Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
#76
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Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
#77
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Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
I am very sorry for your loss. Especially since you have been there for so long I would recommend you get some professional advice on the tax side (particularly if you intend to sell a business as well). But rest assured despite all the complications out there there is a way to get back! It just takes time, preparation and organization!
#78
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
I’m happy to have found this thread. I have been lurking on this site for a few months, trying to gather as much information as possible (and getting confused).
I have lived away from the UK since 1992, first in the Caribbean and then Miami/ FL Keys from 1999. I was thinking of going home in 2003, but then I met my American husband and that was that! At least it was until he sadly passed away in April. Now I am actively trying to plan my return since I’m completely on my own here. I too, feel like my few friends here in the US are not super close, and Jake and I were joined at the hip relying mostly on each other. My brother’s heart attack in July has just added to the feeling that it’s time to go home. I’m 57 so not too far from retirement but wanting to continue working for a while, I have a house full of stuff and my husband’s business to sell, 7 family pets that I’m not prepared to re home, and finances to sort out (so confusing)... so although I know what I want to do, it won’t happen immediately and there are some challenges ahead. Not to mention the “what if’s” such as will I regret it, will I miss it, will I be bored, how will I slip back into family life after living away from the drama for so long. I’m happy to find like-minded souls to discuss this with, and especially value advice from “seasoned movers”.
I have lived away from the UK since 1992, first in the Caribbean and then Miami/ FL Keys from 1999. I was thinking of going home in 2003, but then I met my American husband and that was that! At least it was until he sadly passed away in April. Now I am actively trying to plan my return since I’m completely on my own here. I too, feel like my few friends here in the US are not super close, and Jake and I were joined at the hip relying mostly on each other. My brother’s heart attack in July has just added to the feeling that it’s time to go home. I’m 57 so not too far from retirement but wanting to continue working for a while, I have a house full of stuff and my husband’s business to sell, 7 family pets that I’m not prepared to re home, and finances to sort out (so confusing)... so although I know what I want to do, it won’t happen immediately and there are some challenges ahead. Not to mention the “what if’s” such as will I regret it, will I miss it, will I be bored, how will I slip back into family life after living away from the drama for so long. I’m happy to find like-minded souls to discuss this with, and especially value advice from “seasoned movers”.
My condolences on the loss of your husband and brother.
We moved from the UK in 1996 and we are tied here for the foreseeable future. I too often wonder if I could settle if I moved back home. I am sure we would slot back in again reasonably easily, but feel I would probably look back over the last 25 years with rosy specs on. It is quite a dilemma isn’t it?
#79
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Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
Condolences. Are you now a US citizen ? If not would you consider getting citizenship before leaving. It would seem a prudent move, just in case you want to move back
#81
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 27
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
I am very sorry for your loss. Especially since you have been there for so long I would recommend you get some professional advice on the tax side (particularly if you intend to sell a business as well). But rest assured despite all the complications out there there is a way to get back! It just takes time, preparation and organization!
#82
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 27
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
Hi scot47, I am not a citizen, I am a green card holder. I have considered becoming a citizen but I’m not sure I would come back once I left. There’s nothing here for me any more, at least nothing that can’t be covered by a vacation trip. Plus there are tax implications I think. Looking for advice on that as we speak.
#83
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
We now live in Canada and our taxes are a nightmare as we have UK and US income coming in from several sources. We are considering renouncing our US citizenship but we would be liable for exit taxes. Because of the US income we would still have to file US taxes, whether we are USC’s or not.
#84
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 27
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
My condolences on the loss of your husband and brother.
We moved from the UK in 1996 and we are tied here for the foreseeable future. I too often wonder if I could settle if I moved back home. I am sure we would slot back in again reasonably easily, but feel I would probably look back over the last 25 years with rosy specs on. It is quite a dilemma isn’t it?
We moved from the UK in 1996 and we are tied here for the foreseeable future. I too often wonder if I could settle if I moved back home. I am sure we would slot back in again reasonably easily, but feel I would probably look back over the last 25 years with rosy specs on. It is quite a dilemma isn’t it?
#85
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
Thank you for your kind thoughts. it is indeed a dilemma. I admit I’ve had quite an adventure during these years away and I think I worry most about being bored (especially if my finances don’t stretch as far as I hope they will). Rose tinted specs are a real thing. But I’m also getting older and I can’t imagine not spending some remaining quality years with my peeps close by. I’m completely alone here except for my animals and COVID has exacerbated that.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Feb 7th 2021 at 4:01 pm.
#86
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 74
Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
I assume you have been there long enough such that you will be subject to the Exit Tax on your departure? The reason I gave up my Permanent Residency (Green Card) was that I did not want to be subject to US taxes on my income moving forward. I am a bit younger so plan on working for a few years yet so I did not want additional complication. Yes I secured a job which allows me to work from Scotland starting in March.
I am unsure of the rules surrounding pension / SS and how that relates to residency/citizenship so unfortunately can't make any recommendations regarding that
I am unsure of the rules surrounding pension / SS and how that relates to residency/citizenship so unfortunately can't make any recommendations regarding that
Re. filing taxes, since my pension is coming mainly from the US, I'll have to file taxes whether I give up my green card on not . . . I'm guessing that won't be the case for you.
Cheers
Ed
#88
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Joined: Aug 2013
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Re: Wanting to move back - sounds like I'm not alone
In the words of The Eagles, “You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave”
Expatriation tax provisions apply to U.S. citizens who have relinquished their citizenship and long-term residents who have ended their residency (expatriated).
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8854
Expatriation tax provisions apply to U.S. citizens who have relinquished their citizenship and long-term residents who have ended their residency (expatriated).
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8854
Last edited by durham_lad; Feb 10th 2021 at 7:50 am.
#89