Quote:
Originally Posted by ITT666
Spiv and Pooter for example, how much time have you guys spent back home in the last 10 years? Have you paid any taxes to your home countries in the last 10 years?
I've been home for a month in the last 4 years. You will never lose your citizenship, although you may lose some privileges associated with residency.
For example, as an Australian, if I live overseas and then only visit home temporarily, then I am not eligible to receive treatment under the public health system. In order to qualify I have to show proof that I will be residing in Australia for the near future (e.g. utility bills etc).
As far as taxes go, for most countries (the USA is an exception), you only pay taxes on income earned in that country. So if you are living and earning overseas then you are not liable for taxes in your home country.
If I was to get a job here in Thailand I wouldn't have to pay tax to the Australian government on that income, but I do have to pay tax on the income I earn from renting out my house in Australia - because that money is earned in Australia.
US citizens do have to pay tax on money earned abroad, but there is an exclusion for the first $100k, so it only really applies to expats on huge salaries.