Mr. Travel wrote on 03/21/08 23:42:
> callum wrote:
>
>> I'm a UK citizen and permanent US resident but I'm considering a move
>> to a new country in the Summer.
>>
>> I'm intending to relinquish my Green Card since I've no plans to live
>> in the US again and wondered:
>>
>> * How does one do this exactly?
>>
>> * What are my US tax implications once I've given it back? I hope I
>> just need to complete a tax return for 2008 and make it clear I was
>> only resident for a portion of the year. I *hope* I'm not liable for
>> US taxes after that (like my wife who is a US citizen).
>
>
> Your Green card "resident" status has nothing to do with your resident
> status for taxes while in the US. Even illegal immigrants are require to
> pay taxes. If you are working outside the US and a green card holder,
> you still have tax consequences. I would recommend you contact USCIS
> and tell them you want to give up your status.
There is a form to give up the GC, form I-407. It would have to be given to a US
consulate, together with the GC.
As to paying taxes, IRS has two definitions of a tax resident, the significant
presence test (183 days or more per calendar year in the US), and the Greencard
test (having a GC at any time in the year.) See IRS Publication 519, Tax Guide
for Aliens.
Generally, if you fall under either, you have to file a resident tax return and
declare your worldwide income. If you don't fall under any of the tests, you
only pay taxes on your US income.
The details are in Pub. 519.
-Joe
--
I am not a lawyer.
For reliable advice, consult a competent immigration attorney. |