International Taxpayer Online Problem Solving Day

Did you know that the U.S. is one of only two countries in the world where taxes are based on citizenship, not place of residency? 

If you’re considered a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, you must file US taxes annually and pay income tax regardless where the income was earned.

In most cases, the France US tax treaty helps Americans to avoid double taxation but some are can be tricky to navigate such as inheritance and retirement planning. The reporting required by the US government is onerous many Americans find themselves confused trying to be compliant.

Democrats Abroad regularly offers a free online tax problem days staffed by volunteers from the IRS citizen tax advocacy service. 

They have been incredibly helpful to many of our clients residing in France.

Sign up for the next International Taxpayer Online Problem Solving Day Monday, March 11 from 1-4pm US Eastern standard time.

Click here to sign up

This event is free for anyone residing outside of the United States regardless of income, age, or citizenship.

Examples of the types of questions people ask or get help with include:

• How to file a U.S. tax return with the IRS
• If you need help filling in a specific form
• If you have a question on what to put on a specific line on a specific form
• If you need help figuring out what forms you need to submit
• If you’re having issues communicating or resolving an issues with the IRS
• If you got a letter from the IRS and you don’t know what it means
• If the IRS says you owe tax and you know you don’t
• If you’re still due any of the outstanding covid payments
• If you are facing financial difficulty paying tax due to the IRS, they can assist with setting up a payment plan

No question is a stupid question! Any and all are welcome!

Additionally, there will be tax attorneys available to speak with you one-to-one from the Center for Taxpayer Rights. You can have a free initial consultation with an attorney on any tax legal issue but some of the common issues people need help with include:

• Facing a tax legal dispute with the IRS and you need legal representation
• Need help appealing an IRS decision or require representation for an audit
• Figure out how to respond to an IRS notice or letter
• Figuring out your business structure

The Democrats Abroad Taxation Task Force (TTF) consists of volunteers researching U.S. tax policy as it affects Americans living outside the U.S. and considering, developing, and executing initiatives aimed at enacting reforms that resolve adverse impacts.

They undertake research-based advocacy to describe the problems that U.S. taxation causes Americans abroad and to garner large-scale support for our reform recommendations.

They call on the United States to tax based upon residency and source, exempting Americans abroad from FATCA reporting, and fixing the tax code to eliminate tax discrimination for Americans abroad.

Posted February 8, 2024