Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 37)
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What You Need To Know About Shipping Personal Items In Your Car
What you are risking when you ship personal items in your vehicle?
Shipping your car is a great way to avoid having to drive hundreds or thousands of miles during a trip or move. Sometimes, you can even put some things in your car as it ships to avoid having to ship those things separately.
When you choose to ship personal items in your vehicle, you are taking a risk that those items can be lost or damaged during the transport process. Unfortunately, unlike your car itself, these items will not be covered by any insurance associated with your car shipment.
Things that you definitely can’t ship in your car
This should be obvious, but it is very important, so it warrants repeating. There are certain items which absolutely cannot be shipped with your vehicle. This includes firearms, ammunition, alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal), fireworks or any other sort of item that would seem against the law to take over state lines.
This also often includes household items such as kitchen knives or something like a blender. This is because these items can often require a special type of license to ship and if an auto transporter gets caught shipping these things without that license, they can face a hefty fine.
General rules to follow
If you plan on shipping any personal items with your car, you should be aware of the rules and restrictions that apply first:
The items must weigh less than a hundred pounds in total – Whatever you do ship with your vehicle, make sure that the total weight is less than a hundred pounds. You can determine this by weighing the items separately and adding the weights together or you might be able to put them into a container and weigh them at once on a household scale, the just subtract the weight of the container.
Make sure it is not anything of great value – If you do end up shipping personal items with your car, be sure that it is not anything too valuable. The insurance on your shipment will only cover your car, not any items inside of it. So, if these items are lost or damaged during the transport, you will be stuck covering the entire cost yourself.
Make sure it is not anything too large – These items that you ship with your vehicle will need to remain below the window line. So, do not attempt to ship large items like furniture with your car.
Be sure that your items are secure and not too delicate – Odds are that your auto transport driver will hit a few bumps in the road during the shipment which is unavoidable. So, make sure that whatever you are shipping is secured. Also, be sure that it is not something delicate and likely to break such as glassware.
Be aware there is an extra fee for shipping personal items with your car – When you ship personal items with your car, be aware that there will be an added fee for this depending on the weight of the items in question.
Conclusion
Shipping some smaller personal items is permissible but is up to the discretion of your auto transport carrier. Sometimes a driver has had a bad experience with shipping a car with personal items in it and now, as a rule, they do not allow it anymore. So, if you do plan on shipping any personal items with your car, be sure you discuss it with your auto transport driver beforehand.
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6 Must-Do Bucks Activities in Sydney
Are you visiting Sydney with your friends? Plan yourselves an excellent Bucks Party and enjoy a great weekend out.
As Australia’s largest city, there is a crazy amount of activities in Sydney for you and your friends to enjoy. The city offers wild and fun things to do during the day and at night. So if you only have one-weekend getaway you can enjoy the best bucks party activities in Sydney!
The Best Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney: Day Activities
1. Sydney Bucks Party Go Karting
If you and your friends are into video games like Need for Speed, Mario Kart and other racing games, then you should go against each other on the Go-kart track – you’ll probably settle the argument on who is the fasted of you all. Go-karting is a fun activity to engage in as a group. It is straightforward to learn should you have a friend who finds it hard to drive down a straight road.
2. Skirmish Paintball in Sydney
Paintball is buck party favourite in Sydney and across the country. All you need to do is to arm yourselves with some of the Top rated paintball guns then create groups of two or three mates. Once you are put into the game scenario, each group can come up with their tactics to take down the other team. You are supposed to take a sneaky shot on the other team and this will leave a mark on your friend’s.
The Best Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney: Night Activities
3. Rent a Party Boat
Renting out a party boat is one of the top things to do in Sydney at night. Make your way to Sydney harbour and rent a private cruise with some topless waitresses for your bucks party. The party boat will also have strippers who will give you a night you’ll never forget. Typically the boat will cruise around Sydney Harbour for 3 hours as you enjoy drinks, sumptuous food and private entertainment.
4. Sydney Bucks Party Bus
Alternately, rent a party bus and do a proper pub crawl around the Harbour city. Get a party bus that is pimped out with some comfortable seats, electric lighting, a booming sound system and a generally eccentric party atmosphere. Have your driver drive east towards the ocean, there are many bars and gathering venues near Bondi beach for you to explore and have a great night!
5. The “Tourist” Bucks
If you and your mates want to do a little sightseeing in Sydney on your buck weekend, then there are some fun attractions you could visit aside from the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Sydney Opera house. Since it’s your bucks weekend, you should keep it a little bit more fun by going to exciting places like Luna Park which hosts arguably the coolest rides in the entire country. Also, you should check out Bondi Beach a white sand pristine beach with curling waves, sandstone cliffs and nothing but sexy ladies on bikinis.
6. The Gentleman’s Club
You’re old enough to hear this – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with checking out some beautiful, erotic sexy ladies performing at a strip club. You get a free pass to go to a strip club on a bucks weekend in Sydney regardless of whether you are married or you are a single bloke. A few houses at the strip club with your mates in the company of some gorgeous ladies is a night well spent! And to make the night out even more special, don’t shy out from getting a private dance.
All in all, there are plenty of buck activities in Sydney for the whole group to enjoy. Just make sure to make the most of your weekend out by including group activities during the day which will make the trip more exciting.
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Creative honeymoon ideas for adventurous newlyweds
As your wedding should be the happiest day of your life, your honeymoon ought to be similarly great – and get your time as a married couple off to a sparkling start.
Couples can strengthen their bond by together doing fresh and adrenaline-pumping activities, according to studies cited by The Knot. For this reason, it could be a great idea for you to prepare adventurous activities for your own honeymoon; here are some places to consider visiting.
Selfoss, Iceland
Scuba diving at the fault line where two tectonic plates meet is something that is only possible when you take a trip to the Nordic country of Iceland. This nation certainly has extraordinary geography; there are opportunities to trek through caves, lava fields, and even a black ash desert. You should wrap up warm, though; the Brides website highlights the ice and glaciers in Iceland.
When you want to regain your energy after physically exerting yourself, you can watch the wintertime spectacle that is the Northern Lights.
Broome, Australia
Western Australia can provide a very picturesque backdrop to activities including watching crocodiles and whales. However, you could also get into water to swim with white sharks or dive in search of pearls. On land, you can learn cattle driving or camel riding.
You and your spouse could also head onto a small seaplane from which the Buccaneer Archipelago’s well-known horizontal waterfalls can be admired.
Canon City, Colorado
While it doesn’t like there is much to do in Canon City, all you really have to do is take a look down the massive canyon to the river below. Once you take the tram to the bottom of the canyon, you’ll discover people love to go white water rafting through the river. Maybe you want to start rafting the Royal Gorge with them and that would be a great option for you to do. Just have to sign up for a trip to get a raft.
Sacred Valley, Peru
In the wake of the Paddington films’ success, many of us are probably more aware of Peru than ever before – and, indeed, eating marmalade might give you the energy you need for these activities…
If you can bear – pun intended – the challenge, you could climb the Machu Picchu Mountain’s very steep peak. Other activities that can be pursued in the Sacred Valley area include biking, kayaking and white-water rafting – though the last of those might not be available all year round.
Crystal River, Florida
The Sunshine State offers many opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, as the Visit Florida website highlights. Some of Florida’ best snorkelling can be enjoyed at Crystal River, where manatees can be seen. Don’t try to harass or chase them; you are barred from doing this.
After that snorkelling, you can soothe yourself at the major theme parks in nearby Orlando. Ocean Florida can ease the process of booking accommodation in that city for a Florida holiday in 2019.
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How to Prepare for Hurricane Season when in Florida
Florida experiences hurricane season between August and October, and when it comes to safety during hurricane season, preparing in advance is always going to make a difference. If you have decided to make Florida your home after traveling, you shouldn’t wait until the first day hurricane season hits to take the right steps to protect yourself and also help others. Planning in advance for any way you can help during this destructive time is always going to be beneficial.
Here’s how to best react to an imminent hurricane season.
Know How You’re Going to Evacuate
Although it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll ever need to evacuate, it’s still essential to know how and where you’re going to evacuate should you need to. That way, you can safely evacuate with a pre-planned route, which will help you to stay safe and calm during the worst.
Evacuation planning ahead of time is especially crucial for those who live closer to the coast, or who are more vulnerable to the elements.
Keep a Stock of Emergency Supplies
It’s better to always have on hand a stock of emergency items that you might need in the event of a hurricane. This will save you having to urgently shop for anything you desperately need — especially when there’s an increased risk of shelves being empty if everyone is panic buying.
Your emergency hurricane supply store should include items such as:
- First-aid supplies
- Candles or other backup light sources
- Spare Batteries
- Water
- Any medication that you take regularly
- Canned food, or food which does not require cooking and will not go out of date
Consider Making a Regular Donation
A regular hurricane relief donation is going to help enormously during these difficult times. When you contribute a hurricane relief donation, it means that more people are protected and assisted during this time. You can help provide relief for struggling communities, and also supporting those charities designed to help yourself, too, should the worst happen to your own property or way of life. Regular hurricane relief contributions are an excellent way to prepare as a community as a whole.
Take Out the Right Insurance Policy
You need to protect yourself against damage ahead of time, for both your property and your personal belongings. The right insurance policy can help to cover all damage costs, which may arise as a result of a hurricane.
It’s also a good idea to see if your policy covers any assistance with services you might need after a storm. Since you’ll need to clean up your yard following a storm, you may need the assistance of roofers, fencing contractors, tree services, or many more. Knowing that you can get protection for any financial issues you might run into in the process of rebuilding can give you piece of mind.
Be sure to take the time to understand the most significant risks applicable to your specific property so that you can find a policy that covers all necessary areas.
Take a Risk Assessment of Your Property and Take the Right Measures to Secure
It’s a good idea to thoroughly inspect your property and identify any risks which could occur during a hurricane. This is especially important for any external features which are completely exposed, such as items of furniture in your garden. This can help to reduce damage done if a storm throws things around or if they are moved and smash into your property or other parts of your garden. It can also speed up the time to bring things back to normal in the event you look to get an Emergency Storm Damage Clean-Up performed at your property.
Where possible, store away any items which need to be secured or protected. Consider installing shutters over your windows and any glass doors, or those that pose the most risk if you cannot install shutters completely (such as sets of large, glass patio doors). You should also anchor down anything which can be secured.
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3 Tips for Making Your Next Birthday Ultra Special
Birthdays are such a special time of the year, and after the weird year we’ve all had, we have even more reason to celebrate this year. If your birthday is just around the corner, here are three tips for making your next birthday ultra special. Keep reading to learn more:
1. Get Serious About the Invites
Birthday invitations are such a special part of the birthday planning experience. Most of us rarely receive any mail, and when we do it’s often a bill or advertisement. There’s something so exciting about opening your letter box to see a beautiful envelope inside and opening it to reveal an exciting invitation. Personalized invitations are a fantastic way to build the anticipation for your birthday, as well as adding a little personality to your invite. Basic Invite have plenty of fun 70th birthday invitations ideas to get you started. Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51, so you can craft party invites for a really affordable price.
2. Call in Some Help
I’m a big fan of asking for help when I’m tackling a big task. If you’re trying to throw a big party, then chances are you may need some help to make it live up to your expectations. You can ask for friends and family members to come over the night before to help you with decoration or food prep. One thing I always find helpful is to not ask for gifts, but instead ask everyone to bring a plate of their speciality meal. That way you’ll have plenty of food, and you can focus on other aspects such as the cake and decorations. The variety of things for everyone to try and enjoy is going to ensure it’s a party to remember!
3. Don’t Forget Photos
Time goes so fast and if we’re too busy, we often forget to take photos. For this reason I always suggest having photo taking be a feature of your special day. Could you buy or rent a polaroid camera, so that you can take photos of your loved ones and give them copies to take home? Perhaps you know someone who is a budding photographer, maybe you can hire them for the day to document your special celebration. Another fun idea is to pick up some cheap photo booth style props and make a photo booth area with a spare digital camera. You can also use a mini printer to print out photos at the event so people can take their favorite pics home with them!
Hopefully these three tips get you excited about planning your next birthday party. I’m sure if you take them on board, you’ll have a special party you’ll be sure to remember.
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How Can Safety Awareness Be Improved in the Workplace?
Workplace safety is vital for employers and employees alike. Not only do healthier, safer workers get more accomplished, accidents on the job wind up costing the employer for both the medical treatment and the lost time. If you’re looking for ways to make your workplace safer, here are some tips to get you started, no matter what industry you operate in.
Schedule Regular Safety Meetings
Feedback about safety progress and accident reports can really help employees stay mindful and focused. They provide a heads-up when things are not going so well, and they also affirm that your team is doing the right thing when things are going great. They also give you a chance to provide cross-training in personal protective equipment, update employees about OSHA regulations, and cover other vital safety information. You can also discuss updates within PPE, and whether you need to replenish your stock of things like protective gloves from a company like Unigloves.
Get Information About Weather Changes
Whether your business operates indoors or out, you’ll want an educational weather station that can keep your employees up to date about weather systems moving into the area. These stations are vital for any company with employees that work outdoor in the field, but that’s not the only kind of business that will benefit from it. Companies with single-site work forces can use this information to help predict when weather is likely to affect productivity by making it harder for employees to get in to work.
Treat Your Weather Radar Like Any Other Safety Equipment
Since your team will only suffer if members are hurt because of foreseeable weather-related events, you need weather radar real time that keeps you up to date on storm movements as they happen. That way, you can send out an alert to the effected employees whenever bad weather hits.
- Reduce accidents
- Improve attendance
- Streamline logistical planning and dispatch
For more information, check out Earth Networks and learn about today’s weather monitoring systems.
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Understanding international removals in 4 simple steps
It can be easy to overlook the importance of organising your possessions and arranging international removals when moving abroad. Choosing to live overseas is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. It is also one of the biggest, and there are many factors to consider before you take the plunge.
Moving yourself, your family, and your possessions overseas is one of the first upfront costs you face when emigrating. It is also the first logistical challenge of moving overseas. But international removals don’t have to be a hassle.
This guide to international removals will help ensure a stress-free move overseas:
Determine your budget for shipping belongings overseas
There are several costs to consider when moving abroad. As well as your initial transport, you may have to pay for accommodation rental or further transport when you arrive. Your costs could include passports, visas and insurance for yourself or your family. Some visas require health checks which can be an extra expense to consider. In terms of shipping things, you could even consider having your car shipped with a firm alike to CarsRelo. However, it would be wise to budget for all possibilities to find the best option for you!
You should also take in to account cost of living differences. Your initial living expenses will depend hugely on your circumstances, so it’s important to be realistic about your employment and living situation. Being honest with yourself about the cost of each of these factors should ensure a fool-proof budget.
Decide which possessions you want to take with you
The cost of international removals is depedent on a huge number of factors. Often it comes down to how far you are travelling and which belongings you want to take with you. A popular solution is to leave larger pieces behind, and only take the bare minimum. But you shouldn’t have to part with possessions that you love, or that carry sentimental value. Carefully planning your budget means that you should be able to account for moving all of the possessions that mean the most to you. A reputable mover such as Excess International can guarantee that your most precious belongings arrive with you, for a reasonable cost. Sending your household contents across the world is their specialty, so they can ensure it’s hassle-free.
Start packing early
It’s all too tempting to leave packing to the last minute. With so many exciting things to consider when moving abroad, the tedium of boxing your things up can fall by the wayside. But starting early can make one of the most mundane moving chores more manageable. International shipping warrants a certain standard of packing – especially for fragile goods or valuables. Being proactive with careful packing is the key to avoiding breakages. A useful packing tip is to line crates with bubble wrap and load heavier items first.
Get advice from international movers
Talk to experts in international removals. It’s the best way to gauge the scale – and most importantly cost- of moving your belogingings. Some international removals companies offer free quotes, to help you budget for your move. If you’re having a hard time conceptualising shipping your belongings across the world, getting some clarity from experts about the best way to do it is the best solution.
Every move is different, with its own unique circumstances and challenges. But this easy-to-follow guide will help you take care of the international removal aspect, so that you can focus on enjoying an exciting new chapter in your life.
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Luxury Vacation in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the best places in South East Asia for those seeking adventure and complete serenity and immersion with nature. Many people see the breathtaking pictures of the famous lagoons and beaches, and dream of making the country their next holiday spot. What they do not realize however, is that planning a trip to the Philippines isn’t simple, especially if you are the type of person who cares about comfort.
We have already written an article explaining why it’s better to rent a house in the Philippines instead of booking a hotel. Along the many reasons detailed in that post, lies one common thread – the Philippines is still a developing country which attracts mostly backpackers and budget travelers. Hotels there are a hit and miss or even flat out tourist traps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find very luxurious ones as well.
If you are planning your honeymoon and considering the Philippines as an option, or if you are looking for a pampering family holiday there, this article will help get started. Below, we’ll cover the basic things you need to take into account and offer the simplest solutions to each.
How to find real luxury hotels
As described above, you should always be wary of the way hotels and resorts are pictured online. A lot of research is needed if you really want to make sure you get the quality you are promised and that you deserve. To do so, there are a few good ways to start:
Book a package with a travel agency
The simplest and safest way to guarantee both quality and value for money is to hire the services of a local expert. This is a good option if you want to find the nice hotels which are not the obvious one and don’t cost a fortune. If your idea of luxury is small boutique resorts than a local agent knows these ones the best and can help you differentiate between the good ones and the bad.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of local agencies who specialize in high end trips to the Philippines. Many of which are foreign based and don’t have a real presence in the country, which is a huge downside as they rely on secondhand information and usually have a very limited selection of resorts on offer. The best option we found is this agency offering all inclusive vacation packages to the Philippines – They offer free planning and advice so it can’t hurt to give them a try.
Go only for the safe bets
The alternative to using an agent is to book yourself and avoid taking any risks when it comes to hotel selection. If you stick strictly to the highest end hotels and resorts, it’s hard to go wrong. Places such as the Shangri-La in Boracay or the private island resorts in El Nido are guaranteed to meet your expectations.
The downside to this approach is it limits you both in terms of budget and which islands you can visit. If your only choice is hotels of the caliber detailed above, a vacation in the Philippines would cost you a fortune and wouldn’t be cheaper than any other country you’d visit instead. That is a shame, because in theory you can have an amazing all-inclusive holiday there for much less than you would pay in Thailand, Vietnam or the Maldives for example.
Also, these hotels are few and far between in the country. They are usually found only in the most popular tourist spots such as the ones detailed above. It will be much harder for you to find resorts at such standards on your own if you want to visit smaller, more secluded islands such as Bohol or Siargao for example.
Book online on your own
Lastly, there’s always the option of just booking everything online on your own. This is definitely possible if you are willing to put up the work and remain alert of a few red flags. Always remember – never trust the pictures you see on a resort’s official website or even on any of the famous booking sites!
Resorts with a high overall score are of course always a safer bet, but unfortunately just comparing the score across several platforms isn’t really enough. We all know in this day and age reviews can be easily manipulated. Moreover, for many of these resorts the positive reviews come from local tourists. So, while they are genuine, you have to realize Filipino travelers have significantly different standards than you and a much more lenient definition of what luxury is.
How to choose the right islands to visit
There are more than 7000 islands in the Philippines and many of which are amazing, so the answer isn’t simple. Answering the question thoroughly will require not just one dedicated article but rather a whole book! As with most things in life, it really depends on your specific expectations and the standards you set, as well as your budget and vacation time.
The first thing you need to realize is that moving between islands can be a real chore. Even if there’s a direct flight between them, delays in the Philippines are very common and things generally move at a very slow pace. This means transfers can easily eat up a whole day, even if they seem “simple” on paper while planning the holiday. Spending hours at an airport terminal isn’t exactly the definition of luxury or comfort! For that reason, it’s best to limit your selection to no more than 2 islands per week.
The next thing you need to understand is that with a little bit of effort, luxury can be found anywhere. As mentioned above, a local expert can help you find good boutique resorts even in the more remote locations and islands. So, the main question should be what’s your priority for this vacation? Your choice of islands should be based mostly around that.
For example, if your focus is on diving then that’s great news because the Philippines is one of the best diving places in the world. However, the diving options in places like Boracay or Palawan, while certainly nice, really pale in comparison to what you’ll get at smaller, lesser known islands. Booking a diving package at a 5 stars dive resort in Moalboal would be much greater value for example.
How to get the most out of tours and excursions
If you haven’t booked an all-inclusive package with an agency then you would need to book these tours on your own. The easiest way to do that is through your hotel, which you can do either before you arrive or on the spot. The problem with this approach is that it’s much more expensive and the overall level of tours is significantly lower. Resorts treat these tours as a side operation and often use unprofessional and cheap contractors to increase their margins. Another problem is that in many cases, private tours won’t be available as resorts such as the private islands in El Nido have a limited amount of boats and guides.
Again, the only way around that is by doing some research on your own. Once you have determined which islands you intend to visit, start digging around and reading reviews of different tour operators working on those islands. Private tours usually don’t cost much more than group ones, and they provide a completely different experience for just an extra $100 or so!
One rule of thumb is to try your best to avoid the tours operated by locals, and instead find the ones which are owned by expats. The Filipinos are very hospitable and service is great, but they are usually not professional enough and don’t give enough attention to the small, finer details. The tours they run would be great for anyone, especially if you want to save some money, but not for those in search of luxury and the highest standards possible. For example, it’s best to book your tours in El Nido through this French agency – they cost a bit more but have a stellar reputation. These are the type of operators you should be on the lookout for. When planning your luxurious holiday in the Philippines, don’t forget to take beautiful videos and edit videos for your memories. Capture the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences to cherish for a lifetime.
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Digital Nomad United States Tax Guide
The explosion of technology has allowed for a significant increase in digital nomads. That is, green card holders and United States citizens who travel the world while working for clients from virtually anywhere. But, traveling the world does not remove United States tax obligations – it only makes taxes more complicated. Whether you have been traveling the world for years or only recently became a digital nomad, be sure to get the help of a professional.
Using This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who is, or is considering becoming, a digital nomad – United States citizens who work abroad. It is vital to understand your tax obligations so that you can enjoy your lifestyle while remaining compliant. Consider the issues below as you think about your options for your new country of residence.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
The FEIE is one of the largest benefits available for digital nomads. If certain criteria are met, digital nomads can exclude as much as USD 100,000 of earned income, if earned abroad. To qualify for this exclusion, you must meet at least one of two criteria:
- Physical Presence Test, or PPT – Both work and live outside the US for a minimum of 330 days in any 365 day span.
- Bona Fide Residence Test, or BF – Both work and live in a single foreign country during a complete calendar year.
These two tests sound very much alike, but they are really very different in how they will apply.
The essence of the physical presence test is that you left the US and for a period of 12 consecutive months have not been back to the US for a total of 35 days during this time. This is any period of 12 months, not necessarily the calendar year. Note too that the 35 day maximum does not need to be consecutive – several short trips can add up to make you ineligible.
There are two seemingly minor, but very important points to remember:
- Any days spent in the US count toward the 35 day limit. For example, if you land in the United States on August 1st and depart on August 10th, you must count 10 days of time in the United States.
- The 330 day minimum time outside of the United States must be on the territory of a different country. So if you are on a cruise ship (in international water), those days will not be included in the count of days outside the United States.
The bona fide residence test will most likely not apply to digital nomads. It is intended for those moving to establish residency in a single foreign country.
Earned Income and Unearned Income
The distinction between earned and unearned income is important for many aspects of tax law. A simple way to view this is that earned income is from an activity in which you actively participated. Unearned income, also known as passive income, is from an activity in which you did not actively participate. As an example, compare what you earn from an office job versus what you earn from back interest or investment gains.
For digital nomads, earned income can sometimes be excluded from taxes. Location matters, too, though. If you give a presentation in the United States (earned income) although you live in Europe, that income is earned within the United States and is not eligible for the foreign earned income exclusion.
Due Dates for Filing and Other Requirements
Taxpayers who live outside of the United States on the standard filing deadline of April 15th get an extension to June 15th. This extension is automatic, and an additional extension to October 15th can be requested.
Along with the typical tax obligations, many digital nomads must also file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR). This report is only informational, but is a requirement for anyone with foreign financial accounts whose total value exceeded USD 10,000 at any time during the year. The deadline for the FBAR is April 15th, with an automatic extension to October 15th.
These are only federal deadlines and requirements. Be sure to understand any state tax obligations as well.
Self Employment Complications and Benefits
For many people, they work for an employer who pays Medicare and Social Security taxes on their behalf. Most digital nomads, however, are self employed, which means they likely must make their own payments under the Self-Employed Contributions Act (SECA). If you are flexible in your location, consider which countries have Totalization Agreements with the United States. If a taxpayer lives in one of these countries, they are exempted from paying the SECA tax.
| Australia | Germany | Poland |
| Austria | Greece | Slovak Republic |
| Belgium | Ireland | South Korea |
| Canada | Italy | Spain |
| Chile | Japan | Sweden |
| Czech Republic | Luxembourg | Switzerland |
| Denmark | Netherlands | UK |
| Finland | Norway | |
| France | Portugal |
Totalization Agreements
Totalization agreements, also known as International Social Security Agreements, serve two purposes. They avoid double taxation in the form of Social Security tax paid to both the country of residence and the country in which the taxpayer works. Second, they help avoid benefit coverage gaps for people who have earned income in more than one country. Totalization agreements specify that earnings from one program apply to the other if necessary to obtain benefits.
Choosing an Address
You may be a digital nomad, but you will still receive physical mail. So where should you have it sent? Choosing a US state for your mail can cause problems. Most tax advisors recommend digital nomads rent virtual mailboxes. One company providing this service is Travelling Mailbox. This company provides you with an address in Texas, which does not have state tax. They can also scan your mail so you can review it online from anywhere.
This can be a complicated area, and is not always as simple as choosing an address in a no-tax state. Consult with a professional advisor when deciding what to do about a US address.
Length of Time Abroad
The USD 100,000 foreign earned income exclusion is clearly an important consideration. Likely the most difficult part of eligibility for the exclusion are the physical presence or bona-fide residency tests.
A taxpayer who spends much of their time abroad, although they don’t meet the 330 day requirement for FEIE eligibility, should consider spending additional time traveling. Time spent living outside the United States counts toward eligibility, regardless of where it is.
Because of the size of this exemption, some people might find it more beneficial to stop working and stay abroad until they meet the 330 day requirement than to return to the United States early and continue working.
Of course, this situation is complicated by tax requirements in host countries too. As we often remind you, consult a professional.
FAQs
What about the reverse scenario, where I have US income but live abroad?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the details of your situation, so is impossible to answer generically. It will depend on your visa type, the laws of the specific country you are living in, and other factors. We recommend contacting a tax professional familiar with the laws of the country you are (or plan to be) living in.
I don’t live in the United States. Why do I need to file United States tax returns?
The simple answer is that it is the law. All American citizens, as well as holders of US green cards, must file a tax return annually that includes all of their income – even that earned abroad.
What about double taxation?
There is almost never a situation that results in double taxation. Taxes paid in your country of residence are offset on your US taxes. There are often local tax implications, though.
How much do I need to earn before I have to file a United States tax return?
Please see the article on the IRS website, Do I Need to File a Tax Return?
Can I receive a tax refund even without a US tax obligation?
In some cases this is possible. There are several credits in the tax code that could result in a tax refund, even without a tax obligation.
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How To Achieve The Flawless Playroom
You might be full of ideas for colour themes, fancy mobiles, different furnishings, comfy armchair but what about the playroom? You might find yourself being fresh out of ideas when it comes to the playroom because you’ve been focusing so much on the bedroom, but don’t worry we’re here to help inspire you again!
Where the bedroom should be a relaxing space, ready for your tots to settle down to sleep, the playroom should be full of inspiration and fun! Children are heavily influenced by their surroundings, so this is your chance to influence your kids in a positive and happy way.
Flooring
When we have kids, a lot of us are slaves to practicality and easy maintenance and usually have to put looks secondary. But what if we told you there’s plenty of practical options that look fantastic too! The most practical option has to be luxury vinyl tiles – it’s stress free properties make it the perfect addition to any playroom. It is stain, water and scratch proof, making it perfect for the playroom where these are common occurrences! It is also incredibly durable so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out any time soon.
Not only this, but LVT comes in many styles and designs as replicate natural products like real wood beautifully, that often it’s hard to tell them apart. If you’re looking for something a little more warm and homely, then laying a rug down is your best option. Whereas with a carpet if something is spilt on it it’s ruined, with a rug you can replace or remove it for a fraction of the price.
Walls
There’s nothing better than bright, though provoking colours to excite your little ones. Oranges and yellows are fantastic neutral jolly colours, or even blue – don’t be shy with these bold colours! You can also go down the route of hand painted designs on the wall, perhaps a sea or magical castle.
In terms of colours to avoid for the wall, we would’t recommend going for white or magnolia. Not only are they basic and a bit of a ‘cop out’ but kids can often draw or wipe their grubby fingers on the wall! If your walls do get marked however, then wall stickers are a great way of covering them up if you’re not ready to redecorate yet.
Furniture
The biggest part of your playroom! Make the most of the corner of the room for toy cubbies, although you can buy them, if you’re a whizz with DIY then this is the best way to approach it. This way you can custom make it for your room! Toy cubbies are very simple and the best way to keep things nice and tidy. The best thing about these is that your kids can see their favourite toys without having to rummage through draws and cupboards. Why not match these with matching shelves where you can keep books, display pictures and jolly ornaments!
Functional and entertaining components are a big yes when it comes to the playroom. Seating with storage, a bunk bed with a desk under-neath, tables with colourful boxes that slide under-neath. Perhaps a bean bag or a child’s armchair for you when your kids want some down time or drawing.
It may sound simple, but a table and chairs are a must for any playroom. It’ll encourage drawing, reading and even if your kids want to feel extra grown up and have afternoon tea!
There’s so many options with the playroom, but there’s no reason it has to always be messy! We hope these decor and storage tips have helped inspired you to give your kids the unflawed playroom.
