Reply #17

If you're trying to make a point, it would be better made if you don't twist what I say. Make your arguments on their own points.

The simple act of paying taxes doesn't give you franchise, I never said that. What I did say is that to participate in franchise, you need to pay your fair share. Allow to explain the difference.

Here it how it works -- I can try to put this to a "Schoolhouse Rock" tune if it will help but that will take me longer.

If you make an income -- you must file -- even if you're an American citizen living abroad.

-- If you file and it turns out you don't owe then you've already paid your share -- you pay no additional taxes and may even be due a refund
-- If you file and you owe -- you must pay your fair share
-- If you make no income -- you need not file -- if you have no income, then your fair share is effectively zero (but, you had better be able to prove no income or you break the law)

This differs from almost every country in the world. Most countries do not require their citizens to pay taxes for the time they spend out of the country. For example, Australian citizens working abroad do not pay taxes on their foreign incomes -- the do pay taxes on money repatriated to Australia. America takes it one step further -- if you renounce your US citizenship, you are legally obligated to file a return and pay monies owed in US taxes for ten years AFTER you give up your citizenship. This law has been used against high-profile individuals who change citizenship to avoid US taxes.

So -- American citizens living in any country, to comply with law, must file and pay their fair share. If they're doing they, they should -- according to a key principle of America's emancipation from England -- be able to participate in their right of franchise.