Why 1 in 4 expats

2022-07-14 11:33:09

The notion of American Dream often evokes images of opportunities, freedom, and a life filled with possibilities. However, for a growing number of American expatriates, this dream has started to lose its luster. A recent survey startled many when it revealed that approximately 1 in 4 American expats is either "seriously considering" or is already "planning" to renounce their US citizenship. But why are these individuals contemplating such a drastic step?

Tax Woes at the Heart of the Matter

Topping the list of concerns is the significant challenge presented by the US tax system. American citizens, irrespective of their residence, have the unique obligation of filing taxes not only in their country of residence but also with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The survey, which took into account the voices of 3,200 American expatriates spanning 121 countries, pinpointed tax complexities as the primary driving force behind this growing sentiment.

The US tax code mandates its citizens residing abroad to report all forms of global income. This means every dime, from regular salaries and business profits to dividends from investments and even occasional freelance gigs, needs to be declared. The exercise isn't just tedious but also financially draining.

While the US does incorporate mechanisms to offset the burden of double taxation, such as the foreign earned income exclusion and tax credits, the practicalities of navigating these reliefs often leave many exasperated. A whopping 80% of those surveyed expressed their discontent, terming the requirement of paying US taxes while living abroad as unfair. The sentiment underscores the depth of their displeasure.

The Daunting FBAR Requirements

Compounding the tax challenge is the requirement of filing the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). This yearly ritual, essential for Americans with foreign financial accounts amounting to more than $10,000, has its set of complexities. Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: An individual with $5,000 in savings and an additional $4,750 in an investment account might think they are exempt from the FBAR. However, if the investment account’s value jumps by just $275, even for a day, they're immediately liable to declare those balances.

Penalties for missing out on these declarations can be financially crippling. The distinction between "willful" and "non-willful" reporting omissions plays a crucial role here. In the instance of a willful violation, the punitive measures can be as severe as 50% of the total account value or a flat penalty of $129,210 for each year of non-compliance.

Impact of the Pandemic on Citizenship Renunciation

Another intriguing aspect that emerged from the data was the number of Americans renouncing their citizenship. While 2020 saw a staggering 6,705 individuals taking this step, the number fell to 2,426 in 2021. However, it would be hasty to interpret this as a reversal of the trend. The global COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread embassy closures, potentially limiting the number of renunciations processed during the year.

A Disconnect with the Homeland?

The sheer number of American expatriates is noteworthy. Estimates from the U.S. Department of State placed the figure around 9 million in 2020. However, despite these large numbers, many feel a disconnect with their homeland. The survey revealed a striking figure: 86% of participants felt that the US government was more tuned into the needs of its domestic residents compared to its expatriate population.

The decisions facing American expatriates are undoubtedly complex. With ever-evolving global financial landscapes, changing tax laws, and personal aspirations driving individuals to seek opportunities abroad, the pressures on American expatriates will likely remain. The overarching sentiment from the survey underscores the need for more streamlined, expat-friendly policies that genuinely reflect the challenges faced by this community. Whether these voices result in tangible policy changes remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the American expat community is eager for a change.

Eli Shevpool