taxout

It is really isn't relevant why SMS don't always work with Ultra on Wifi. The fact is they do not. Since Ultra doesn't provide an itemized bill, you can't be sure how much you're being charged for each SMS or call. Perhaps it has changed, but originally the fee for getting a roaming SMS was around $1 on the $3/month plan.

At least during Covid, I was not asked to provide any documents. However, I was asked for the names of my employers at a few times during the '70s.

Duh. Yes I know perfectly well what I'm doing. Sometimes SMSs don't come through when connected "via wifi." And sometimes "via wifi" just switches off or never comes on. "Iffy," for those unfamiliar with slang, means "not completely dependable."

It's been iffy for me receiving SMSs with Ultra while using wifi. Also, wifi calling itself is iffy. Sometimes there's a connection, sometimes not. Not at all happy that you can't get an itemization from Ultra. They just take whatever from your wallet.

Although the FBAR form is consistently dated 2013 and labeled Version 1.0, in fact the insides of the form do change from year, and if you don't download and use the latest form from the website it'll be rejected "because the version of the report is outdated." Why they don't properly mark version numbers on the form I don't know.

The notice is supposed to tell you why you were overpaid and you can object or ask for a waiver. https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-632.htm You need to file one of the forms on that site. Just call and you'll get nowhere.

Even though I use direct deposit, they stopped mine because a piece of mail was returned. Got no prior notification -- payment just stopped -- even though I have an online SS account for receiving messages.

If wishful thinking is making you doubt the black-and-white of those words, then take the time yourself to go wading through POMS trying to find the answer you want. Actually contribute here for a change. Hint: Start not at POMS but at 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395p.

POMS, the Social Security bible of rules and procedures, is clear that the group health plan exemption depends on employment status. "If the individual did not enroll in the initial enrollment period (IEP), he or she must be covered under a group health plan (GHP) based on his or her own or a spouse’s current employment status in the first month of eligibility for SMI and for all months thereafter." https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600805270

Thailand may be different of course but in the US an executor generally has an obligation to seek out all creditors of the deceased and may be personally liable if a creditor is not notified.

I'll let others do the digging to verify, but I'm pretty sure that exemption in question applies to insurance provided as part of employment to you or your spouse.

I've had problems with a VPN especially when using an app instead of browser login. I think it's easier to know you're using a VPN with an app.

It showed up finally 32 hours after my bank sent the money to TW's bank. Both countries involved have instantaneous bank-to-bank transfers so let's not fall back on blaming the banks. There's no question TW had the money seconds after I sent it. That's how the local transfer system works. If it doesn't go through you also know right away. (And no, it doesn't work like this in many other countries.)

Congratulations, but my money has disappeared into a blackhole. Contacted them twice sending a copy of the bank transfer and still hearing nothing. When you handle other people's money, Wise, you have to act responsibly. You can't just go silent on them.

You're going to be in the US on occasion. Things happen, even on a short trip. Unless you're exceptionally flush you cannot afford risking a US hospital stay without insurance, especially as you get older. Would you dare drive a car without insurance? Same same. So take free Part A of course and pony up for Part B. It'll also let you move back at some point without an insurance gap.

No, it's not a transfer involving Thailand (or the US) and for months it took about five minutes, all done automatically. Then TW switched to a different receiving bank and it's been gummed up ever since, like they're doing it all by hand now. Or carrier pigeon. Fifteen hours and still waiting.

I've also had a standard transfer that used to take less than five minutes now take hours. Clearly something is gumming up the works there and I'm looking for an alternative. Get your act together. Wise up!

But that's nothing like the old free file. "Simple Return," that is, "Form 1040 only." No capital gains, etc. Really there just to lure you in.

I mentioned this because I got an email in December from Turbotax telling me they were stopping the free file option.

When Medigap provides foreign coverage it's limited to illness etc that begins within your first 60 days overseas. There's also a 20 percent copay and a lifetime $50,000 cap.

I'm confused. I thought Intuit announced that it was discontinuing Turbotax free file: "Since Intuit has exited the IRS Free File program, we no longer offer IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax." https://freefile.intuit.com/

OK, I just did it using my passport card, front and back required. But I used an Ultra US number and a US address I know is linked to a credit report, so no guaranty it'll work otherwise. But did do this from outside the US, no VPN needed. Anyway, it's convenient to now be able to download all my tax files from the IRS, so worth the effort.

The IRS is also giving ID.me a monopoly on verifying identity for an online account. This website says a passport or passport card will now also work. Any guinea pigs want to try? https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/taxes/taxes-irs-account-selfie-how-to-id-me-verify/

Consuls have the power of a notary public by Federal law. See 22 U.S. Code § 4215.

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