It’s bad enough being an American abroad if you were born and raised in the country and still consider it home. It’s infinitely worse for “accidental” Americans born in the United States but who have few connections to the country other than the expense and hassle of filing two annual tax returns plus FATCA and FBAR forms.

A young American in Australia shares his experience trying to comply with a U.S. tax system designed to thwart hard-core tax evaders but which prevents normal people from leading normal lives.

Christina’s nightmare began as she and her husband tried to plan for their future—retirement, investment accounts and their children’s education.