Pardon my momentary albeit continuing rant about my soon to be ex-accountant! It’s funny how now that we’ve established that my accountant has no interest in continuing to assist me in filing taxes in the US once living abroad, I’ve suddenly become – if not an outright persona non grata – then at the very least a priority lower than, say, a bit of gum on the bottom of a shoe?
For as long as I’ve been filing taxes – whether on my own or with the assistance of an accountant – I’ve always filed them early. (January or February – the minute I have my forms at the ready). I do this for a few reasons including but not limited to: 1) avoiding the last-minute rush for the April 15 deadline, long lines at the post office, etc. 2) My superstition that the longer one waits to file taxes the more likely they will be subject to audit. (I have nothing to hide – like to do things by the letter and move on). 3) Possibly irrational fear in the recent economy that if I’m not in the first wave to file – that the state will run out of money in years with a refund. (One recent year, as I understand it, folks in a certain state received an IOU!) 4) Selectively perfectionist tendencies (?)
Well, THIS year, though I met with my accountant early as usual, my taxes are STILL not ready for my signature and I was informed that they remain in a pile on the accountant’s desk. I’ve been promised they will be done by April 15 (which is legally required), but somehow this does not comfort the part of me that took the trouble to get it together promptly and early so that I can enjoy the luxury of not worrying. .
Perhaps this is why I never especially enjoyed group projects at University – when one’s grade depended in part on others holding up their end!
29 March 2010
On a more serious note…
As I continue what is proving to be a slow and painful recovery from my surgery, my thoughts are naturally directed to an issue on a lot of American minds... health care.
As I contemplate the enormous life change I am planning for and moving toward, I do devote considerable thought to the more mundane and legal aspects of it all.
Recent news of the new laws pertaining to Health Care in the USA have me wondering how this may affect Americans living abroad.
Regardless of one’s personal views pertaining to health care, I believe that the recently passed new law has left many Americans with questions and some uncertainty regarding where to seek definitive answers. I imagine as with any new policy that it will take time not only to implement (2014 apparently) but to become clear regarding the particulars .
My specific concern in thinking ahead to a life abroad is twofold:
1) Will Americans living abroad be exempt from the requirement to have US health insurance and exempt from penalties for not having it?
a) If non-exempt – would we have to pay as much premium considering we wouldn’t use it much if at all?
b) If exempt – would we have the option to purchase it if we desired? (My thinking here is of possible scenarios in which an expat seeks treatment for something in the US for whatever reason ).
2) Whichever way it is in actuality ~ Is this a good thing?
I have researched this a bit and have encountered conflicting information. I intend to continue my research but with the understanding that as the new law and enforcement thereof doesn’t take effect til 2014, I may or may not have swift answers.
At this time, I won’t use this forum to express my personal views regarding this administration or the new law, but will study it in a more detached fashion with an eye toward the very real effect this may or may not have on US ‘expats’.
To be continued…
As I contemplate the enormous life change I am planning for and moving toward, I do devote considerable thought to the more mundane and legal aspects of it all.
Recent news of the new laws pertaining to Health Care in the USA have me wondering how this may affect Americans living abroad.
Regardless of one’s personal views pertaining to health care, I believe that the recently passed new law has left many Americans with questions and some uncertainty regarding where to seek definitive answers. I imagine as with any new policy that it will take time not only to implement (2014 apparently) but to become clear regarding the particulars .
My specific concern in thinking ahead to a life abroad is twofold:
1) Will Americans living abroad be exempt from the requirement to have US health insurance and exempt from penalties for not having it?
a) If non-exempt – would we have to pay as much premium considering we wouldn’t use it much if at all?
b) If exempt – would we have the option to purchase it if we desired? (My thinking here is of possible scenarios in which an expat seeks treatment for something in the US for whatever reason ).
2) Whichever way it is in actuality ~ Is this a good thing?
I have researched this a bit and have encountered conflicting information. I intend to continue my research but with the understanding that as the new law and enforcement thereof doesn’t take effect til 2014, I may or may not have swift answers.
At this time, I won’t use this forum to express my personal views regarding this administration or the new law, but will study it in a more detached fashion with an eye toward the very real effect this may or may not have on US ‘expats’.
To be continued…
22 March 2010
Two Scotsmen + Midwest Gal + 1 week = LOTS of Laughter
I’m currently recovering.
Some of you might know I’m currently recovering from surgery. Nothing I care to discuss much. Not the point of this blog entry. Nothing earth shattering… nothing to worry about. Just rather painful and taking some time to heal up. All is well.
Recovering too from the best week I’ve had in a long time in spite of having to have surgery at the end of it.
To that end, and on a lighter note - what do you get when two Scotsmen who have known each other since childhood (and are practically brothers though they’d protest) come to visit a Midwest gal for a week? Gales of laughter and total immersion in British humour. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
A made a last minute decision to come spend a week with me with the incredibly sweet intention of looking after me leading up to and immediately following my medical procedure. His best friend (and best man at our upcoming nuptials) J decided to use a week of leave and come along as well.
For the first part of the week, I had to work so the guys were on their own during the day. They managed to find plenty of mischief… er… “fun activities” to occupy their time. They found their way to an Amish community, a surprisingly good air and space exhibit, and other historical and cultural attractions unique to Kansas.
On one of their outings, J took a series of photographs of a ‘living’ historical museum which has preserved structures and a way of life out of Kansas’ humble beginnings.
Of course, J plans to tell all the people back home that this is where I live… where A and I will be married… etc. (!) Little will those unsuspecting good people of Scotland know that we HAVE actually managed to acquire electricity, indoor plumbing, and horseless carriages in recent years.
On another subject… after careful observation I have formulated a small list of things I’ve decided must be inherent in the male genetic code: 1) If the gadget has a button a man will push it to see what happens. 2) A man will die for his best friend but would rarely admit it and instead will communicate in a barrage of playful insults and competitive one-upmanship. 3) If the unsuspecting woman in close proximity can be wound up, she will be! 4) One Scotsman can be funny. Two together can be hilarious. 5) New technology makes them salivate.
I did take a marvelous day off preceding my surgery. We spent a perfectly beautiful, sunny, breezy day at the zoo. I think I fell in love with the wallaroos, and particularly enjoyed seeing the Andean bears and meerkats but there were too many wonderful creatures there to name.
In all, it was a really nice week. I was very happy to spend time with A, and I enjoyed getting to know A’s best mate.
Things are strangely quiet here now…
I’m not sure I prefer it
miss you, A…
x
Some of you might know I’m currently recovering from surgery. Nothing I care to discuss much. Not the point of this blog entry. Nothing earth shattering… nothing to worry about. Just rather painful and taking some time to heal up. All is well.
Recovering too from the best week I’ve had in a long time in spite of having to have surgery at the end of it.
To that end, and on a lighter note - what do you get when two Scotsmen who have known each other since childhood (and are practically brothers though they’d protest) come to visit a Midwest gal for a week? Gales of laughter and total immersion in British humour. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
A made a last minute decision to come spend a week with me with the incredibly sweet intention of looking after me leading up to and immediately following my medical procedure. His best friend (and best man at our upcoming nuptials) J decided to use a week of leave and come along as well.
For the first part of the week, I had to work so the guys were on their own during the day. They managed to find plenty of mischief… er… “fun activities” to occupy their time. They found their way to an Amish community, a surprisingly good air and space exhibit, and other historical and cultural attractions unique to Kansas.
On one of their outings, J took a series of photographs of a ‘living’ historical museum which has preserved structures and a way of life out of Kansas’ humble beginnings.
Of course, J plans to tell all the people back home that this is where I live… where A and I will be married… etc. (!) Little will those unsuspecting good people of Scotland know that we HAVE actually managed to acquire electricity, indoor plumbing, and horseless carriages in recent years.
On another subject… after careful observation I have formulated a small list of things I’ve decided must be inherent in the male genetic code: 1) If the gadget has a button a man will push it to see what happens. 2) A man will die for his best friend but would rarely admit it and instead will communicate in a barrage of playful insults and competitive one-upmanship. 3) If the unsuspecting woman in close proximity can be wound up, she will be! 4) One Scotsman can be funny. Two together can be hilarious. 5) New technology makes them salivate.
I did take a marvelous day off preceding my surgery. We spent a perfectly beautiful, sunny, breezy day at the zoo. I think I fell in love with the wallaroos, and particularly enjoyed seeing the Andean bears and meerkats but there were too many wonderful creatures there to name.
In all, it was a really nice week. I was very happy to spend time with A, and I enjoyed getting to know A’s best mate.
Things are strangely quiet here now…
I’m not sure I prefer it
miss you, A…
x
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