David McKeegan’s Journey with Greenback Tax Services

March 4, 2024 - Participants include:

 

David McKeegan - Greenback Tax and Cleer Tax

John Richardson - Expatriationlaw

I had the opportunity to chat with David McKeegan, the founder of Greenback Tax Services. Greenback continues to be a major player in the "expat tax world" offering US tax prep services to Americans abroad throughout the world. The story of Greenback is interesting and demonstrates that U.S. taxation is what unites all Americans abroad.

 

What follows is the AI generated description of the interview.

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"Join us in this insightful interview with David McKeegan, founder of Greenback Tax Services, as he dives deep into the complexities of U.S. taxation for Americans living abroad. Having started his tax preparation service while living overseas himself, David explores the painful lessons and triumphs that led to the growth of this thriving business. From recognizing a widespread tax-related problem among expats in 2008, to coping with the rigours of the 2017 Tax and Jobs Act, this conversation serves as a masterclass in understanding the difficulties in navigating cross-border tax issues for Americans abroad.

Delve into the gravity of U.S. tax laws and their repercussions on American citizens striving to earn their livelihood beyond the country's shores. Discover the concept of the "Accidental American" and the ambiguity in U.S. taxation laws for residents paying taxes in countries with higher tax rates than the U.S. The interview critically examines the U.S. Government's perception of a "tax cheat", questioning if undue attention is given to expats over local taxpayers.

Engage in an intriguing discussion around the actual worth of the U.S. citizenship, especially under the weight of hefty taxes, and ponder over the idea of selling citizenship as a future solution. Get a clear picture of how the U.S. sits in the same taxation boat as countries like Eritrea and North Korea, both notorious for taxing their citizens regardless of their residency. The conversation concludes with the challenges faced by expats in planning retirement due to U.S. taxation laws and posits a need for an overhaul in the system.

The episode further evokes a strong dialogue around the potent role of the expat population in politics and taxation. Gain an understanding of the political ramifications of the U.S. citizenship taxation law and the obstacles facing expats in remote voting. In his candid conversation, David underscores the necessity of seeking advice from a tax preparer well-versed in expat taxes, and shows skepticism towards the chances of a reform in the U.S. citizenship taxation law. Immerse yourself in this enlightening discussion for real-world insights on critical expat taxation issues."