Daisy

I identify with your SO!

I used both items in the UK and it was only when we were packing that I realised it would be a real wrench leaving them. Sad huh?!!! I couldnt bare to part with my much loved Bernina sewing machine (I make drapes) so included it with 'stuff' that was shipped over. Hubby was able to purchase a cheap transformer on the web. Its a heavy black box about 8"x 5" x 3" in size and the machine works fine, a tad slower than I was used to back in UK. I am really pleased we brought it over.

My 3 yr old dyson - I decided against shipping. I gave it to my daughter who is now hooked! We were able to purchase a dyson over here from Overstock at a very reasonable price.

Good Luck.

daisy

Would you kindly add my update to this list. Sorry I am late with the details!

June 9, 2008: Mail package to CSC

July 5, 2008: Biometrics Appt

October 16, 2008: Green card ordered

October 20, 2008: 10 year green card arrives in the mail

I didnt hear via email or see a change in status on my USCIS website account. My card was ordered on 16th and it arrived yesterday. Very fast happy end to the lifting conditions part of the journey.

Good Luck Everyone.

daisy

I can recommend Excess Baggage as a great shipper -- they do whole house removals as well as smaller moves. We had 20 boxes shipped by sea (should be with us by the end of next month). They gave us as much bubble wrap as we wanted, delivered extra boxes when we needed them, picked up the boxes on time and even texted us 15 minutes before the driver arrived to give us the heads up.

I chose them after getting excellent recommendations on this site!

Ditto..

We used Excess Baggage. They were EXCELLENT. Provided as many boxes as we needed (they returned with extra as I needed more), kept to the quote and kept us up to date on the shipment until delivery at our home here. 19 boxes (most small plus two large picture boxes) by sea 650 pounds sterling in Sept 06. Paperwork was easy to fill out. We packed ourselves but they will do the packing for you if required.

Good luck with your journey.

daisy

Good luck with the sale of your house. Should you decide to rent it out, your agent is correct in that they or the tenant retain basic tax (on rental income levels over a certain amount) and pay you the net amount only. You then claim back any tax you are owed from Inland Revenue subject to your allowances and any expenses at year end.

Alternatively you are able to apply to IR for permission to receive the gross rent from the agent/tenant, paying the tax in the following tax year. Obtaining the permission is subject to having your tax affairs up to date. The advantage is that you put the 'tax' in your savings account and gain the interest prior to paying IR.

www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/nr_landlords

When you firm up a date re. leaving the UK, send in form P85 to IR and claim any tax you are owed.

With regard to un-earned income, I thought exactly the same there must be others in the same position declaring both sides of the pond.

Happy Reading.

daisy

Excellent suggestion Boiler. A link would be wonderful! Not only for anyone in this position but also for the CPA concerned who would get the business!

Our figures are relatively simple, we are not mega earners. Its the interpretation of what goes where and working out when IRS or UK take precedence that is exhausting!!

I finalised the UK return and put it in the post yesterday. I am sure the Inland Revenue will get back if they find any discrepencies.

That is of course if I have posted the paperwork to the correct address.

daisy

We live to the east of the Sierra Nevadas, in the high desert along the 395 between LA and Mammoth. Its an amazingly beautiful part of the world. Apart from when you need to shop or consult a tax advisor!!! Our closest mall is a 3 hour return drive.

The people do make up for it though, those I have met have been warm and very friendly. Slow, slow pace of life. Reminds me so much of Mayo, Ireland. Apart from the weather! Like going back in time.

daisy

Thank you so much to all responding!

We live in a small town way out in the boonies. The local professionals did not come across as informative with regard to UK income and what to do with it when we were doing our US taxes, earlier in the year. The experience did not inspire us with confidence so we decided to use turbotax and a mirriad of IRS helpsheets. It turned out well and correct.

We are not too worried about paying for the advice as we are able to write off the fee. It is more a case of finding an experienced pro that really knows what they are talking about. We were just unlucky. Understandable as it does get complicated.

(I am not kidding when I say we live in a SMALL town the careers advisor at the local college asked if my accent was Australian, and when I responded 'no Im from England' she went on to say: 'Oh yes, Ive been to Italy!!!' Bless her!)

I guess we will need to head into LA for an expert if necessary.

Thanks again.

daisy

Thanks guys.

We have claimed my earned income within the $80k exemption but were advised that rent is un-earned income and therefore outside of the $80k earned income exemption. Hence declared and taxed separately in US.

Treated as taxable in the UK too, cos the UK revenue says so! As mentioned, Ive done so much reading my eyes are popping!!!!

Once these first couple of bitty years of returns are out of the way Im sure they will all fall into a pattern. This is the first year of me living in the US but still falling into UK resident catagory.

As the tax years do not run concurrently I can see it makes sense for us to adjust on next years US return. Happy to hear from anyone else in same boat!

Thank you.

daisy

Taxes!!!

We live in California but have retained our house in England. We let it out.

Attempting to work the revenue returns ourselves. We have declared the un-earned income from the UK rental in our US return and paid the tax. We are now finalising the UK tax return and again declaring the income.

My eyes are crossed from reading so many Revenue downloads. Im stumped as to who we actually claim back the double payment of tax from. Is it the UK or US? Does the UK issue some type of receipt that we are able to include in our next tax return here in the US and offset the tax?

Any takers? Is anyone in a similar situation or does anyone know of a site where I can find info re non-resident landlords?

Thank you in anticipation!

daisy

Congratulations!!!

Doesnt it feel good? My Cali license arrived in the mail yesterday, I took the test two weeks ago. I am so happy to have it over and done with and the license in my purse.

Happy driving.....

daisy

Im so sorry you are having a horrid time.

Go gently on yourself.

Give your son a huge hug and remind him he is not at fault. Unfortunately these things happen in life.

We all need to be able to show our vulnerabilities NO matter how strong we appear.

Life issues have this way of hitting us when least expected. Choose your moment and sit down with hubby and share your feelings. Most important is that you both face issues together as a team.

Sending you a huge {{{{{HUG}}}}}

daisy

Beautiful happy photos!! Much joy to you both.

daisy

Many thanks for your help everyone.

I got on-line last night and worked through the assessment. It was customer service based and nothing to worrry about - mainly behavioural, all yes or no answers. Then two pages of english grammer multiple choice and two of math -- 200 questions in all.

The only question that sticks out is the only one I didnt answer!!! Two cars going round a track, one takes 2 mins the other 1.5 mins to complete the journey. How often does the faster car pass the other? .... I was like hmmmmmmm.

Otherwise all was a doddle. I dont know why I got myself in such a state over it.

Life is funny, you can work for many years, feel full of confidence and a sense of success at what you do. Then emigrate, remove yourself from familiar surroundings and out of the workplace for 6 months and its POW! Fine line to becoming a blob of jelly! Of course Im not going to let any prospective employer know that... until Ive been with the co. at least ohhhhh a year, because underneath all this change I is good!!

Thanks very much again.

daisy

I went for a job interview at a local bank this morning that went well although I left thinking hmmmm, they think Im over experienced for this role. Its difficult to put across that you are happy to do even the basics to be back in the work place again without employees feeling you will want their job. I dont.... I just want A job!!! ) Im looking for balance not status.

Two hours after the interview I get a call requesting I complete an on-line assessment. Does anyone have any experience of doing one of these? What is web profiling all about and where does this assessment figure in the process? Are they behavioural or skill based? The home page tells me nothing. In the UK Ive always been lucky enough to just talk my way into jobs on the back of my resume.

I tried looking for some sample assessments but couldnt find any.

If anyone can give me any info or point me in the right direction I would be so grateful.

many thanks, daisy

Any amount over 5k use a broker for highest rate/no bank charge. We opted for HIFX, easy to set up an account with them and money transferred into our US bank ac in a couple of days. Keep an eye on exchange rate prior to purchasing the dollars.

Good luck.

daisy

I sympathise! Try www.britishgrocers.com or pay them a visit if you are in Las Vegas. They are pricey, but I guess that depends on how desparate you are for a cuppa. I seem to remember someone mentioning a brit store close to Camarillo also??

Two of my girlfriends were here visiting last week from the uk and brought me a great big box that will last until the next visitors come out.

Good Luck.

daisy

Wishing you both all the happiness in the world. Ive been saying a quiet little prayer for you guys, you have overcome more than the basic set of visa challenges and are an inspiration to so many.

Have a wonderful re-union and a long and happy life together.

daisy

Lovely news. Happy happy re-union!

with very best wishes, daisy

We are so very happy to read you now have the visa at last. Excellent news on the job front too. Have a wonderful, wonderful re-union.

with very best wishes, daisy

Many congratulations to you both. That approval is the greatest feeling ever huh?

Happy dancing, you are on your way to interview stage!

with best wishes, daisy

Good Luck!

with best wishes, daisy

This was such an enjoyable read. Thank you for sharing.

with best wishes, daisy

Yes, US citizen is allowed to enter London embassy for interview too. Hubby came in with me. Bring your passport with you.

Good Luck and very best wishes, daisy

Its a GREAT feeling isnt it? We were jumping up and down for joy back in Jan when our file reached NVC.

Good luck with the remainder of your journey. Aussie's shortcut guide is excellent to read and prepare from during this stage.

with very best wishes, daisy

When you find your church make an appointment to see the parish priest. Build up a rapport with him, explain your situation and go from there.

Yes, the non-catholic partner is asked to agree that children will be brought up in the catholic faith.

Your happiness shines from your photo. The priest will pick up on this!

We had our marriage blessed here in England in June. We are both first marriage divorcees. Hubby is obviously not from this parish. It was the most beautiful ceremony and the priest couldnt of been more accommodating.

Good Luck.

With very best wishes, daisy