When you give up your U.S. citizenship, you give up all the rights and duties that come with being an American. People do this for a variety of reasons, such as wanting to have two passports or worrying about taxes.
Making the decision to give up U.S. citizenship requires providing the right paperwork and following the steps set by the U.S. government. So, here are some things to do.
U.S. citizenship responsibilities
As a U.S. citizen, you have to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you live outside of the U.S. This requirement can be hard to meet and cost a lot of money, so some people give up their citizenship to escape having to pay these fees.
- Tax Reporting: U.S. citizens must report their worldwide income to the IRS.
- Filing Requirements: The paperwork can be intricate and burdensome, especially for those living overseas.
- Cost: The expense of tax preparation and potential penalties can be significant.
Overall, giving up citizenship in the United States should not be an easy choice because it can’t be undone and has serious effects.
People who become citizens of another country might have to follow certain political or legal rules that could make it impossible for them to keep their U.S. citizenship. Sometimes, giving up your U.S. citizenship is the only way to follow the rules of a new country.
Specific Benefits or Preferences
Another reason someone might give up their U.S. citizenship is to get certain perks that the new country has to offer. Some examples of these benefits are the right to live in the country permanently, the chance to work, or social benefits that are better than those offered to U.S. citizens.
How to Renounce U.S. Citizenship
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives you the DS-4079 and DS-4080 forms that you need to fill out in order to give up your citizenship. To go through with the resignation, there is also a fee that needs to be paid.
These are the steps you need to take:
- Fill out the DS-4079 form.
- Complete the DS-4080 form.
- Pay the required fee.
By understanding these steps and the potential benefits or legal obligations involved, you can make an informed decision about whether renouncing to be U.S. citizen is the right choice for you.