Monday, December 22, 2014

Mr. Obama, Tear Down This Wall!

In simpler times, governments built physical walls to keep you inside a country you wished to leave. In the Internet age it is much different.

Is this the hope part or the change part?

The U.S. is the only developed country in the world that requires citizens who live abroad to file tax returns. This is so complicated that it is virtually impossible to do without an accountant, and that can cost more than $1,000 a year, even for very simple tax returns.

But that’s only the beginning. There are additional reporting requirements for Americans who live abroad. The FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) requires holders of foreign financial accounts to report detailed information about all such accounts each year. ...

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 made matters worse. Fatca compliance costs for foreign banks are so high that many banks have closed the accounts of Americans living abroad.

Many more Americans living abroad are giving up their citizenship as we send hither swarms of regulations to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

The red stripes on our flag represent hardiness and valor, but for too many now represent red tape that fewer expatriates have the hardiness and valor to endure.

For aliens who come here illegally, our government tries to make their dreams come true.

For those of us who go abroad legally to seek their fortune, we make their hopes nightmares.

Based on my own experience leaving the US, I don't know if a physical barrier is that far-fetched.

Mr. Gorbachev Obama, tear down this wall!

Tip to Instapundit.