tax law is causing many ex-pats to rescind their US citizenship. To avoid charges, many others may simply refuse to return to the US.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:03 | 5228998 Moribundus
Moribundus's picture

Switzerland and Guernsey have the same rule. But quite diferent as in US. 180 degrees oposite is, guess who? Russia. Russia does not charge taxes of some foreigners who makes money on it's territory-athletes. That's why hockey players, as Jaromir Jagr, love play in Russia. Gross income= net income. So they actualy pay no taxes at all due they home countries do not tax out of country income. The truth about US is that people do not have to pay taxes on out of jurisdiction income. Just must put it on tax filing. It is depend on bilateral agreements about double taxation. 

Inside US is interesting jurisfiction. Got to pay sales tax anytime car is sold, used car. This is absolutely unique on the world. Multiple taxation. Also. According to some states law folx should pay diference in sales tax if something was bought out of state residency. They do not cover if someone paid higher sales tax in other state than in state of residency, they should refund diferences. 

Also. If tourists buy something in the country and take it out sales tax should be returned. I tried it couple times with US but never get penny. I get tis return in other countries, Germany, Dutch. Sales tax in US is low compare to EU where is average 20% but can be up to 30%.

The best countries on taxation are Brunei and Guernsey-Jersey-Isle of Man. No income and property tax for individuals-they tax corporations. In Brunei this cover free education- even out of country, free healtcare cradle to grave. 

Military-industrial complex and imperialism is expensive hobby.

http://www.lowtax.net/

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:54 | 5229091 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Plus 1, people read this. US people are idiots.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 04:47 | 5229205 Tinky
Tinky's picture

Yeah, Brunei – heaven on earth.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 06:17 | 5229270 Raoul_Luke
Raoul_Luke's picture

It is quite simple - there has never been a welfare state the size of the US.  There has never been a military power the size of the US.  You can't be either (let alone both) without a growing vibrant economy, which, arguably ours hasn't been for at least a couple of decades (since probably Nixon was forced to take us off the gold standard due to the fiscal pressures of the Vietnam War and Great Society spending).  So the money comes from increasingly uncompetitive tax policies and borrowing (and printing).

This isn't rocket science (unless your name is Krugman).

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 09:07 | 5229548 SocialismIsCancer
SocialismIsCancer's picture

The socialist parasite entitlement welfare state has an infinite hunger for money and feeds that hunger by preying upon the productive and successful. Only solution is to eradicate the parasites.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 09:32 | 5229648 Village-idiot
Village-idiot's picture

The Philipines also taxes it's citizens while they work overseas.

All of those Philipinos working in the Middle East have taxes taken from their paycheck and that money is sent directly to the Philipine government each month.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 12:22 | 5230424 Totin
Totin's picture

I'm sure that people living overseas receive a lot of benefit from being a US citizen. I can't think of any at the moment but I'm sure there must be lots that warrant being taxed.

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 16:23 | 5231287 ajax
ajax's picture

 

 

This isn't 'sarc', this isn't conspiracy theory, this is your elected gov't telling your elected officials what is reality:

"TAX-BASED CITIZENSHIP RENUNCIANTS Under section 212(a)(10)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to deny admission to former U.S. citizens that are deemed to have expatriated for purposes of tax avoidance."

Everyone else entering illegally with lice, measles, chicken pox, etc etc etc has the right to spend as much time as is deemed "humanitarian succor" in free admission centers and then never leave the country and so obtain a free "education", free healthcare, free babies born at 14 and 15 and free , free, free,...

Meanwhile every US Corporation is avoiding any and every they tax they can avoid while at the same time crowing on and on about American ingenuity.


Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:10 | 5236990 PiratePiggy
PiratePiggy's picture

Why is it the US citizens are subject to this worldwide tax, yet illegal aliens are not?

 

Why is it that US citizen's property can be confisgated without a trial, yet illegal aliens get to keep their ill gotten gains?

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