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jadmac

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Posts posted by jadmac

    Pension Question US or UK Planning?

    in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

    Posted

    Hi guys, 

    So I'm 32 and have decided to continue paying UK NI contributions. 

    I am currently self-employed, so I've also opened up a US based 401k. 

    I've been made aware of factors like the Windfall elimination provision (WEP). 

    I'm also interested to know how your US spouses pension comes into it too? 

    In any case, I'm just wondering how to navigate this area? Resources on the issue seem to be very sparse and since it's multifaceted, I don't quite know how each influence the other. 

    Would you focus on a US pension? Does a spouses pension a consideration? 




     

    Extension letter CR1 travel

    in Working & Traveling During US Immigration

    Posted

    Hello, 

    My conditional green card expires on 16th November. 

    The earliest I can apply for removal of conditions is 18th of August. 

    I want to travel 18th of August or around about there for two weeks and then return. 

    I have been made aware of the delays and need to travel with an extension letter, but does this apply to my situation? 

    Any advice welcome as I'm really getting confused whether I can apply for removal of conditions on the 18th and then travel and return without an extension letter? 

    Also, how is the extension letter received? Is there a lengthy waiting period? 


     

    Removal of conditions and vacation

    in Working & Traveling During US Immigration

    Posted

    17 hours ago, Daphne . said:

    They take a loooooong time to process, I am almost 2 years in and counting :) You will receive a 48-month extension letter and are free to travel and continue working. Make sure to always bring your expired greencard and unexpired extension letter with you when you travel. I have done so many, many times without any issues.

     

    Have a great trip!

    Thanks for the info. 

    You say you need to travel with the letter....any ideas on when I would likely receive this letter? Is it an immediate online print out? Or....
     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    48 minutes ago, ROK2USA said:

    I am so sorry you are going through these difficulties. 

     

    If the parents know of your existence and your partner hasn't told them he is married to you AND he petitioned your green card (but you are just a friend/ a roommate? A guy visiting from the UK for a few months?)

     

    He is (essentially) still in the closet (are you really sure he has come out to his parents?). 

     

    Eventually, his parents will discover the true nature of your relationship and I can't imagine they'll be happy about being lied to for months/years?

    This is way beyond the scope of this forum. Your partner needs to confront his internalized homophobia.

     

    You are scared of making him choose between you and his parents but he has already chosen his parents. You need to fight for your relationship. 

    This is not a small issue, and you are well aware it has the potential to break up your marriage (it doesn't matter how great your relationship usually is).

     

    From your previous posts, you've only been in the US since November. I can see why you are a little worried about your status here. But, the divorce waiver is an option. You do not have to stay in a relationship with someone who won't acknowledge your existence to their family.

     I wouldn't give up yet. I would continue to talk to your partner. Have those difficult conversations. If you can afford it, push for couples therapy (and maybe suggest your husband goes to individual counseling).

     

    I am curious about the visits the parents have... how often do they visit? Are they coming over and staying in your home for several days or are they just visiting for an afternoon?

    The answer really doesn't matter... what matters is you feel like you're compromising your values and your partner is not being truthful about his relationship/marriage status. He needs to be honest about what's happening... and I wouldn't be surprised if his parents already suspect you're in a relationship/married but are also happy to play along with the fiction he just has a roommate... (why else would you have to leave the home when they visit?). 

    Hi and thanks for the input....

    I think it's a case of him not wanting to offend or risk his relationship with his parents tbh. 

    The parents visit a few times a year and are coming to stay in the house for at least a week each time. 

    But yeah, ultimately, it's only tolerable for so long, nobody should be expected to live like this, hence my reservations! 
     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    18 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

    That makes perfect sense. Still sucks but now I understand better. 

    He hasn't even told them about you. That hurts, and I think he is putting too much focus on their so called Christian/conservative beliefs. They didn't walk away from him when he came out, then he needs to give them a chance to figure out their own thoughts about being married. Stop putting his own fears of how his parents will react and let them figure it out on their own. Sorry not what you asked. 

     

    Yes immigration wise you are safe. Talk to your husband and explain to him that he needs to have a heart to heart with his parents.

    Yeah I've tried...I feel like it getting to the point where I am having to beg almost, which doesn't feel good...I guess at some point it's a choice for him to make! 



     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    5 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

     

    Is it your husband who is pressuring you to leave because he thinks it would make it easier for his parents while visiting? 

    If this is coming from your husband and not the in-laws then he needs to suck it up. It's him he is worried about not them. If they are coming to visit their son who they know is in a same sex marriage then they are not the ones with the issues. He is and he needs to learn how to be the son and husband as an adult not a child of his parents. They seem to be open enough to want to visit. That says a lot and they probably want to get to know you also and see how happy their son is. 

     

    Now if this is the in-laws that are requesting this then all bets are off. Their son is in a same sex marriage and they need to overcome their stuffiness or not visit. 

     

    Now for a little very short story. 

    I have a friend with a very toxic mother in law. She does pack up and gets out of dodge when she comes around. She tried for years and took so much abuse from this woman it is crazy. My friend's husband will not cut his mother out of their lives so she leaves and takes a little vacation while he struggles with his mother and the 3 kids. The mother in -law  will turn everything around to be about her and blame my friend. Her husband has stood up to his mother and she has stormed off, made all kinds of woe is me stuff on FB to make my friend out to be the bad guy and how she turned her son out against her. They even moved across country to get away from her and she still pulls this stuff. See why my friend takes a vacation :) she needs it. Anyway, this is not your situation and you want to be around. You just need to find out what is the right path for you. Like my friend and her husband you said you also have a great relationship the rest of the time. So once or twice a year to my friend a little break is no big deal. 

    It's not very clear tbh. 

    Basically, they know he is gay and they know I am a friend but they do not know we are married. 

    I feel he is extremely close to his parents, who are obviously Christian and conservative. I wouldn't say they are necessarily toxic or aggressive, I'd just say he doesn't want to disappoint them. I'd say that is the main motivation in all of this. 

    So, I think he just wants me to leave temporarily while they visit to save face as he doesn't want to face the issue and instead would rather have the best of both worlds e.g. time with his parents and then I'd return. 

    Obviously I am not happy about the situation, but at the same time I am finding myself in a very difficult situation. Firstly, I do not want to drive a wedge between him and his parents, or feel like I am applying pressure, but at the same time I feel I need to assert my own boundaries and maintain my self respect. 

    Ultimately, I would not be willing to live like this long term, so my main reasoning for posting it here was to see where I stood in terms of immigration law and maintaining my green card....I have sacrificed a lot and I also don't want to sacrifice my own values over fear of losing my status etc. 












     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    58 minutes ago, mytruelove18 said:

    So his parents dont know he is gay?

    They know, but don't know about any details of relationship status etc 

    1 hour ago, Daphne K said:

    Your immigration status should not dictate your position within your marriage. You have 2 options I think:

     

    1) stand your ground and tell your spouse that something needs to change in this arrangement. 

    2) understand that his parents are very conservative and put up with it because you don’t want to cause an issue.

     

    I just wonder how long your spouse wants to keep this up? How long do they want to keep this marriage hidden? 

     

    Me too! I don't like the situation but feel like I have no other choice. 

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    45 minutes ago, PaulaCJohnny said:

    Is this property your home? Or you are talking about them?

    Like, you and your spouse have a home together (pay for it, etc) and when his/her parents came to visit they want you out or like they don’t want you to live there?

    Is the property in your name?

    Our property alone...its not a case of them not wanting to visit etc, it's just that they are extremely conservative and don't agree with their sons lifestyle etc 

    52 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

    This is a "Dear Abby"  type question and u can write to her % Chicago Sun-times

     

    My 2 cents-  the parents can stay in a hotel and the USC can visit them or take them out to dinner with or without u 

    if u went to dinner with your spouse ,  a true Christain would not make an issue (a scene) in public

    No idea what you are referring to but don't appreciate my bloody situation being trivialised. 

     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    1 minute ago, Daphne K said:

    We are all just trying to figure out why you specifically mention your CR1 visa in regards to your issue. 

     

    Do you think they can do anything to get you deported? Is that what you are worried about? They don’t have the right to force you out if your property if it is yours.

     

    What does your partner say about all this? I think it is mportant that you are a united front.

    I am not worried about being deported, I am a permanent resident and we are otherwise in a very happy relationship. 

    However, essentially, it seems that his parents are precedent over the relationship atm. 

    Right now I just feel that I am worried about forcing my position or at least being strong on it since I am on a CR1 visa (permanent resident) i.e. I am feeling a little secure about being to aggressive. 




     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    Just now, Rocio0010 said:

    Sorry if I sound condescending, but it’s important to use the correct terms in order to get the proper help. You’re not a visa holder anymore, you’re a permanent resident.

    I don’t think there’s a special protection or anything special you can do immigration- wise. 
    But where does your spouse stand in all of this? If you live in your own home and you’re forced to leave when they visit, I think you should have a heart- to- heart with your spouse and ask them yo stand up for you. It’s your house, your rules

    Sure, that's an easy stance to take, but I don't want to force him to burn bridges with his parents? 

    What would you do in my situation? 




     

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    Just now, Chancy said:

     

    Are you in the US already?  If not, I don't see how having a CR1 visa relates to staying on any property.  I'm trying to figure out what immigration-related issue you have so I can move this thread to the appropriate forum.

     

    So basically, I am currently going along with everything as I feel like I am in a precarious position where I almost have to?  

    1 minute ago, Chancy said:

     

    Are you in the US already?  If not, I don't see how having a CR1 visa relates to staying on any property.  I'm trying to figure out what immigration-related issue you have so I can move this thread to the appropriate forum.

     

    I am in the USA yes

    CR1 visa issue

    in Effects of Major Family Changes on Immigration Benefits

    Posted

    Hi guys, 

    So I am in a complicated situation, essentially me and my spouse are fine...however, his parents are extremely religious and anti-gay, so I am essentially being pressurised to leave the property when on a CR1 visa whilst they visit. However, I don't want to and feel that I am being forced to surrender my own values so that he doesn't cause animosity with his parents. 

    What options are available to me? Do I have to just accept this? 

    Working for my UK employer when living in the USA

    in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

    Posted

    On 11/24/2021 at 10:09 PM, Wuozopo said:

    @jadmac

     

    Forgot to remind you in my reply above that since part of your year was in the UK, that income qualifies for the foreign earned exclusion. So even though you are reporting all of it, the part while residing in the UK isn’t taxed.by the US. It gets subtracted out on Schedule 1

    #

    Thanks again for all your help and sharing your experiences, much appreciated! 

    Working for my UK employer when living in the USA

    in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

    Posted

    On 11/12/2021 at 2:32 PM, Wuozopo said:

    My wife has used TurboTax since way before I arrived, but she also reads IRS topics and publications  and understands whatever new situation  comes along, like my self-employment and foreign income exclusion first year. TurboTax is not going to teach you taxes just by saying yes or no to a question if you have no clue what the question means. Make sense?  
     

    So we purchase the cd every year and install on the desktop computer. You can create all the returns you want to examine which is best for you and just save under a different file name. You don’t have to wipe out your one online return in progress to try out filing separately vs jointly or any “what if” situations if you want. You can have many going at once. You pay for the software and that’s your price—-no add on costs that online can stick you with. Yes the cd encourages you to upgrade or pay for audit defense, etc, but we never do. Auditing by the IRS is extremely rare for regular blokes with little money. They need their resources to check out the big fish. 

     

    With TurboTax Deluxe, you can handle your Foreign income exclusion which is likely your first year when you earned part year in UK  and part residing in US. If you go the self employed contractor route for your UK boss, Turbo has the Schedule C (profit/loss from your “business”) and any allowed business deductions. Schedule SE (self employment tax)which is just your contribution for social Security and Medicare. If one is an “employee” the boss takes it out of your check and sends to IRS, but as self-employed you pay yourself to IRS calculated by Schedule SE. Most of that just gets done by TurboTax in the background. It knows your name, SSN, earnings, self-employed, etc and just creates the form and sticks everything where is goes.  If you have lots of investments, all the big firms like Edward Jones, Fidelity. Schwab are available to download the years’ data straight into Turbo. It puts everything where it needs to go and creates Schedule B and D. That would be interest, dividends, stock sales, capital gains. Magic! And going year to year it imports your names, address, birth date, SSN,  marital status, where you had investments the previous year, etc  and you don’t have to enter manually again. It just asks you to check the accuracy or edit/delete if anything changed  Time saver subsequent years.  And the more you do it, the more familiar it becomes. 
     

    Bottom line if you want to do your own taxes for $40 ($50 if you have state income tax) with the cd software, you can, but you need to understand some basic concepts for best results. You can find all you need from the IRS website when you don’t know. Many just wing it and seem to do okay too. And if you aren’t interested in ever knowing anything about taxes, you can bundle up all your information and pay somebody $$$ to do it for you. It just depends on your personality and what suits you…DIY or just pay somebody to have it done for you. 

    Hi again, 

    Thanks for the insights and sorry for my late response, just been settling in over here and really need to get this one ticked off my list. 

    So can I ask what would happen if the employer just sends me the payment without any deductions? I think I will be classed as a self-employed contractor. I really can't see them applying for the EIN or 1099, which I saw you mention happen to you and it didn't really impact you filing? 

    Also, how do I actually file? In the UK it's all automated, but I'm assuming I need to do the following: 

    1. Register as a self employed contractor? Do you have any idea where to do this? 
    2. File my taxes? I'm assuming this is done via Turbotax, but what information do I need to provide it exactly? Am I likely to have everything required if I've just moved here? 

    Thanks again for your assistance, it's much appreciated. 




     

    Working for my UK employer when living in the USA

    in Tax & Finances During US Immigration

    Posted

    19 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

    @jadmac  there’s more….

     

    here’s a whole thread that touches on more things you might want to know. It’s a UK poster.

    https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/757210-p85-queries/?tab=comments#comment-10385401

     

    My two posts to you will hopefully give you some general concepts for starters even though in cut/paste randomness. . Ask specific questions once you have digested a bit. 

     

    Thanks so much for this, much appreciated! 

    Where does the turbo software fit in with all this? I.e. what does it actually allow you to do? 

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