Democrats Abroad is celebrating 45 years of commitment to the democratic party this October! And to commemorate all their successes DA Switzerland is hosting three seperate events.

The Vaud area of Switzerland will start off the celebrations on Sunday 4 October, from 3-6 PM in the charming village of Bursins (near Gland), at a private home nestled within the Vaudois vineyards and with stunning views of Lac Leman. American families are invited to come together for a Sunday afternoon of games for the kids and political fun for adults. A small contribution to DA is requested of $20 per family. (Only American citizens may contribute.) For more information, go to: http://www.democratsabroad.org/Bursins_45th

DA Switzerland's second event will be hosted on Wednesday evening on October 14th in Geneva from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and guests will be provided with refreshments and light snacks. Requested donation for entrance is $65 per person or $125 per couple on the DA website, which will automatically enroll you in a prize drawing for three wonderful gift baskets, full of goodies from home, some democratic in themes, and a special donated basket by other DA Switzerland members to be revealed at the event. For more information please visit : http://www.democratsabroad.org/Geneva_45th

And last, but not least, Thursday, October 15, 2009 From 6-8 p.m. DA Zurich will be hosting its 45th celebration party- at a location to be announced in the upcoming days. Suggested donation of 10 CHF, at the door, to continue to keep DA thriving for the next 45 years to come. Drinks and light snacks will be provided by host and the contribution will enter you to win a wonderful prize! To stay informed of this event check out the Zurich DA site at: http://www.democratsabroad.org/Zurich_45th

We would like to thank you for all your dedicated time, efforts, and participation in the Democratic party which we hope to continue to make a lasting difference abroad and at home with our contributions and time. We hope to see you soon at either one, or all of the events listed above! More information about the 45th anniversary of DA please visit the site: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/9657

News Update: IRS extends the voluntary disclosure deadline to 15 October 2009 from 23 September 2009

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Results from Meetings on US Taxes for Americans Abroad

Democrats Abroad in Vaud organized a meeting on Monday, August 31st 2009 in Lully (VD) to better understand the current issues existing for filing US taxes when living and working abroad. Visit the Vaud Page for full details on what we learned (including a very comprehensive summary), contact information for our guest expert speakers, and copies of the presentations given. You can also listen to an audio recording of the meeting and hear for yourself the answers to issues related to "Who has to file US taxes?", "How do you file when you are married to a non-US citizen?", "What is the current Voluntary Disclosure Initiative and what is the deadline?", "What is the FBAR and who has to file it?" and much more.

The questions we received from DA members ahead of this meeting and previously posted on this blog have all been answered. Our guest speaker, Geoffrey DeHaven, Certified Financial Planner (TM) with US Tax Abroad was kind enough to take the time to provide answers to all of our questions in writing. Click on the file below.

Answers_to_Your_US_Tax_Questions.pdf

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Democrats Abroad in Geneva teamed up with American Citizens Abroad and Republicans Abroad Switzerland to co-host another meeting on "US Taxes and Banking in Switzerland" on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 in Bellevue, Geneva at Webster University. For details on who our guest speakers were, a link to the presentation given on Voluntary Disclosures and more, visit our Geneva Page.
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Summary of U.S. Tax information
This compilation was put together by our member, Susan Stuber, based on these two tax information meetings as well as interviews and correspondence with, chiefly, Geoffrey DeHaven. It is meant as a guideline to your most pressing questions; if you desire further information, there are footnotes to guide you to the relevant web links. At the end of the day, however, you will be well-advised to have a tax advisor who is versed in U.S. tax regulation.

Podcast of US Tax Meeting in Vaud

Podcast of US Tax Meeting in Vaud

Listen to the audio recording of the Meeting on US taxes Democrats Abroad Vaud held in Lully on 31 August 2009.

For full details about the speakers and the meeting, please visit the Vaud page. Copies of presentations and other useful information can also be found there.