45th DA Celebration

Democrats Abroad is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this October!

Democrats Abroad in Vaud are kicking off the DA 45th Anniversary festivities with a party on Sunday October 4th, in the charming village of Bursins, at a private home overlooking Lac Leman nestled within the Vaudois vineyards. Come join American families for a Sunday afternoon of games for the kids and political fun for adults. A small contribution to Democrats Abroad is requested of only $20 per family. Be sure to select “Bursins 45^th celebration” from Event the drop down menu.

We will also hold a prize drawings to win one of several fabulous gift baskets. Participate in your chance to win for an additional $40 contribution to DA online (under Bursins 45^th celebration” event). If you cannot attend the party, you can still make a contribution to enter your chance to win a basket! All goods have been donated by our members to help DA fill our coffers for the 2010 elections. Join in the fun and support our efforts to make this a fund-raising success! You will not be disappointed!

Send us an email at events@democrats.ch to let us know the names of those coming and if you contributed to the prize drawing! For more information on the event visit: http://www.democratsabroad.org/Bursins_45th

More DA 45th Anniversary parties planned around Switzerland in 
Geneva on 14 October and Zurich on 15 October.

For more information about DA celebrations around Switzerland click here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/9657

And for a printable event flyer can be found on the Democrats Abroad website at: http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/Bursins_45th.png

Podcast of US Tax Meeting in Vaud

News Update: IRS extends the voluntary disclosure deadline to 15 October 2009 from 23 September 2009

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On August 31st, 65 Americans attended the Dems Abroad Vaud meeting on US taxes in Lully. To listen to a podcast of the full meeting, click on the image below.

Speakers (L-R): Jonathan Lachowitz, Geoffrey DeHaven, David Hirsberg

At times, the sound quality is too low to hear questions from the audience. (file is iPod/iPhone compatible!)

If you would like to contact our guest speakers, contact details are below. (Click on their names for their email address and company to be linked to their website)

Geoffrey DeHaven, Enrolled Agent & US Certified Financial Planner (TM), US Tax Abroad with 19 years experience as a US tax planner. Based in Brussels - Tel. +32 11 58 92 61

David Hirsberg, Partner of Withers LLP specializing in US tax law based in Geneva - Tel +41 22 593 7777

Jonathan Lachowitz, Certified Financial Planner (TM) and Investment Advisor, White Lighthouse based in Lausanne - Tel. +41 22 548 1431

Click here for copy of Jonathan Lachowitz' presentation in which you will find very helpful information.

Need the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts FBAR form (TD F 90-22.1)? Download it here. It must be mailed back to U.S. Department of Treasury and arrive (not postmarked) by 23 September 2009 with a note explaining why it is late (deadline was 30 June but extension permitted until 23 Sept. 2009).

Read a clear explanation about your options.

UPDATED INFORMATION: Read the written answers to questions sent to us by email before the meeting. Many thanks to Geoff DeHaven for taking the time to answer them.

Summary of U.S. Tax information
This compilation was put together by our member, Susan Stuber, based on these two tax information meetings as well as interviews and correspondence with, chiefly, Geoffrey DeHaven. It is meant as a guideline to your most pressing questions; if you desire further information, there are footnotes to guide you to the relevant web links. At the end of the day, however, you will be well-advised to have a tax advisor who is versed in U.S. tax regulation.

SAVE THE DATE

DA Vaud members are invited to a party at member's home in Bursins to celebrate the 45 anniversary of Democrats Abroad.

Mark your calendars for Sunday October 4th, 3-6pm!

More details coming soon...