From Michigan to London, a tax nightmare planning for retirement and children's education

“The nightmare began as we tried to plan for our future—retirement, investment accounts and education.”

— Christina Glennie

Dear Congress,

I am writing to voice my support and encourage you to support Rep. Darin LaHood’s Residence-Based Taxation for Americans Abroad Act.  

I LOVE being an American citizen.  It is a fundamental part of who I am, despite living in the United Kingdom for 35 years, since I was 22 years old.  I grew up in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan.   I didn’t seek to move abroad. I fell in love and, like other 22 year olds, decided to give it a go! We moved to the U.K. without a big plan.  I have worked the entire time, ironically, for American multinationals—my personal brand fits in better there. We had two children and I proudly passed on my U.S. citizenship, journeying every year to the embassy, registering them to vote, doing their taxes and mine every year.  

When we were young and poor, with little discretionary money to save, it was easy.  The nightmare began as we tried to plan for our future—retirement, investment accounts and education.  Every decent tax-efficient vehicle was closed to us as U.S. citizens due to the excessive reporting requirements to the U.S. government. Organisations simply refuse to have U.S. citizens on their platforms due to this complexity.

Every year, I pay 3,000 British pounds to complete our U.S. taxes. But I have only owed money once in 35 years, due to making an inappropriate investment. This is prohibitive.  My daughter, who is a civil servant, is also burdened with this. The way my husband and I have successfully planned for our future is to have any/most non-cash investments in his sole name. This is all great for us. Our marriage worked and is strong—but I am aghast at the risk this puts women in. Our daughter is just starting out with a partner--  I would NEVER advise this risky financial strategy for her! And for what outcome? I never owe tax! It just costs me every year to file due to high compliance costs and I also have to employ a dual qualified financial advisor, where the fees are DOUBLE what average people pay. I am happy to pay for advice, but double?! We vote in elections in the state of Michigan, but taxation is not a requirement for voting!

Why should I renounce?

Some of my colleagues just glibly say, why don’t you renounce?    Firstly, I am American to the core. I do not want to.  Every time I go through immigration and the officer says, “welcome home”, I still get butterflies. Secondly, life is long.  Our dual national son felt the pull and attended University in Wisconsin and now works in Washington, DC. If I had not passed on U.S. citizenship, he would not have had this right and opportunity. I shouldn’t be taking decisions based on taxation. When he went to college, he was literally out of state for every state due to his living circumstances. Even worse, due to the financial constraints of investing in the U.K., DUE SOLELY TO BEING A U.S. CITIZEN AND NON-RESIDENCE BASED TAXATION, funding his college years was very difficult.  We were lucky and blessed to be able to, but this would be out of reach for many people.

President Trump’s campaign promise

President Trump on the campaign trail said he would end double taxation.   He said, “I am going to end double taxation on our overseas citizens. You have been wanting this for years, and no one has listened to you. And you deserve it. And I’m going to do it.  It is the right thing to do.” I thank him for his support and hope he will make good on this promise. Ironically, if I wasn’t spending so much on compliance, I can assure you I would spend more money when I visit in the USA—a win-win for everyone. 

Please support Rep. Darin LaHood’s Residence-Based Taxation for Americans Abroad Act.  This is an urgent solution to a non-political, bipartisan issue affecting millions of Americans abroad. We are proud Americans—ambassadors every day for the greatest country in the world. Please don’t make us 3rd rate citizens because we live somewhere else, sometimes only temporarily, due to love, family, or work.

Sincerely,

Christina Glennie