Happy tax season! It’s a little known fact that the United States is the only first world country in the world that Taxes its expats and given that it’s tax season, I’m annoyed. Yup, this year we’ll be writing checks to both Japan and the United States. While I have no problem paying taxes for services I’m currently using, I do take issue with being taxed twice.

So, today I took a page out of Uncle Ernie’s book (he used to send love notes to Bill Clinton regularly) and wrote the government a letter. Now, I doubt my letter will get me on as many lists as Uncle Ernie may be on, I’m still hoping to get a response.

And because I’m mildly excited at my own pro activity, here is the letter I’ve sent to my representatives (I was last a legal resident of WA, thus they claim me):

A warning for those who are a touch conservative: YOU MAY NOT LIKE THIS.

Hello,

I am writing you today in reference to the following:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-1140

As an American currently living in Japan and facing taxes in two countries I was hoping to find out where you stand on this bill. To my understanding the United States is one of the few countries in the world that currently places taxes on its overseas residents and as a person abroad I am hoping you will amend this. Please understand that while living overseas I will pay said taxes as long as required, but not without more than a little frustration. While I understand the concept of paying for public services, government workings and such, I do have to question if my taxes should be paid to services I have not come into contact with since moving overseas.

Living in Japan, I am currently taxed on a National and Local level for services I am using, this I take no issue with. However, is it a reasonable financial burden to be asked to pay taxes to two nations? As I currently see it I am paying double taxes simply for carrying a US Passport. Given that I am likely to be permanently placed abroad through my company, this is something that will continue to effect me in the future.

If you could please let me know your point of view on the above, I would appreciate it. Given my last permanent address in the US was in Bellevue, I believe you are the correct contact. If I am mistaken, could you please let me know?

Regards,

M

I’ll let you know if they respond.