My Husband The Accountant

Sunday, February 15, 2004

Dear Reader,

Five years ago, I married an accountant.

He doesn't like to be identified that way, but, lucky for me, my husband has more than a decade's experience doing taxes…including expat taxes.

I didn't marry Lief because he understands IRS codes as they apply to Americans residing abroad…but, boy, what a nice bonus.

April 15 is two months away, and already Lief is collecting records, organizing data, and preparing strategy.

Not everyone, though, I realize, is fortunate enough to have an international tax expert in the family.

If you don't, I can offer but one piece of advice: Get help from two tax experts--one in the jurisdiction where you're residing…and one in the States, experienced helping Americans living abroad fulfill their obligations to Uncle Sam every year.

Here in Ireland, we sought help before our move from Ernst & Young in Dublin. As I said, Lief manages our U.S. tax issues. (I'm sorry, but, no, he's not available to consult.)

Instead, in the States, you can seek help from Marcell Felipe.

Marcell is the managing partner of Marcell Felipe-Attorneys, a firm with an international practice focused on tax and asset-protection issues for Americans, especially Americans abroad.

Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living

P.S. Minimizing your tax burden may not be the most romantic reason to move to another country…but, practically speaking, cutting your tax bill can be one of the biggest advantages of a move abroad. It's a question of understanding the requirements and planning ahead. I'm not talking about anything the least bit shady. Just smart. This is one of the primary topics, covered in great detail, at our annual Live Overseas conferences. We are preparing now for our next event, scheduled for March 14-17 in Delray Beach, Florida--maybe in time to help you with this year's tax filing. If not…certainly in time to help you begin making plans for next year. Our three most trusted experts on this critical issue (including my husband, Lief) will be on hand to talk through strategy and answer questions. For more details on the program in general, see: http://www.ildiscoverytours.com/conf/los0304/.