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Americans abroad have no specific representation in Congress. However, you may still be eligible to vote from your last US address, depending on your state.

Americans Abroad Caucus

In early 2007 Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), formed the first bipartisan Americans Abroad Caucus to address the concerns of several million US citizens living outside the United States. The caucus has rapidly grown in membership. ACA congratulates these enterprising members of Congress for this wonderful and most promising initiative.

A caucus is an informal group that brings together members of Congress who want to combine their political muscle to take action on a given issue. While caucuses do not receive funding, staff, or office space, this caucus can provide a valuable forum for overseas Americans to make their voices heard in Washington.

More info on some of the historical work of the Caucus see: http://maloney.house.gov/search/node/Americans Abroad Caucus

Currently, the Americans Abroad Caucus consists of 25 members of the House of Representatives especially attuned to the problems of American citizens living outside the USA. Chaired by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).  Mark Meadows has served since 2017 as co-chair (R-NC) but has recently stepped down given his new role White House Chief of Staff. The role of Co-chair has not been filled. The Caucus includes two members born abroad, Donald Beyer (D-VA) born in Trieste, Italy and Jim Hines (D-CT) was born in Lima Peru). It also includes Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP) representing the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Caucus collectively and members individually have been instrumental in bringing several problems to the attention of other House members:

  • Higher FATCA thresholds for citizens living abroad and possible "same country exemption."
  • Improving "streamlined" procedures for non-filers living abroad.
  • Increased safeguards for passport denial because of unpaid taxes.
  • Introducing legislation for a commission to study how Federal laws affect Americans abroad.
  • Easing restrictions on absentee voting for military and overseas civilians.
  • Call for hearings on access to basic banking services for Americans overseas.
  • Request for a census of Americans abroad.
  • Making House members' websites more user-friendly for overseas constituents.

More information on the Caucus along with direct links to their websites can be found at: Members

ACA continues to maintain close contacts with the Americans Abroad Caucus and we encourage you to suggest that your own Representative join the Caucus.

National Taxpayer Advocate

The National Taxpayer Advocate is your voice at the IRS.  

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Its job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights.  TAS has been vocal on the issues affecting American taxpayer living and working overseas.

TAS Reports to Congress

2018:

Nina Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate, issued her 2019 Objectives Report to Congress.  

Highlighted in Volume Two, the National Taxpayer Advocate reports on the Passport Denial and Revocation Legislation and outlines concerns regarding the IRS’s plans for certifying seriously delinquent tax debts which may lead to taxpayers being deprived of a passport without regard to taxpayer rights.  

ACA continues to dialogue with the Taxpayer Advocate Service and their offices on this important issue and others.  

 

2017:

The 2017 National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Report to Congress was recently issued.  

Concerns for overseas Americans are highlighted, particularly problems with the passport revocation legislation as noted in NTA’s Most Serious Problems Report.

The NTA Annual Report also recommends legislative corrections with regard to penalties for international filers and a new publication “The Purple Book,” which is a compilation of  NTA’s legislative recommendations, was also included in the 2017 report. 

ACA continues to bring issues concerning the overseas American community to the attention of the National Taxpayer Advocate and met with Nina Olson’s team this year.