Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Mar 24th 2011, 8:59 am
#16
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 9
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
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 
Mar 24th 2011, 9:05 am
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 9
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
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.
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.
Mar 24th 2011, 5:28 pm
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 58
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose.
Mar 25th 2011, 11:46 pm
#19
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: England
Posts: 118
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
I couldn't agree with you more nun... the whole swearing in thing was most uncomfortable. I felt very disloyal. But I feel very fortunate to have dual citizenship as it really does afford us the luxury of free movement as our fancies take us. I feel like it's a privilege and I don't regret it for a second. If I ever earn 90 grand a year then maybe I'll eat my words ;-)
Mar 25th 2011, 11:50 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: England
Posts: 118
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Essentially, the same tax rules apply to permanent residents and US citizens alike. You are obligated to file at least a 1040 return every single year regardless of where you live or earn your income. Becoming a citizen will actually help you, particularly if you have paid enough credits (I think it's 33 quarters) to be eligible to draw US social security. As a citizen, if the Social Security laws change, permanent residents might be sidelined if they are no longer resident in the US, but as a citizen, you will be entitled to draw your social security anywhere in the world. You will also be a dual citizen. No problems at all for you, actually only benefits. If you ever want to return to the US, you can do so with ease. Tell your mum to stop worrying! I'm a dual citizen and am moving back to London this summer. I took out citizenship for that reason alone.
Do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose.
Do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose.
Mar 26th 2011, 2:43 am
#21
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,629
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Does anyone know someone who has done this and is claiming Social Security after living and working in the UK for several years. In my sitiation I have worked in the US for 20+ years and I have private pensions. I plan to work in the UK when I return until retirement, about 12 years. So I won't be paying SS in the US I presume. How does this all work?
Just to add; in your scenario, you may get your SS payments reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision, but that is a complex area (discussed in other threads recently.)
Last edited by robin1234; Mar 26th 2011 at 2:45 am.
Mar 26th 2011, 3:28 pm
#22
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Isn't it the case that you don't even pay US tax over that amount unless you would owe more in the US than in the UK (which usually isn't the case)? I may have that wrong, but that was my understanding.
Mar 26th 2011, 3:52 pm
#23
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,754
Re: Anyone experienced problems returning to UK with US citizenship?
Essentially, the same tax rules apply to permanent residents and US citizens alike. You are obligated to file at least a 1040 return every single year regardless of where you live or earn your income. Becoming a citizen will actually help you, particularly if you have paid enough credits (I think it's 33 quarters) to be eligible to draw US social security. As a citizen, if the Social Security laws change, permanent residents might be sidelined if they are no longer resident in the US, but as a citizen, you will be entitled to draw your social security anywhere in the world. You will also be a dual citizen. No problems at all for you, actually only benefits. If you ever want to return to the US, you can do so with ease. Tell your mum to stop worrying! I'm a dual citizen and am moving back to London this summer. I took out citizenship for that reason alone.
Do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose.
Do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose.
outside of retirement accounts as you end up in a Catch 22 taxation situation.
The US has complicated rules and will impose big taxes on UK based funds, and the UK will tax any gains you have in US funds as income.....if NI and income tax get merged that might be even worse
