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December 13th, 2019, Belgravia, London. 

ACA celebrated the 5th anniversary of its London Chapter!   
 


 

ACA and ACAGF participated in the Americans Expat Forum held in Brussels on September 25, 2019.

As part of the Expat Information Fair organized by ING, in conjunction with the American Club of Brussels and Dunhill Financials, the forum provided practical information on US Social Security, financial planning, US taxes and Expats banking and insurance. Again, well attended with over 100 participants.

Topics covered included:

  1. What’s new for individual US taxpayers in 2019; the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
  2. Tax & Financial Planning for Americans living in Europe & Overseas
  3. What's new for US Taxpayers who are > 10% Shareholders in Small Businesses overseas
  4. Deemed Repatriation Tax, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), where to get help
  5. Overview of ACA and ACAGF along with an update on ACA advocacy efforts for Residency-based taxation (RBT)

Speakers included:

Brian Dunhill, founder of Dunhill Financial and financial planner with a core emphasis on portfolio management and retirement planning for predominantly American Expatriates.https://www.dunhillfinancial.com

Charles Bruce, Chairman, American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation and Legal Counsel, American Citizens Abroad, is an American tax attorney based in London and Lausanne. Formerly, he was Tax Counsel to the US Senate Finance Committee; Visiting Professor, Law Faculty, Institut für Ausländisches und Internationales Finanz- und Steuerwesen, Hamburg University, Hamburg; Adjunct Professor of Law, Graduate Law Program, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC.

Carl Mir – Mr. Mir is an accountant working within several corporations throughout his career. He has been involved in US income tax preparation and reporting for several years both at H R Block and independently. As a tax consultant for US expats, he can provide advice on filing requirements and compliance to the United States on tax and financial reporting issuesCarl received his Bachelor of Arts with in international relations and business from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Dave Deruytter - Dave is the Head of Expatriates, Non-residents & Privilegio at ING Belgium, the Belgian subsidiary of the ING Group, an international banking company. He joined BBL/ING in 1985 and has held a number of functions in different areas of international banking business.

Gregory Goossens – Mr. Goossens graduated in law in 2004 from the University of Antwerp and graduated in 2005 as a Master in Tax Law. After a short career as a tax consultant, he moved to become an attoney in 2006. Gregory is specialized in tax law, with a focus on negotiating with the tax authorities and defending clients' interests in tax disputes in court proceedings. Gregory is also a lecturer in tax law at the Bachelor's degree course in Legal Practice in Antwerp. He speaks Dutch, French and English.

Nadine Irons - Nadine is a Director of Praemium International Limited based in Jersey. In her role as Sales and Relationship Manager she is responsible for generating new business for the International Platform and building trust built relationships with existing and new clients. After 13 years as Stockbroking Manager with Collins Stewart Wealth Management (later Canaccord Genuity) she gained valuable insights to Investments and Operations.


 

ACA and ACAGF again Presents at the NORTH AMERICAN EXPAT FINANCIAL FORUM IN PARIS

On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, ACA Executive Director, Marylouise Serrato, presented at the North American Expat Financial Forum held at the American Church in Paris, France.  Hosted by Dunhill Financial and the Adrian Leeds Group, and sponsored by Moneycorp Currency Specialists, the evening covered a wide range to topics.

Well attended by US citizens living in France and those considering moving to France, the group learned about planning and investing successfully, financing your property investments, changes in US and French taxes, protecting your assets, dealing with currency exchange to your benefit and learning how American Citizens Abroad and American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation are working to help US citizens through their advocacy, educational and research efforts.

Speakers included:

  • Kimberly Bingham, of Private Rate/La Central de Financement, who gave a presentation on the 101 course of financing property purchases in France.
  • Brian Dunhill of Dunhill Financial, who discussed FATCA regulations and how to arrange your financial and estate planning in Europe. https://www.dunhillfinancial.com
  • Mojgan Ghanipour of MG Partners and Brian Dunhill, of Dunhill Financial, discussed recent changes in French and American tax codes and how they will affect expats.
  • Bruno Gruat of Moneycorp Exchange Experts presented cost effective and efficient way of exchanging currencies and managing your finances on different continents.
  • Marylouise Serrato, of American Citizens Abroad, presented an overview of ACA and ACAGF and gave an update on advocacy efforts for Residency-Based Taxation (RBT
  • Adrian Leeds, of the Adrian Leeds Group, explained the process of purchasing French property and how much you can expect to invest. http://adrianleeds.com

After the presentations a question and answer session was held with many attendees interested in learning more about ACA and ACAGF and our efforts in Washington, DC.  A refreshment hour ended the evening with an extensive selection of food and wine provided by Adrian Leeds and her sponsors.  ACA thanks Adrian and Brian for hosting this fabulous event.


 

Another well received ACAGF TOWN HALL EVENING in ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

On Tuesday evening, September 17, 2019, over fifty attendees along with five presenters gathered at the Eglise Francais in downtown Zurich for an American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation (ACAGF) Town Hall. Topics coved included,

  1. The latest news from ACA’s advocacy work in Washington D.C.
  2. ACA and ACAGF and how the organizations represent and help Americans overseas
  3. What’s new for individual US taxpayers in 2019; Impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
  4. Estate Planning Challenges for Americans in Switzerland: What to do with that Rev Liv Trust from the US?
  5. Tax Planning & Financial planning for Americans living in Switzerland / Overseas
  6. Considerations for Starting a Company overseas for US Taxpayers

Speakers included:

Matthew Berlin - Matthew is a Trust and Estates attorney specialized in working with Overseas Americans. Mathew is a partner at Rubin and Rudman LLP https://www.rubinrudman.com/ and he regularly visits Switzerland for work.

Francheska Pimental - CPA - Francheska is a manager in the Global Tax Services group at KLR in Providence, RI https://www.kahnlitwin.com/ . Previously, she was with Deloitte Tax LLP working in various offices around the world. Francheska has a Master’s in accounting, is fluent in Spanish and advanced in French and works with numerous U.S. expats many who are living in Switzerland.

Dr. Natalie Peter - LLM, TEP - Natalie is a Swiss attorney heading the Private Client Team at Blum & Grob attorneys at law AG in Zurich https://blumgrob.ch/.  She specializes in Tax Law, Inheritance and Estate Planning & Trusts. Natalie has her law degree from the University of Zurich and an LLM from Boston University

Jonathan Lachowitz – CFP® - Jonathan is a Board Member of ACA; Certified Financial Planner in the US and Switzerland and owner of White Lighthouse Investment Management in Lausanne and Lexington http://www.white-lighthouse.com/ , MA. Jonathan has written extensively on personal finance for the Wall Street Journal.

Marylouise Serrato, American Citizens Abroad (ACA) Executive Director.  Marylouise joined ACA in 2002 working as Managing Director and in 2010 became Executive Director. In 2012, ACA moved its headquarters and the office of the Executive Director to Washington, DC where Marylouise has been directing the management and operations of the organization.

 

The evening opened with a presentation by Marylouise Serrato giving and overview of ACA and ACAGF along with a detailed presentation on recent ACA advocacy efforts for Residency-based taxation. Following Ms. Serrato’s presentation, Francheska Pimental updated on the latest filing requirements for US Citizens living and working overseas.  Dr. Natalie Peter and Matthew Berlin discussed inheritance and estate planning for US citizens – including how to manage cross border estate and testament issues.  Mr. Lachowitz concluded the presentations with his overview of financial planning and investment challenges and solutions for US citizens living and working in Switzerland.  Attendees were invited to ask questions during a Q&A that followed the presentations and the evening ended with a meet and greet for attendees and presenters with light refreshments. We had lots of great feedback from both ACA members and non-members alike about the work ACA is doing in Washington and the quality of the speakers. Based on the continued demand and feedback we hope to be able to continue offering these forums in the future.

 

We would like to thank everyone who made a donation to ACA, including all of the speakers and sponsors:

Moore Stephens Emerson GmbH: https://www.msemerson.com/ 

Rubin and Rudman LLP https://www.rubinrudman.com/

KLR Global Tax Services  https://www.kahnlitwin.com/

Blum & Grob attorneys at law AG in Zurich https://blumgrob.ch/

White Lighthouse Investment Management in Lausanne and Lexington http://www.white-lighthouse.com/


  

ACA and ACAGF participated in the American Expat Financial Forum held in Berlin on September 12, 2019.   

The speakers included:

Brian Dunhill, founder of Dunhill Financial and financial planner with a core emphasis on portfolio management and retirement planning for predominantly American Expatriates.https://www.dunhillfinancial.com


Daniela Kögel, a licensed mortgage broker in Germany who is experienced in commercial and private real estate financing.


Charles Bruce, Chairman, American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation and Legal Counsel, American Citizens Abroad, is an American tax attorney based in London and Lausanne. Formerly, he was Tax Counsel to the US Senate Finance Committee; Visiting Professor, Law Faculty, Institut für Ausländisches und Internationales Finanz- und Steuerwesen, Hamburg University, Hamburg; Adjunct Professor of Law, Graduate Law Program, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC.

 

Mr. Dunhill’s presentation covered investment strategies for US citizens living and working overseas. Mr. Dunhill discussed all of the issues that American Expats face in planning their finances abroad and how to tackle those. Ms. Kogel’s presentation spoke to strategies for US citizens who are looking to purchase property in Germany, providing some practical insights about what to know when financing real estate in Germany, how this process works between client, broker and bank and where some potential pitfalls may lie. Mr. Bruce’s presentation, via virtual connect, gave an overview of the organizations, ACA and ACAGF,  while also providing an update on ACA’s recent advocacy efforts for Residency-based taxation.


 

ACAGF Webcasts: Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (HR 7358), residency-based tax legislation for Americans living overseas

On June 18, 2019, ACAGF hosted a new Webcast in its series of Webcasts for the recently introduced legislation, The Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (H.R.7358) (TFAA).

 

Taxation of Americans Abroad: Legislative Changes Brewing in Congress

With this event, American Citizen Abroad Global Foundation (ACAGF) continued its series of Webcasts on the recently introduced legislation, The Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (H.R.7358) (TFAA).

TFAA was introduced in December 2018 by Representative George Holding (R-NC). The bill changes existing citizenship-based taxation rules (CBT), in US tax law, to residency-based taxation (RBT). RBT is sometimes referred to as territorial taxation.

The ACAGF Webcasts serve to provide more information on the bill to the community and other interested parties. In attendance was Matt Stross, Tax Counsel, Office of Representative George Holding. Matt Stross is highly familiar with this proposal. Others at House Ways and Means Committee, Joint Committee on Taxation and House Legislative Counsel's Office also have provided valuable assistance. Mr. Stross will describe --

  • the provisions of TFAA,

  • where it stands, and

  • what’s next.

The presenters were: Max Reed, tax lawyer - SKL Tax, Benita Loughlin, Partner, KPMG, Vancouver, and Terry Ritchie, cross-border financial planner, Cardinal Point Wealth Management. They will discuss how this potential change in US law will affect individual filing requirements and investment strategies. Joining them were Marylouise Serrato - ACA Executive Director, and Charles Bruce - ACAGF Chairman and ACA Legal Counsel.

For full audio of the June 18th webcast click here


 

Town Hall Evening Geneva, Switzerland, April 30, 2019

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

  1. What is ACA and how the organization represents and helps Americans overseas
  2. The latest news from ACA’s advocacy work in Washington D.C.
  3. What’s new for individual US taxpayers in 2019; Impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
  4. Estate Planning Challenges for Americans in Switzerland: What to do with that Rev Liv Trust?
  5. Tax Planning & Financial planning for Americans living in Switzerland / Overseas
  6. Considerations for Starting a Company overseas for US Taxpayers
  7. Over an hour of Q & A time

SPEAKERS INCLUDED:

Kenneth Freshman - CPA

Ken is a US based tax advisor who heads up the Global Tax Services Group at KLR in Boston. He is a CPA/attorney with an LL.M. degree in taxation from Boston University. He works with numerous US expats including many based in Switzerland.

Matthew Berlin

Matthew is a Trust and Estates attorney specialized in working with Overseas Americans. Mathew is a partner at Rubin and Rudman LLP and he regularly visits Switzerland for work.

Jonathan Lachowitz – CFP®

Jonathan is a Board Member of ACA; Certified Financial Planner in the US and Switzerland and owner of White Lighthouse Investment Management in Lausanne and Lexington, MA. Jonathan has written extensively on personal finance for the Wall Street Journal.


 

April 2019 Australia Events

Dunhill Financial in association with ACA Global Foundation brought to Australia two financial/tax related events tailored for US citizens living overseas.  A presentation was made in Sydney on April 16th and subsequently in Melbourne on April 17th.

Key Topics covered, along with an update on the organizations American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and Ameircan Citizens Global Foundation (ACAGF), were; 

  • What’s new for individual US taxpayers in 2019; the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
  • Tax & Financial Planning for Americans living in Australia & Overseas
  • What's new for US Taxpayers who are > 10% Shareholders in Small Businesses overseas;
  • Deemed Repatriation Tax, Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), where to get help.
  • Questions & Answers and Networking

SPEAKERS INCLUDED:

  • Moderator - Brian Dunhill - ACA Advisory Committee Member & US Expat Financial Advisor with Dunhill Financial
  • Leading Australian-based experts in tax and wealth management: David Laanemaa of Managing Director at Back9 Capital Management and Seth Hertz of Director at Expat US Tax.

 

ACA Global Foundation (“ACAGF”) is the sister organization of American Citizens Abroad, Inc. (“ACA”), which supports education and research on issues affecting Americans abroad.

Disclaimer: ACAGF and ACA were not responsible for any advice given at this event.


 

ACAGF Webcasts: Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (HR 7358), residency-based tax legislation for Americans living overseas

On March 13th and 14th, 2019, American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation (ACAGF) hosted two webcasts updating the community on the recently introduced legislation, Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (TFAA).

Introduced on December 20, 2018 by Representative Holding (R-NC), TFAA (H.R. 7358) would change the approach to taxing US citizens living and working overseas to a residency-based taxation—some call it territorial-- approach.  Americans overseas would no longer be taxed on income that is not earned in the United States.  This would bring the US in line with the global norm for taxation and would alleviate problems of double taxation and compliancy costs for millions of Americans overseas.

Invited to speak at the webcasts were Matt Stross, Tax Counsel for Representative Holding, ACA Legal Counsel Charles Bruce and, several tax professionals (March 13 bios) (March 14 bios). 

“ACA and ACAGF felt it important to have an update on the extensive work that Representative Holding’s office has been doing on this legislation and inform the community on next steps,” said Charles Bruce, ACA Legal Counsel and ACAGF Chairman.

The proposed legislation would work off the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and would create an exclusion for income earned outside of the United States by qualified non-resident US citizens. Stross highlighted that staff is working with the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) and the House Office of the Legislative Counsel to better define “some of the trickier issues” such as how to define personal property and how to tax gains related to foreign property before the taxpayer qualifies as a non resident citizen.

Mr. Stross noted that next steps included re-introducing of the bill in the new 116th Congress and assigning a new bill number and, requesting the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee to hold hearings on the bill in order “to get [the bill] the attention it so rightly deserves”.   Hearings by the House Ways & Means Committee will help to define issues, such as, whether failing to file a foreign bank and financial account report would disqualify someone from the legislation due to compliancy requirements, as was noted by Craig Thompson, independent tax advisor who participated in the webcast. Stephane Lagonico, lawyer and independent trust and estate practitioner who also participated in the webcast, added that more definition is needed to understand how the legislation will interact with the other parts of the tax code. 

“Response to the webcasts has been very positive and the community has written ACA and ACAGF expressing how important it was for them to hear about this legislation from the Office of Representative Holding.  ACA will be working to make the content from these webcasts more widely available in the coming days,” added ACA Executive Director Marylouise Serrato. 

For full audio of both the March 13th and 14th webcasts click here.


 

A Call to US Citizens, Dual Citizens and "Accidental Americans"

On March 12, 2019, the Stanford Alumni Association of Spain hosted the Washington DC-based American Citizens Abroad "ACA" to speak on the latest developments of tax legislation in the US Congress and on other ACA advocacy efforts. Nearly 80 persons attended and heard about ACA’s advocacy efforts for new tax legislation, the Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad Act (TFAA), the organization’s work in Washington, DC, and practical information on current US citizenship topics. Attending and speaking on behalf of ACA were Marylouise Serrato, Executive Director, and Karl JauchACA Board Member and go-to-person for topics on US citizenship, who presented current criteria for who is a US Citizen, including "Accidental Americans".

Tax and investment specialists offered important updates for US tax and investment strategies for 2018 filings as well as important investment information.

The specialists were:

Thelma Butts, President of the American Club of Madrid (http://www.americanclubofmadrid.com/)

Lucía Goy Mastromiechele, Managing Partner, Goy Gentile Abogados and Marcel E. Roche, Associate, Goy Gentile Abogados (https://www.goygentile.com)

Antonio Rodriguez, Financial Advisor, NML US Tax Consultants (https://www.ustaxconsultants.net/)

Mario Pérez Villarubia. Director, Private Wealth Advisory Team, Mutuactivos (https://www.mutua.es/)

After the presentations, attendees were invited to “break-out” into smaller groups where they could speak directly to the presenters and ask focused questions.

Many thanks to the Stanford Alumni Association of Spain and to Mutuactivos for organizing and supporting this informative event.


 

Town Hall Evening London

On Wednesday, 28 November 2018, ACA's UK chapter held its latest Town Hall Evening, bringing together several dozen members, followers and sponsors for a three-hour meeting at the Caledonian Club in central London. Topics included an Update from Washington, D.C. by ACA's own Charles Bruce, Legal Counsel and Chairman of the ACA Global Foundation, Jack Leuchtman, Regional Federal Benefits Officer Supervisor at the US Embassy who spoke on social security, and Alexa Fernandez, President of the US Alumni Club, who described her own organisation and synergies with ACA members.  After the break, Dan Hyde, Partner at Westleton Drake, spoke on the subject of "Navigating the Ever-Evolving Tax Maze for Expat Businesses Owners", followed by  David Foster, Partner at Frank Hirth, who presented his thoughts on "What it Means to be an American Taxpayer in the UK after Recent Tax Law Changes in the UK & US".  The evening concluded with an Expert Panel Q&A consisting of Dan Hyde, David Foster and Charles Bruce being joined by Jonathan Gold, Executive Director at London & Capital's US Family Office, for a lively and informative one-hour session responding to questions from the audience.  Huge thanks again to all of our speakers and sponsors, including Moneycorp. 


 

American Women's Club of Bern: Talking Taxes

17 September 2018 

On September 17th, Jonathan Lachowitz (ACA & White Lighthouse) and Marina Hernandez White Lighthouse and MH Tax) were invited to present to the American Women’s Club in Bern. 

Marina Hernandez gave a very informative presentation about the Tax Law Changes for Individuals as well as the top ten tax compliance mistakes she sees being made by American taxpayers in Switzerland. 

Jonathan Lachowitz presented an introduction of American Citizens Abroad, what the organizations purpose is as well as an update of the organizations many accomplishments, including on RBT and the SDFCU Credit Union account available to members. Jonathan finished the evening with the top 10 financial planning challenges Americans in Switzerland face and some ideas on how to overcome them.

This was the first ACA presentation in Bern in many years and we are very thankful to Jeannie Wurz and the American Women’s Club in Bern for the opportunity to present information about American Citizens Abroad. 

Click for details


 

Town Hall Evening Zurich, Switzerland, September 13, 2018

On September 13th, ACA held a Town Hall meeting at the French Church in Zurich, Switzerland. The event was attended by several dozen ACA members from the German speaking part of Switzerland, Germany and beyond and many non-members attended as well. Despite the bad weather there were still over 60 people at the event.  

Jonathan Lachowitz, ACA Board member and Vice Executive Director, opened the event by giving an update of ACA’s mission, accomplishments and activities in Washington, especially on Residency Based Taxation. Following the introduction, there was a panel discussion focusing on tax law changes for individuals and companies as well as Financial and Tax planning ideas for Americans resident in Switzerland.

Our tax panelists and sponsors, Marina Hernandez (White Lighthouse & MH Tax), Ken Freshman (KLR) and Clint Emerson (Moore Stephens International) presented the 2018 tax law changes for individuals and small businesses in an informative and lively discussion. They were able to answer dozens of questions for our audience who were very thankful to have such a professional and well- informed panel. The final presentation was from Jonathan Lachowitz (White Lighthouse) on financial and tax planning ideas for Americans in Switzerland, as well as an update on ACA efforts in Washington, DC and advocacy work on Residency-based taxation. 

A big thank you to all our panelists, sponsors and volunteers for another successful Town Hall event in Zurich! 

Presentation are available for members in the members-only section of the website. 


 

North American Expat Financial Forum in Paris

May 30, 2018

On May 30, 2018, Michael Larsen spoke at the North American Expat Financial Forum in Paris, an all-day event hosted by Dunhill Financial and the Adrian Leeds Group in the meeting rooms at the historic Chez Jenny. Over the course of the day, specialists in the areas of finance and property investments, tax and foreign exchange, spoke to a packed and energetic crowd. Mr. Larsen provided an update on ACA and views on the likelihood of residency-based taxation being introduced. By any measure the event was a great success, and we thank Dunhill Financial and Adrian Leeds Group for the invitation to speak.


 

Town Hall Evening Geneva, Switzerland, May 16, 2018

On May 16th, ACA held a Town Hall meeting at Webster University in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was attended by over 50 ACA members from the French speaking part of Switzerland France and elsewhere and many non-members attended as well. 

Jonathan Lachowitz, ACA Board member and Vice Executive Director, opened the event by giving an update of ACA’s mission, accomplishments and activities in Washington, especially on Residency Based Taxation. Following the introduction, there was a panel discussion focusing on tax law changes for individuals and companies as well as Financial and Tax planning ideas for Americans resident in Switzerland.

Our tax panelists and sponsors, Marina Hernandez (White Lighthouse & MH Tax), Francheska Pimental (KLR) presented the 2018 tax law changes for individuals and small businesses in an informative and lively discussion. The event was also sponsored by Margaret Conklin (CPA). Our tax professionals were able to answer many questions from the audience including very technical discussions for small business owners.  The attendees were very thankful to have a professional and experienced panel. The final presentation was from Jonathan Lachowitz (White Lighthouse) on financial and tax planning ideas for Americans in Switzerland.

A big thank you to all our panelists, sponsors and volunteers for another successful Town Hall event in Geneva and we look forward to coming back in 2019! 

 

Presentation are available for members in the members-only section of the website. 


 

 

ACA’s month of Town Hall Events in Italy, Switzerland and the UK. 

ACA’s management team was on a whirlwind tour of Europe and the UK hosting Town Hall Events in Rome, Basel, Zurich and London.

ACA’s events were intended to raise awareness and funds for RBT and educate the community on current topics of interest. 


 

Town Hall Rome, Italy, September 20th 2017

ACA began in Rome where on September 20th we hosted a Town Hall Evening at Hotel Domus in central Rome.  The event was well attended by the local American community, including representatives from the US Embassy who gave a short review of the US citizen services available from the US State Department. 

This presentation was followed by an ACA update on its advocacy work for RBT in Washington, DC.  Marylouise Serrato, Executive Director of ACA updated attendees on  ACA’s revenue estimating work with District Economics Group (DEG) and our door knocking up on the Hill with Congressional offices and the tax writing Committees.

Francesca Romana Rubino, an independent legal services professional and enrolled agent of the IRS then presented, “Top items every American taxpayer in Italy should know about.”  Francesca specializes in expatriate tax, social security, immigration and legal issues for foreigners in Italy and Italians abroad.  She handles preparation of Italian and US tax returns for individuals/expatriates. 

Francesca’s presentation covered a wealth of information on US tax filing obligations for Americans living overseas, as well as, Italian tax filing requirements.  Her presentation is available for members in the members-only section of the website. 

A Q&A session followed and the evening closed with traditional Roman “aperitivo” with snacks (more like a meal remember we were in Italy!) and drinks. This gave attendees an opportunity to speak directly with the presenters and mingle with other Americans living in Rome. 


 

London Fundraiser, September 22, 2017

On September 22nd ACA hosted a fundraiser at the Caledonian Club in central London. Charles Bruce, ACA Legal Counsel, Michael Larsen, ACA UK Chapter Chairman and ACA Board member, and Marylouise Serrato, ACA Executive Director, gave updates on its work in Washington, DC with Mr. Bruce providing insight into where ACA sees the current Administration and Congress heading on tax reform.  Both Mr. Bruce and Ms. Serrato spoke about ACA’s work on RBT and the revenue estimates and what a move to RBT might mean for individuals, investment advisers, asset managers and bankers. Mr. Larsen gave an update on ACA’s UK Chapter efforts and the UK Chapter’s work in supporting ACA efforts in Washington, DC.

Mr. Larsen gave an update on ACA’s UK Chapter efforts and the UK Chapter’s work in supporting ACA efforts in Washington, DC.


 

Town Hall Basel, Switzerland, September 26th 2017

On September 26th, ACA hosted a Town Hall Evening in Basel, Switzerland at the historic Zunftsall. Topics covered included IRS tax code developments in the new administration, financial and retirement challenges for US citizens abroad and last will and testament issues for US persons in Switzerland. 

The evening was kicked off with a cocktail hour hosted by sponsor Margaret Conklin where attendees to could mingle and meet the presenters. 

Presentations opened with ACA’s Executive Director Marylouise Serrato giving an update on its advocacy work for RBT in Washington, DC., updating attendees on ACA’s revenue estimating work with District Economics Group (DEG) and our door knocking up on the Hill with Congressional offices and the tax writing Committees.

Sponsors Anaford AG, Matthew Ledvina, CMS Switzerland, Tobias Somary, KLR, Francheska Pimentel and, White Lighthouse, Jonathan Lachowitz presented on current US tax filing requirements, estate planning and retirement planning.  Jonathan Lachowitz, presenter and ACA Board member moderated a lively follow-up Q&A.  The presentations and information was much appreciated by the 50+ crowd that attended. Presentation are available for members in the members-only section of the website.


 

Town Hall Zürich, Switzerland, September 27th 2017

On September 27th, ACA hosted its next Town Hall in Zurich Switzerland at the French Church Hall.  They same topics were covered as were presented at the Basel Town Hall the prior evening to a crowd of nearly 80 attendees. 

The Zurich Town Hall followed the same format as Basel with a presentation by ACA Executive Director Marylouise Serrato followed by topic presentations by Anaford AG, Milan Patel, CMS Switzerland, Tobias Somary, Margaret Conklin, Independent CPA and White Lighthouse, Jonathan Lachowitz.

ACA Board members Anne Hornung Soukup also presented on behalf of ACA, highlighting the long history of ACA’s work on Americans overseas issues.

Again, a lively Q&A closed out the evening with Jonathan Lachowitz moderating.  Presentation are available for members in the members-only section of the website. 

 

ACA thanks all the volunteers and sponsors who helped to make these events a success. 

For donations to ACA work on RBT please visit:  http://acaglobalfoundation.org/donate


 

Other Past Events 

North American Expat Financial Forum
ACA Town Hall Geneva May 17, 2017
ACA Participated in the 4th annual American Financial Forum hosted by the American Club of Brussels
Recap of December 1, 2016 Town Hall Evening London
November 16, 2016 ACA-Members/SDFCU educational webinar for Mexico and Canada residents
November 9, 2016: U.S. Presidential Election 2016 Breakfast
October 21, 2016: ACA-Members/SDFCU Webinar
November 8, 2016: American Election Night Celebration in Geneva
September 21 2016: Town Hall Evening Zürich
May 26, 2016: Town Hall Evening Madrid

 

North American Expat Financial Forum
Paris, May 30th 2017

Attention all ACA members and followers in the City of Light! On Tuesday, May 30th 2017, in the luxury of the meeting rooms at the historic Chez Jenny in Paris, ACA's Mike Larsen will join a first class list of speakers at the North American Expat Financial Forum, sponsored by Dunhill Financial and the Adrian Leeds Group. Free of charge. Included are four hours of presentations, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and your free copy of the American Financial Guide!  Optional dinner afterwards Chez Jenny for €42.50.
 
To reserve your spot please go to the event at http://adrianleeds.com/events/conferences/north-american-expat-financial-forum, download the pdf registration form, print it, complete it and scan and send it to contact@adrianleeds.com. Alternatively you can fax it to +1 415 5201429.
 
À bientôt!


 

American Citizens Abroad Town Hall Evening Geneva

American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (CEST)
Webster University, Bellevue-Geneva, Switzerland

On May 17th 2017 at Webster University American Citizens Abroad Global Foundation (ACA) conducted their annual Town Hall event working towards their mission to educate, advocate and inform. A panel of professionals in tax, legal and financial planning issues affecting overseas Americans presented on a variety of practical topics and answered dozens of questions for the over 80 attendees at Webster University. We thank Ken Freshman (KLR), Guillaume Grisel (Bonnard and Lawson) and Jonathan Lachowitz (ACA Board Member) for their contributions to the panel. Jonathan also presented an extensive update on ACA’s activities working on behalf of all overseas Americans and specifically to work with members of the US Government to educate them on the issues and to encourage better legislation. ACA would also like to thank the several sponsors of the event as well as the many participants who helped to raise well over $5000 that evening towards ACA’s funding of the scoring of our Residency Based Taxation proposal. We look forward to several more town hall events this year in September in Basel and Zurich and in London (TBA). 

Key Topics:
1. What’s new and expected for 2017 and beyond in the IRS Tax Code under the Trump Administration, and how these changes impact US tax filers living abroad.
2. As an American in Switzerland, what can or should I do in terms of estate planning: last will, living will, power of attorney, prenup, etc.
3. Retirement concerns for Americans wishing to retire in Switzerland or in the US.
4. Financial planning and banking issues for Americans overseas.
5. ACA and how it helps Americans overseas.
6. Over an hour of Q & A time.
 

Introduction: What is ACA doing today?


The Speakers were:

Guillaume Grisel -- Guillaume is a Swiss attorney and partner at Bonnard and Lawson. He works in international estate and tax planning in Switzerland.  He has developed many estate plans and done tax planning and compliance work over the last few years. He holds a Ph.D. in international law and a LL.M. from Cambridge University.

Kenneth Freshman (CPA) -- Ken is a US based tax advisor who heads up the Global Tax Services Group at KLR in Boston. He is a CPA/attorney with an LL.M. degree in taxation from Boston University. He works with numerous US expats including many based in Switzerland.

Jonathan Lachowitz (CFP®) -- Jonathan is a Board Memberof ACA; Certified Financial Planner in the US and Switzerland and owner of White Lighthouse Investment Management in Lausanne and Lexington, MA. Jonathan has written extensively on personal finance for the Wall Street Journal.
 
The ACA Global Foundation ("ACAGF") is the sister organization of American Citizens Abroad, Inc. ("ACA"), which supports education and research on issues affecting Americans abroad.

This event was organized under the auspices of The ACA Global Foundation ("ACAGF"), a sister organization of American Citizens Abroad, Inc. ("ACA, Inc.") which supports education and research on issues affecting Americans abroad.

Disclaimer:  Neither ACAGF nor ACA, Inc. can take responsibility for any advice that was given at this event.

 

ACA Participated in the 4th annual American Financial Forum hosted by the American Club of Brussels

On March 22, 2017, Mike Larsen, a member of ACA's Board and Executive Committee, as well as chair of ACA's chapter in the UK, participated in the 4th annual American Financial Forum hosted by the American Club of Brussels. Over the course of two hours, Mike joined senior representatives of leading local service providers to discuss the personal financial situation of Americans who reside in Belgium. Besides US Banking from Abroad: Intro to the State Department Federal Credit Union, topics included Efficient Digital Banking for Expats, US Taxes, US Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning and Reducing Currency Risk in a US Portfolio. Well-attended and particularly well-organized, we look forward to working closely with Brian Dunhill and his colleagues at the American Club of Brussels on future events. 


 

Recap of Town Hall Evening London

 

When:  Thursday, 1 December 2016

Where: London, England

 

December 1st London Town Hall with keynote speaker Penny Egan from the Fulbright Commission was well received.

On the evening of Thursday, December 1 ACA held its fourth annual London Town Hall Evening at the Royal Over-Seas League in St. James's. Over the course of nearly three hours and with media coverage provided by The American, ACA members and their guests were able to listen - and then pose questions to - a tremendous panel of senior specialists: Frank Hirth and Westeleton Drake provided timely insights on tax and reporting related issues (both US and UK), Tanager Wealth, discussed strategies on how to optimize finances, and Metro Bank, a newcomer to ACA's panoply of top-quality financial sponsors, gave an overview of their innovative approach to providing banking services to expats. Throughout the evening we were also delighted to introduce some of our other sponsors, including specialists from Brown Advisory and CS Global Partners, as well as TASIS, Florida State University, Kirker travel services and Kenneth Demsky, PhD. ACA's own Legal Counsel Charles Bruce provided an update on legislative issues and a taste for what we might expect from President-elect Trump, commenting that "all is on the table" including the possibility of much-needed tax reform.  We also heard from Ron Packowitz, Head of US Citizen Services at the US embassy in London, Patrick Gregory, author of the highly-acclaimed book "An American on the Western Front", a narrative history of an American serviceman in the First World War and Stacy Hilliard, Founder of American Voices International (AVI), a non-partisan Political Action Committee dedicated to representing US expats. Our keynote speaker was Penny Egan, CBE and Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in the UK. Penny gave a passionate and thoughtful discourse on the importance of educational and cultural exchange in the 21st century, highlighting the many achievements of the Fulbright Commission, including US College Day, the largest annual event of its kind in Europe.  All in all, a productive evening with much to follow-up on, all taking place in a fine venue!

 

Some of the topics covered during the evening included:

- Update from Washington featuring ACA Legal Counsel Charles Bruce

- Innovations in the banking sector including the ACA / SDFCU bank accounts for US expats

- Update on Non-domicile and other relevant US / UK tax legislation.  Are you prepared?

- Brexit: What does it mean for Americans living in the UK?

- General Tax / Estate and Wealth Planning Information: What should you be asking your adivors?

 

Click here for more details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-american-citizens-abroad-town-hall-evening-london-thursday-1-december-2016-tickets-29286952062 


 

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

5:00pm Guadalajara / Mexico City

6:00pm Quebec / Montreal / Toronto

 

ACA-Members/SDFCU Educational Webinar for Mexico and Canada Residents

 

A NEW TYPE OF US FINANCIAL ACCOUNT FOR AMERICANS ABROAD, INCLUDING THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A US RESIDENCE OR MAILING ADDRESS

Speakers: Michael Morris, Director of Member Engagement, State Department Federal Credit Union; Charles Bruce, Legal Counsel, ACA
 
Duration:  30 min. | Price: Free 

Click here for more information.


 

 Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

American Election Night Celebration in Geneva

Come watch history in the making!

Live Streaming CNN and Fox News Coverage
Live Music and Entertainment
Interactive Games, Refreshments, Raffle

November 8th, 2016  9:30pm to 5:00am

Ticket Prices:   Regular 80 CHF; Student 30 CHF
(a small processing fee will be added to your total)

Organized by the AENC Joint Committee of Geneva:
American Citizens Abroad Geneva Chapter,
The American International Club of Geneva,
The American International Women’s Club of Geneva,
Democrats Abroad Switzerland and Republicans Overseas

 Club and Press Release

 Full poster (revised version)


 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016


U.S. Presidential Election 2016 Breakfast


Join us to watch CNN coverage on big screen TV and to discuss the outcome of the U.S. Presidential Election 2016.


Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Park Hyatt, Beethovenstrasse 21, 8002 Zurich
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Event organized by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, Zurich  www.ancham.ch
ACA is a co-sponsor of this event

Registration fee CHF 90.00. Full no-show charge.


Event flyer (pdf)


 

Friday, 21 October 2016
16:00 London; 17:00 Zürich; 11:00 East Coast

ACA-Members/SDFCU Webinar

 

A NEW TYPE OF US FINANCIAL ACCOUNT FOR AMERICANS ABROAD, INCLUDING THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A US RESIDENCE OR MAILING ADDRESS

Speakers: Michael Larsen, Chairman, ACA UK Chapter; Michael Morris, Director of Member Engagement, State Department Federal Credit Union; Charles Bruce, Legal Counsel, ACA
 
Duration:  30 min. | Price: Free 


 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Town Hall Evening Zürich

WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (CEST)
WHERE: Église Française - Schanzengasse 25, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Key Topics:
1. Financial planning and banking issues for Americans overseas.
2. As an American in Switzerland, what can or should I do with respect to writing a Last Will & Testament?
3. What's new for 2016 in the IRS Tax Code and how do those changes impact US tax filers living abroad?
4. Retirement concerns for Americans wishing to retire in Switzerland or in the US.
5. What is ACA, Inc. and how does it help Americans overseas?
6. Over an hour of Q & A time.

Invited speakers:  Daniel Hyde, Milan Patel, Tobias Somary and Jonathan Lachowitz.

Presentation visuals:

1 - Introduction (About ACA)

2 - Cross-Border Estate Planning (Tobias Somary and Milan Patel)

3 - US Tax for Overseas Americans (Craig Tompson)

4 - Retirement Planning for Americans in Switzerland (Jonathan Lachowitz)



This event was organized under the auspices of The ACA Global Foundation ("ACAGF"), a sister organization of American Citizens Abroad, Inc. ("ACA, Inc.") which supports education and research on issues affecting Americans abroad.

Disclaimer:  Neither ACAGF nor ACA, Inc. can take responsibility for any advice that was given at this event.


 

TOWN HALL EVENING MADRID

Thursday 26th May 2016

“US TAX CODE, ESTATE PLANNING, BANKING, FATCA AND OTHER PERSONAL FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FOR US CITIZENS ABROAD”

Madrid Town Hall

INSTITUTO INTERNACIONAL c/ Miguel Angel 8, Madrid, Spain

ACA in cooperation with the ACA Global Foundation organized a successful Town Hall Evening for the first time in Madrid, held at the Auditorium of the International American Institute. The event was very well received by the American community living in Madrid having the presence of 78 attendees and a panel of 4 specialists on financial and US and Spanish Taxation.

The event started with an introduction made by Michael Larsen, ACA UK Chairman and ACA Board Member, who explained the history of ACA and initiatives we are currently focused on, including ACA’s partnership with the State Department Federal Credit Union, in effect giving Americans residing abroad and members of ACA access to backing services in the United States.  

Michael's presentation was then followed by a video where Marylouise Serrato, ACA Executive Director, explained in detail ACA's role, mission and efforts, which was followed by another video from ACA’s General Counsel, Charles Bruce, who presented an update from Washington on legal and regulatory issues.

The evening then continued with the Panel of Specialists who covered a wide range of subjects, ranging from basic principles of US Taxation that affect US persons living in Spain, to estate planning and reporting considerations, to wealth, financial and investment planning.

The panelist's presentations were followed by a lengthy Q&A session, with attendees voicing a wide range of concerns. The evening concluding with a networking cocktail where attendees continued to ask questions and expressed their happiness to have this type of event organized in Madrid.

The speakers included (click for visuals):

Pamela Perez-Cuvit (www.klimtgroup.com);

Milan Patel (www.anaford.ch); Fabricio Gonzalez (wwww.anaford.ch)

Marina Hernandez (www.white-lighthouse.com)

 

The ACA Global Foundation is the sister organization of ACA, Inc. and is a supporter of education and research on issues affecting Americans abroad.

Disclaimer: ACAGF and ACA, Inc. are not responsible for any advice given at this event.


Event flyer (pdf)


 
This ACA events page was updated on October 2020

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