Welcome

Tax season in the US is always challenging even at the best of times and particularly for expats, non-resident aliens, green card holders and dual citizens.

And the 2018/19 US government shutdown threatens to make things even more of a test. However, taxpayers should not be lured into thinking that the shutdown makes the urgency of their reporting obligations any less onerous.

Low staff levelsThere is a possibility that an IRS which is currently running at an alarming 12% staffing capacity, will be late in paying out refunds, but to use this as an excuse for tardiness would be a potentially costly mistake.

It’s possible that you will never have to make any financial decisions more important than those relating to your retirement plans. These are likely to involve the consideration of a number of important factors, including the following:

• Your present and future cashflow needs
• Whether you wish to create a legacy for family or charity
• Your level of risk-tolerance
• Whether you wish to simply protect or to grow your wealth
• An assessment of market conditions
• Your personal goals