PARIS: She is a former U.S. Marine, a native Californian and, now, a former American who prefers to remain discreet about abandoning her citizenship. After 10 years of warily considering options, she turned in her U.S. passport last month without ceremony, becoming an alien in the view of her homeland.

"It's a really hard thing to do," said the woman, a 16-year resident of Geneva who had tired of the cost and time of filing yearly U.S. tax returns on top of her Swiss taxes. "I just kept putting this off. But it's my kids and the estate tax. I don't care if I die with only one Swiss franc to my name, but the U.S. shouldn't get money I earned here when I die."

Historically, small numbers of Americans have turned in their passports every year for political and economic reasons, with the numbers reaching a high of about 2,000 during a Vietnam War-era boom in the 1970s.

But with new tax pressures facing American expatriates due to legislation enacted in Washington this year, some international tax lawyers say they detect rising demand from citizens to renounce ties with the United States — the only developed country that taxes it citizens while they are overseas. Americans abroad are also taxed in foreign countries where they reside.

"The administrative costs of being an American and living outside the U.S. have gone up dramatically," said Marnin Michaels, a tax lawyer with Baker & McKenzie in Zurich....

It continues at
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/17/news/expat.php

This sucks. Double jeapordy on taxation. This is not the way to solve the fiscal irresponsibility of Washington. MMarsh, you still going to carry both passports?

Well, if they want to turn in their citizenship. By all means do it. When they want to come back screw them. Let them live in their own mess that they have created.

Actually, I had the opportunity to go and work in a European country recently. But had to think twice, I was told that I would be paying double taxes, and would have had to buy extra health care insurance. I guess if you are not a citizen, you don’t qualify, even if you are paying their taxes…

My wife and I (both born in Europe and now American citizens) have been discussing the option of moving back over there. The main reason is that we are not too happy here, because of the income vs. standard of living issue. Our friends and relatives in Europe make less money and seem to have more of everything, including vacations!! My wife and I have not had the time to go on a vacation since the past four years! Its like, if you want to earn the big bucks you have to sell your soal to the devil (work 24/7). And we are not the only ones who are living like this. It really makes me sick. Someone please tell me why livening in the United States is better then any European country?

Originally Posted by GI_JOEJK

Someone please tell me why livening in the United States is better then any European country?

I can't. Its an American thing.

Originally Posted by Missileer

I can't. Its an American thing.

He's somewhat right. I was born in Communist Cuba and I moved to the USA at an early age and I thank God everyday that I live in the United States of America.

My days in Cuba were days of hunger and fear. But in America I live a life of a god. I have my own house, over 100 firearms, pickup turck and four door car, a wonderful job, an education, a wonderful woman in my life, and last but not least. Freedom.

It is an American Thing and I love it.

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

He's somewhat right. I was born in Communist Cuba and I moved to the USA at an early age and I thank God everyday that I live in the United States of America.

My days in Cuba were days of hunger and fear. But in America I live a life of a god. I have my own house, over 100 firearms, pickup turck and four door car, a wonderful job, an education, a wonderful woman in my life, and last but not least. Freedom.

It is an American Thing and I love it.

Yes, in your case I have to agree with you, but...

Cuba is not Europe.

1. All of my relatives own at least one huge house with land.
2. At least one sports car.
3. Everyone gets at least 4 weeks paid vacation per year, most get 5+
4. Imagine going on a vacation to the south of France or one of the islands off Greece or anywhere on the Adriatic.
5. Never have to work more then 35 to 40 hours per week. I currently put in up to 80 hours per week, with NO OVER-TIME!!! BTW I do have a very good college degree.
6. In most European countries people take a 2 hour break in the middle of the day. You can do anything like sleep, shop for fresh foods or go home and have sex with your wife!
7. The Euro is WAY stronger then our dollar.
Chi-Coms To Dump One Trillion In US Reserves

I can go on, but you get the idea.

Note; I forgot to mention FREE education. I had to pay over 75k for mine!

But what are your freedoms in Europe?

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

He's somewhat right. I was born in Communist Cuba and I moved to the USA at an early age and I thank God everyday that I live in the United States of America.

My days in Cuba were days of hunger and fear. But in America I live a life of a god. I have my own house, over 100 firearms, pickup turck and four door car, a wonderful job, an education, a wonderful woman in my life, and last but not least. Freedom.

It is an American Thing and I love it.

Yes those 100 firearms would come in handy. God bless America!

This is frustrating for them. Even more frustrating, I don't think military personnel should have to pay taxes. They are paying more than tax payers pay annually. They give their lives so that folks are free enough to even be taxed. Military personnel paying taxes is double taxation (at least) the way I see it.

I love this country but there's no way I'm paying the bills if I'm not getting the services the taxes fund. I don't know who would, except maybe a rich person. Then again they seem to be the best at dodging taxes.

Also, I agree with GI_JOEJK. If you don't go to college or a good trade school you're a serf here. Of course they'll convince you you have freedom when in fact you are a subject to your boss.