Obama's expat tax stance

January 23, 2009 9:53 AM

What is Obama's position on tax exemptions for expats?

Does he plan to keep the status quo? Or does he plan to adjust the rates of taxation?

posted by occidental to work & money (4 comments total)

[comments removed - please feel free to not answer if you don't know the answer]
posted by jessamyn at 11:10 AM on January 23

The people who would have the answer to that are the Tax Policy Center . Their blog is great for keeping abreast of all of the new administration's proposed tax policies. Personally, I doubt there would be much incentive for the government to change their policies, as it's all governed by treaty anyway.
posted by ailouros08 at 11:11 AM on January 23

It's not addressed in his tax plan and a reduction wouldn't fit under any of the planks in his tax reform platform.
posted by smackfu at 11:22 AM on January 23

My understanding is that the tax exemption is because you pay taxes to your host country. $85,000 sounds in line with his domestic tax breaks. He also has to consider retaliation from foreign governments. That is, we collect taxes from expats living here, right? If he makes it more expensive to Americans to live (and spend) abroad then they're likely to make it harder for their citizens living here.

Considering the amount of support the President has in the expat community, I doubt he's going to change the rules. Or at least, I'd expect him to be sympathetic to your concerns.
posted by sbutler at 11:52 AM on January 23