sarah64

Hello everyone, I'm sure info is dotted around all over here, I'll look around but was hoping for responses for someone in the legal "know" and those who've experienced it first hand... Thank you everyone x

nun

Not sure I understand. Are you a UK citizen who became a US citizen? If so there's not issue returning to the UK.

sarah64

Hi, I'm a UK citizen who is not a US citizen, I'm thinking of becoming one tho, but at my tender age of 47 lol, my mother in the UK is up in arms at the idea, saying it'd cause numerous problems when I decide to move back

Lorac05

You do have to submit US tax returns for the rest of your life - but only pay tax if you earn more than $90,000 (I think that's the number). Other than that there are no issues that I am aware of.

Giantaxe

So what would the "numerous problems" be in her opinion?

Lorac05

And you only have to pay tax on the excess over $90,000.

Giantaxe

.. of earned income.

Lorac05

Opps - thanks for adding that in .

Filing the taxes is the only "issue" as far as I can see and my tax guy over here as already told me he can handle them - I just need to call him at the appropriate time as it is all electronic nowadays anyways!!

nun

OP, why do you want to become a US citizen?

My next question is where's your money? Do you have investments and pensions in the US. If so you'll still have to fill out US tax forms even if you don't take US citizenship.

The UK has no interest in whether you have US citizenship too, so you can just come back, flash the passport and continue you life in the UK at any time. US citizenship might be useful if you have family in the US and want to return in the future, but it comes with lots of responsibility and bother, particularly where tax is concerned.

sarah64

Thank you all for your advice! My mother's numerous panic's are probably unfounded, I think she believes I would lose rights as a UK citizen, I've tried to inform her otherwise but she's having none of it!
As to why I am considering becoming a US citizen, probably not the correct reason but maybe someone can help me see why it's not necessary. I'm thinking of moving back to UK for up to a year, maybe longer. My children (almost 19 and 21)) will stay in the US with their father. I would like the option of returning back here to live along with the freedom to come and go as I please before my potential return to visit my children for as long as I like in case of emergency. Thanks again. I have lived in the US for 22 years now.

Giantaxe

Sounds like a pretty sound reason for getting US citizenship. I'm in a similar position - with adult children in the US - and the ability to live outside the US for as long as I want, but to be able to return and live in the US, was my main motivation for taking out US citizenship. A Green Card potentially does not provide you with that freedom.

sarah64

Thank you, I think I'd better get the ball rolling, this place is always so uplifting and hopeful, at the end of the day so many of us are in the same position. I've never fit in here in the US but 2 months back in London last year was unbelievably easy, I was home, friends from 20 odd years ago were consistently amazing as was the food, the humour, the attitude, the ability to laugh and have fun, oh the list is endless

nun

Your mum probably thinks that taking US citizenship implies that you're giving up UK citizenship. Obviously that's not the case.

Your reasons for wanting US citizenship are the best if all and Id do it so that you never have to worry about being with your kids. Ther may come a time when you want to be close to them full time and need to move back and being a US citizen removes any issues.

As you've been in the US for so long I imagine that your finances are mostly over there so you'd have the tax issues even if you weren't a US citizen. So go for it

sarah64

Tis a hard bullet to bite but well worth it considering it'll be because of my children mainly Thanks for the support!

nun

I found that getting US citizenship had some psychological effects. I felt that i was being disloyal.....and I'm definitely not the patriotic flag waving type. The big thing is the US oath of loyalty where you have to swear that you are giving up all your former loyalties, but as you do it in a big group you can mumble those bits.

I took citizenship as I'd been in the US for so long and I wanted to participate by voting and also to protect things like SS, not out of any great desire to be an American.