RASSENFRAGIN ^$*$)(W(*&$(*^%*&)E)(*&$&W$$!OPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sorry I have to vent a bit!
Well guys, here it is. The IRS is seizing my assets and I’m a very bad man!
I came to Panama city to get my health stuff done and now I’m sitting in a $15.00/night hostel (not bad/cute girls) with $4.19 in my pocket (not enough to get home) and 4 cold beers. Luckily I bought a baguette and a wedge of cheese earlier and threw it in my backpack.
The IRS put a hold on the $312.00 in my bank account and I don’t even have access to the 7k a year or so I pull down with Project BlueSphere through paypal. They say I owe them over $12,000, where the hell did they come up with that number? This is ridiculous. I’m so poor if I file they will owe me money with the “Stimulus” package. I don’t take welfare, food stamps, or anything else. My whole thing is I”M NOT A DRAIN ON THE SYSTEM, THATS THE F’N POINT!
It’s my own fault, i didn’t file for a few years because I didn’t make any money. I spoke to an accountant when I was in he states, explained my situation, and he said don’t file now you’ll just throw up a red flag for an audit. Being an expat I’m actually allowed to write off the first 80k a year I make abroad.
I don’t own a credit card or owe anyone a dime. I was going to borrow $500 from a buddy last month to get my dental stuff worked out and didn’t do it because I just don’t like owing anyone anything, even friends. I’d rather let the teeth in my head fall out then impose on my friends.
I agree with investing in the system (community) one lives in, really I do. I help ever poor SOB of a sailor that crosses my path. When my buddy Roger gave me the water maker in exchange for work on his boat I gave my cat pump ($1,200 hi pressure pump) to a friend who wants to build a water maker. I think I’m about as far from a greedy miser one can be.
I’m so flaming mad right now I cant see straight.
I don’t know what to do. I may ask a lawyer friend to call the IRS for me, I don’t think I’d be so good talking to the man. I’m really good at telling people what I think of them and that might not be the best thing to do here?
I’m going to the store to spend my last money on alcohol and borrow $20.00 from a friend in the morning. I have a grand stashed on the boat so I’m not in absolute panic mode. Maybe I need to sail back to the states and get a job?
I just spent $190.00 getting a bio-mechanical and hearing test for my job in April but I’m thinking not to go and do it now. They pay me through payroll and I wouldn’t have access to it. I think Id be better off doing a few backpacker runs and putting some cash in my pocket. Is that wrong? I guess I just don’t know anymore?
If I’m a dirty rotten SOB tell me, I just don’t get it. Well actually I do get it, I just don’t want it!
Peace, Love, and AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
– Alex
IRS are pretty ruthless when it comes to collections. You have rights however. You can dispute it, sounds like a good accountant could work through the past years missing returns and adjust. You are also living outside the US, which gives you better ability to reduce anything you would ultimately owe. They know they will have a hard time collecting, and that will work in your favor.
Main thing, dont let it stress you out. The additional penalty is the toll on your health then.
Maybe we have a CPA on here???? Charter in exchange for accountant work? :) Anyone?
You will be ok. If you get knocked down, get back up and dust yourself off and move on. You have to work through this, so face it and get it done. You will prevail as you always have. Do not loose your cool. Everything is going to be alright.
Sometimes i love the tea party!! no taxes
So still in Panama? Just as well till you straighten this out. I dont get the USofA with world tax and stuff, hey free or not?
Well what can they do unless you make land on some protectorate right… so blue skies and a wind is all that counts.
BTW, since PayPal is tracked hmmm, why not we just wire a Panamanian location? HSBC or so many good banks in Panama that dont bend over for american politicians.
Yeah yeah a world citizen here too! Now thinking, give up citizenship and you can always get it back i think!!! its a birthright thing.
Simple.. err maybe
I am not sure how it works in the States but in Canada they are ruthless when it comes to collecting tax.
If you are in arrears either in taxes or child support the following happens.
First they seize your drivers license.
Then they sieze all bank accounts and sources of income.
If there are none then they seize your passport.
Once this is done you can not leave the country even to go to the States. This was done because of 911 and it gave the big brother goverments the opportunity to stop movement of their citizens for other reasons other then terrorism.
If you had already left the country and your passport was expiring. You are unable to renew at an embassy because thier records would show you owe taxes and they would deport you back to Canada to face the music. This was done in the name of 911. Looks like the terrorists got what they wanted. They took away our freedom.
I would suggest you get an accountant and get those taxes done. You might even get a refund. Some day you will return to the USA and will have to face things then. Better to deal with it now.
alex…..i am anti government….since i have been alive (60) we have been at war or in some kind of FOREIGN armed conflict probably 40 of those years…..U.S. coast guard guards the coast of central america…..home land security just raided web sites that streamed live sports (i feel safer)…..and the millions spent daily along the mexican boarder fighting a war we have been loosing for 3-4 decades……pay taxes equals sponsoring stupidity …………G
Hostles are interesting places. Last night was my first night staying in one. I stayed up late speaking to a Cuban priest who was banished from his country (Cuba) for speaking out at a political rally. An interesting man for sure even though we don’t share many of the same philosophies, however we are both men with firm beliefs that lead our lives by them.
Gary,
I’m anti-government/ant-borders as well. I live sub-poverty as a north American and have figured out how to be happy with so very little. I guess its just not acceptable, or enough.
Societies and communities are built with bricks of personal freedom. I understand it and agree with it. If we want to live in a community we need to make personal sacrifices for the community, IE roads, sanitation, access to clean water and food.
But when our society starts demanding how many bricks of our personal freedom must be invested into it, we loose it all, and that is whats happened to us as North Americans.
I couldn’t sleep last night. My anger turned to sadness and I found myself thinking of the Saudi man (Kaif Ben Ali) who poured gas on himself after his government sized his cart and was no longer able to support his family. The scary thing is I did a google search for him and found that burnig oneself with gasoline in desperation is not an uncommon practice.
I’m not about to set myself ablaze but I can relate to the feeling of betrayal by ones government. I’m just trying to live a humble, simple, and honest life. How could they sieze $300.00 from anyone. Might they think they might need it for food, healthcare, or basic necissities. Did they look at the total of my deposits every year from paypal, or the fact that I’m out of the country? Do they care about anyone in the slightest? Do I have any f’n privacy what so ever!
My heart is heavy today and I’m not feeling so good about the system that is digging the talons of “freedom” into my back. I’m going to call them today and ask for my money back. They can have my bank account, I’ll close it. I’ll give everything on projectbluesphere away for free and close my paypal account if I need to and never have access to another paid download or donation again. And if I need to Ill find an alternative to my passport, I will. I WILL NOT BE TREATED LIKE THIS!
I’m sick to my stomach today. I feel violated by the people who are supposed to protect me. It has happened so many times to me with the police, coast guard, and other governmental agencies I’ve had to work with. The state of new jersey sized my uncles home (my home) last year and put him on the street, literally. He was unable to pay taxes and they took the home my grandfather spent his entire life (working every day for RCA) paying for. That was 1/6th my house. It was meant to house our family if we ever needed it. It was given to us by a simple and hard working man who loved his family.
I’m sad, I’m angry, and I’m lost.
Perhaps I’m a bad American for not working until I’m 65 and investing in the “system”, but I believe I have the right not to?
I’m going to go back to my cheaper dentist and have my other tooth filled or extracted. I have absolutely no access to my paypal or bank account and need to go into major conservation mode.
My friend Roger just came with $50.00 for me and a package one of my “subscribers “( you guys) sent me for Christmas, yes it has taken this long for me to get.
The card reads:
Alex,
We hope you enjoy the goodies we are sending. They (The cookies) were made with a healthy dose of good juju from us. Please know that your website and adventures bring many smiles to a little family in Texas.
They are planning on cruising soon and following a simple path raising their child. This is why I do what I do, for people like this. They sent me home made cookies and dried venison sausage from a recent hunt (deer kill).
These are good American people, my people, and my neighbors.
My heart feels a little broken today. Maybe I’m over reacting but I demand my freedom and privacy, and I demand it at all and any cost! Read the New Hampshire license plate “Live free or die”. STAY THE F&*k out of my bank account!
My sadness has subsided and I’m spitting tacks again!
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Peace, Love, and FREEDOM!
Hi Alex
I live in New Hampshire and the slogen live free or die is a bunch of crap. We live under the thumb. The trash guy broke my recyling bin and the town wants me to buy another one or they don’t pick up my recycling. I told them no. So I just used the trash bin, so after a week or so they replaced the recycling bin because they were loosing money.
Just find someone who can help you with your taxes and get out from under take care of it in some way you will feel better for it. Then go forward.
Dispite your troubles and little money your so much better off than a lot of us. I would give anything to be able to sell all I have and sail away.
You can be assured we are all with you, you are not in the boat by your self this is happening to us also.
So do your best to take care of it and as you sail away you’ll be smiling again.
I beleave your a good person and a man of honor.
Tim,
unfortunatly I know its a bunch of crap but i still like the words :)
Hey Alex,
I am watching this thing you hate ….the TV. There are all sorts of commercials on companies that will look after your income tax owing with the IRS. They offer a free 1800 number and i am sure they take a portion of the money they save you as a fee. If you like i can forward you the contact numbers. It might be an easy way to take care of this problem.
Hey Alex,
I skyped my coworker the post, her husband works for the IRS, I dunno if he’ll be able to do anything for ya but hey I figured I wanna do everything I can to make sure “the man” doesn’t getcha)
Why not just do your tax returns and be done with it. With your low income, I cant imagine that you would owe any income taxes.
Self employment tax (ie S.S.) may be another thing. In the end you must give to Cesar what is Cesar’s. Also, didnt the IRS give you a little heads up that they were comming. I cant believe that they showed up out of the blue and drained yur account.
One final note the 1-800 tax people are a scam. The IRS will negotiate away interest and penalties but they are going to want their taxes. You are better off giving them a call and explaining your situation and that you feel that if you file you will not owe anything. Tell them that you want to get it resolved and ask how you can do that. It wont b e a pleasant process but such is life.
Good luck
My guess is you’ve read this, but just in case…. http://www.escapeartist.com/efam5/expat_tax_2.html
Good luck
Curtis, don’t watch the TV, the whole thing is a scam. I’d never higher some agency like that, thanks for the offer though.
Ive been on the phone/hold for hours now. A lady at the IRS asked me a bunch of questions pertaining to my income and is putting me in some hardship program? I tried telling her I don’t want to be in any of her programs, and the lunacy that I am a “hardship” case, but she didn’t get it? She was trying to help me, I don’t want any help. “I’m not the one in a cubicle I live on my sailboat and sail the world” Can you please let me live sub-poverty and leave me alone, “it doesn’t work that way sir”. Its like talking to a wall. I’M NOT A NUMBER!
Mark, I asked an accountant to file for me and he said it was better for me not to. Now I have to go back and file all my old returnes and the government will give me some “hardship/stimulus” money which I will send back. I just don’t want it, Its Americans tax money, your money, I’m fine, really.
The 12k comes from 10 years ago and they decided to file a tax form for me on my behalf in 2005. They said they couldn’t find me? I asked why they just didnt send me a letter to the address my bank statment goes to, they said they didnt have that address. “How can you have access to turn off my money and not access to my statement address”? I got disconnected after an hour and a half on the phone and am on hold again, probably for another hour.
She ran some numbers and decided the IRS would keep $80.00 of the $314 they took and I told her its not acceptable, “Shame on you, i need to deal with some bad/infected teeth”. She was actually a pretty nice woman that was trying to help but she just dosent get what I’m saying. “I WANT MY MONEY BACK, ALL OF IT, and i don’t owe you anything”, I’m not fining the IRS for basically putting me on the street last night, an apology will do?
This was a one time levy and maybe I can get access to my paypal account again? Hours more on the phone will tell?
I’m honest, don’t lie, or screw anyone for anything. I don’t want the paperwork in my life, mailing addresses, or anything else. I have to rethink my lifestyle and simplify some things. Perhaps I need even less. It is not enough i don’t have credit cards, no drivers license, property, investments, or a car.
Do I have any friends out there with a printing shop?
I’m just a worthless bum in the eyes of my government. All i want is the right to live in this world and be free. Maybe I’ll disapear up the amazon, pierce my nose with whiskers, and marry into som indigionus tribe. I don’t think the girls are so good looking up there tho :(
HA! The second woman i spoke to was UBER nice, and is sending a full refund of my tax levy. I am going to have to start filing every year tho, I’ll need to find someone to do that for me. Any accountants that want to exchange some services :)
the bank should clear today in which case I will go to the better dentist tomorrow :)
Sorry for all the venting.
Glad to hear it is being sorted out. Definitely feel for you in the initial sting, the IRS coming after you can be very stressful. Been there too. It gets resolved though, you have rights but they usually dont tell you what they are. :) Too much power there.
If they do send you money, keep it. Lets call it pain and suffering, or a penalty to the IRS for being that way.
Cheers,
Mark
Don’t feel lonesome,, I just paid $250 state tax for a business I started and stopped in the same month that did not earn one dime…….in 2003!!!!! I forgot to pay a “privilege” tax….
Thats OK,,, I screwed them… I did not procreate!!!! No more taxes from my DNA!!!!
In Canada we are taxed up to 70 cents on the dollar. So for every $1 we make ( which by the way is worth more then the american dollar) we get to keep 30cents. 40 cents goes to the federal goverment to cover things like goverment health care. 17 cents to the province you live in, in the form of HST or provincal tax. and the balance for municiple tax. I see the states heading that way. I hear some americans like goverment health care so every one gets help. In Canada we can wait over a year for a MRI or a new hip. We are told the type of hip we are to get ( usually the cheapest) and it is against the law to go to a private hospital. In fact private hospitals are illegal in Canada. When you go the the emergancy you have to wait as much as 8 to 10 hours so see a doctor. Unless you are in full cardiac arrest. Things here are crazy when it comes to Tax. We also have provinces that receive what they call transfer payments . This is for the “have not provinces” that don’t have enough people or who have ruined their economies like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and the Maritimes. The rich provinces like Alberta send those goverments money to support the others so all provinces have the same standard of living. We also spend billions on the french people here. They are less then 10% of the population but for political votes our goverment sends them billions to keep them happy.
When it comes to sail boats if i was to purchase one in the states i would have to pay !0 % duty at customs, and 12 % goverment tax to bring it into the country. Even if the boat is purchased in the states and i wanted to leave it there. I would have to registir it in Canada and pay those taxes even though it never entered Canadian waters.
This so called free western world is so expensive to live in. The sad thing is we are not free from the tax man.
Curtis,
Won’t even bother responding with specifics, but what you wrote, is complete crap. I work in health care in Canada and have worked 13 years in healthcare in the US (in around 10 different states, coast to coast). Clearly you don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve also purchased a sailboat in the US, maintained it there, then imported it into Canada. No problems. Of course there are fees and costs associated; doesn’t matter where you live. There are soooo many advantages and benefits to living in Canada/North America (compared to anywhere else in the world!), why the bitterness?
Alex,
I’ve always enjoyed your site, shared it with many others and celebrated your adventures. Truly you are an inspiration to many. I would encourage you to tap into all that is good and positive as you continue your quest for independence and simplicity. We all struggle, and we all feel overwhelmed at times. One step, one problem at a time, and always draw from the positive. I love this quote, and I’m sure you have already come across it: “The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears or the sea.” (Isak Dinesen)
Gordon, I didn’t know that quote, and I really like it. Thanks for sharing it.
I lived in Atlantic Canada for a year and had to go to the hospital twice. Once for a dog bight(stitches), the other time for pneumonia (God it was cold), both times I had a good experience. I’m a big fan of Canada.
As I said, I believe some tax needs to be paid by the members of a community. The tax should go to the betterment of the community (sanitation, and access to clean food and water), and decided how it is to be spent its collective members. That is not what is going on in North America. We have absolutely no control over what our administration does or how they spend “our” money. The media keeps people so fearful they just don’t ask any questions and we keep buying into it hook line and sinker. We are paying for the illusion of security with our freedom, and that is a very sad reality.
I don’t mean to sound full of myself but I am an educated, intelligent, and talented man. I choose to live in a “sub-poverty” income bracket by choice, and I believe that is still my choice to make. Supposedly we all have the choice to live as we please? The television, “idiot box” as my mother used to call it, programs us into believing what is “normal” and “acceptable”. We watch other “fake” peoples lives and model our own after them, not to mention buying every damn product someone decides to advertise, thus keeping us poor and working. America, is a middle class (working) society.
I cant even start to enplane how ridiculous my conversation with the IRS was. I’m not a “hardship” case, I’m a F’n rock star of the sea! “I only want what I need, why is that such a hard concept for you to understand”?
You know the years I traveled the world in the beginning of project BlueSphere I felt special. My readers/followers were, and are, so supportive. I felt like an accomplished and proud man when I came back to the states to buy Splendid. The reality was I was treated poorly and harassed by the state and local police, the department of fish and game, the sheriff’s office, and the United States Coast Guard. All because my boat didn’t have a nice paint job, my clothes were worn, and I lived on the hook. Everyone wanted me to “move along”. When confronted I didn’t act in fear and expected. I expected a “yes sir, how can I help you”, instead i was harassed and treated like a second class citizen.
I don’t know what to say guys. I know a lot of people read my words and I’m sure there are many of you that feel I should invest in the stars and stripes and not ask any questions. No matter how much of a crock the words “Live free or die” are, I believe in my right as an American citizen to exercise my freedom and help others do the same. I have Russian, Ukrainian, and Native American blood in my veins. I was born in NYC and I am an American citizen. I don’t choose to live on my home soil because I don’t feel welcome and that makes my heart hang quite low.
I want my government to respect me, answer to me and my peers, and act with honer, loyalty, and grace. I am not a “hardship” case and don’t want to be treated as such.
I still don’t have access to my $300. I will have to leave Panama not getting my mail or having the part machined for my dive compressor. I will need to come back (6 hours on a bus) next week.
The Cuban priest who sleeps in the room here at the hostle has warned my that my sleep is “molesto”, not well. He says I have many bad dreams and need to find “insude” peace?
At what point will we not accept this kind of treatment?
Hi Alex,
You don’t need an accountant to file taxes every year. With Turbotax online and your small income you can file for free. Just answer the self-guided forms and submit electronically. We filed that way last year and it was easy.
Barry
thanks Gordon for your rational comments – with all the madness in the world we are truly fortunate to live in North America.
Alex – take care of business and move on. Venting is fine but in the long run you can’t ignore the rules of the system that you once lived in. Take care of it, and then it’s just once a year, file online as beachcruiser suggested (it takes literally minutes). I just helped a friend that was 7 years without filing here in Canada – our tax system froze his bank account, took over his paycheque, sent the usual letters threatening to seize everything, and telling him he owed them thousands of dollars – well, finally he faced the fact he better do something and sorted it out – he ended up with a refund of thousands of dollars. His outlook is very similar to yours and while he tried for years to ignore “the system”, now he’s able to clear his mind of the burden he was carrying and move forward.
Take care of it – and go sailing !
bah. that blows. i logged in to check up on ya, and find this.
makes me think i should probably look into my own taxes before the canadian government does something similar to me, or worse (that seizing the passport thing worries me). i think i’ve made a grand total of like 4500$ in the last 3 years on canadian soil.
seeing as i work for an american company, in international waters, i don’t really know what i would need to do.
i hope to see you in freeport on the job. i don’t have an american bank account, so i have to have my paycheck mailed to canada, and a month-long hold put on it. bleh.
hopefully this all works out for you, and you still come up to the bahamas to work.
good luck chugging through the bureaucracy, mate.
Darrin,
I will see you on the job in April all goes well I’ve been really frustrated dealing with all this stuff. I had a bit of a brakedown on the phone with HSBC and did a fair amout of shouting. I finally had them take the hold off of my account.
GOOZEFRABA!!!!!
Tomorrow I’m off to my old dentist again, I had a good talk with her and really spoke my mind. She is also willing to finance any work she does.
It will be nice to be back home tomorrow, I havent been away from Splendid this long since I worked on the ship last time.
The place I’m staying is really cool. $15.00 a night, clean, hot showers, free internet, and eggs, fruit, juice, and coffee includid for bkfst.
http://www.hostalamadorfamiliar.com/
I’d recommend it :)
To decompress I went to go see the green hornet in the movie theater and I’m going to TGIF for a salad and a beer as a little treat.
Cheers.
Isak
Here are some specifics to the blog i wrote.
I made $29,025 dollars in 2010. my federal tax was $7846.00. My provical tax was 2303.00 which left me $18876. Then i have to pay an addition 12% HST for goods and services that left me $16,611 dollars.
Then the courts declared that my two daughters ages 21 and 22 are still considered minors and unable to contribut to their existance because they are going to college. I pay them $480 a month ,that left me $10851.00 for the year. It was because of those factors i was forced to sell my Hunter Legend 37.5 because i could no afford the marina fees etc.
So you are right i pay $62.00 a month for health care. And i know once a person gets into the health care system the care is incredible and the medical staff do an amazing job. It is getting in that is a problem.
My father waited 6 months for prostate surgery.He died shorly after at age 67. My self I went to the emergancy ward and waited 6 hours. Sure once there was room i got great service.
My Aunt dies of kidney failure due to the lack of Dyalisis machines.
Now when it comes to boats. If you are Canadian it is international law to fly the flag of your country. The vessel has to be registired as such. There for Federal tax and duty. The only time provincal tax is due is when the boat enters Canadian waters . The tax is paid in the province you enter.
Canada is an amazing country. The people are great and the it is a pretty safe country. I am always proud to say i am a Canadian when i travel the world.
I do know that our freedom is slowly being taken away by massive goverment interferance.
I live in Victoria BC and the province has annouced there are no doctors taking patients. I can go to a clinic or the emergancy ward if i need help. But to go to a private clinic for help. You know as well as i do it is against the law.
That is why the leader of the NDP went to the states for surgery. And the former MP Bilinda Strokic went to the states for cancer treatment. She could no afford to wait.
The other day i was stoped by the police as they had set up a check stop for drining drivers. They asked me where i was coming from and where am i going. My first thought was none of your business. This is what they used to do in Nazi Germany. I know they want to stop drinking drivers and i support that but i don’t support my civil rights slowly being eroded. This is why i say we are slowly losing our freedoms.
Hey Alex, sorry you got caught in the system. I recon if you went to live on the moon some government would want a cut.
Remember that governments and beurocracy everywhere is just a machine. Its not personal. They dont hate you. Probably no live person even looked at your personal situation before the computer froze your bank.
It is good that you suffered the telephone pain and got things looked at. One day, somewhere in the world, you will need to deal with one government or another so its good to fix it early. Life will throw you a curve ball from time to time, its how you handle it that really matters.
When “the machine” does something stupid try to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Then talk to a real person with real feelings to get it straightened out.
Putting into community and adding to your khama account is a good way to live. But be humble and take help from your friends when it is available/offered (and even from the government). Think of it as helping with their khama account! So many people don’t have the benefit of, or even understand, your enlightened way of life – feel sorry for them perhaps, but try not to blame them for not understanding.
Peace, Love and Pacific Coconuts…
WOW, bad but think about it, you live the life most dream of did you think that was without price, No not a goverment a hole just a realist. Sometimes you have to go through the crap to remember how good you have it, and you have it good. Stand up and think it for what it is, there game and you have to play. You came out on top of some tough times you will with this….will be some good reading don’t you think…your friend Jim
WOW, bad but think about it, you live the life most dream of did you think that was without price, No not a goverment a hole just a realist. Sometimes you have to go through the crap to remember how good you have it, and you have it good. Stand up and think it for what it is, there game and you have to play. You came out on top of some tough times you will with this….will be some good reading don’t you think…your friend Jim
I know I have it good, there isn’t so much I would change in my life. I spent too much money ($20.00) at TGIF, but what a good burger, and 4 beers :).
When I came back to the hostel I watched Zeitgeist for the second time. I particular like the Kennedy recording and the section on mass media. Have many of you watched Zeitgeist?
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
Curtis,
Sorry about your financial situaltion. Your details are none of my or anyone elses business.
Now imagine sitting in an ER, having a nurse call your name at the beignning of the night shift after you sat waiting all day. Your name is called not to bring you back to a room, but to see if you are still there. Then you sit for most of the next shift before you are called back. Fortunately for you, you have family who care enough to sit with you part of that time, and wasn’t it great that they caed enough to bring you a snack cause you haven’t had any thing to eat in the last 16 hours. Yup, saw that in almost every state I worked in (10 of them in total). What a great medical system if you have health care insurace as opposed to being one of the 35 to 45 million people who do not. Ok, you’re one of the lucky ones, you haven’t had an illness/condition/accident that has caused your insurance company to drop you because you’ve capped out, or have too many risk factors. That’s the reality if you live in the US. I read a statistic a while back that stated something like 80 % of people who actually have health insurance are one major accident or illness away from bankrupcy. Once you’re out of “the system”, living the life many of us are working towards, you are left completely alone. We are unbelieveably fortunate to be living in Canada; and even more fortunate are you and I…we get to live on Vancouver Island!!
As for the boat, yup, there are hoops to jump. Many Canadians own boats in the US just over the border, and keep them there for a reason. Everyone pays duty/tax on boats built outside their country, once the boat is imported. And there’s the tax man to pay in most states when you register your “new to you” boat in the state in which you reside.
I’m not trying to be critical, Curtis. But I’ve lived a big portion of my life on both sides of the border, and I’ve seen a hell of a lot. I am sure you are proud to be Canadian; I have a new found appreciation for my country and my country’s people. My wife is American; though there are frustrations here, and financially, we were better off in the US, we are both very happy to be Canadian (she soon will be).
I get a wee bit defensive when people complain about Canada, and paint a rosey picture of the good ol’ USA. It’s really not that rosey at all.
Alex, good on ya for the burger and beers treat! One step/problem at a time. Check out this web site; this girl is getting it right…she is one upbeat sailor!! http://www.swellvoyage.com
Peace and good sailing!
Gordon
it could be worse………….is it snowing ?
Gordon
I had to laugh when you said that my personal business is no ones business but mine. Then you proceed to talk about your personal business. too funny. In case you havn’t noticed alex has opened his heart many times about his personal business and for that i am so thank full. He has taught me and others so much threw his words and thoughts.
when it comes to my beautiful country called Canada i am so proud of it and thank full to be
Canadian. In fact i served in our Canadian Armed Forces on both coasts because i love this country so much and wanted to help pertect her and perserve the rights and freedoms that my grand father and his father fought for. That is why when i see our freedoms slowly being taken away it touches a nerve in me and i want to stand up and fight for every thing that has made this country great.
When it comes to tax and helping the less fortunate in this counrty i am totaly for that. We have a beautiful country because we have taxes to make it beautiful and to help the less fortunate. Howver when tax dollars are wasted and the less fortunate are left on our cold streets in the name of not enough resources that makes me so upset.
I have traveled in 3rd world countries both on mission trips to help the poor and also on holidays. I see how goverments actually hate their people and have slowly taken away their human rights.All for the sake of controling them. I am starting to see that in my beautiful country. Like banning certain news broad casts from the USA and around the world. Filtering internet access to american news broad casts. Limiting music contact from forgien countries in the name of protecting canadian music rights. Goverment run news channels paid for by all tax payers but only promoting one view. These things are what concerns me. They start off small then look out. Sorry for getting personal about a small part of my life but i like to deal in facts to prove a point and not emotion.
Good to hear re: your service and your appreciation for home. Thanks Curtis.
Cheers!
Gary, No snow on the north Island, but a chilly night.
Gordon
LOL At least we can agree taxes and health care are a touchy subject. :)
Another quote, while we are at it.
“Most of us can, as we choose, make either a palace or a prison of this life.”John Lubbock
Alex,
I’m afraid you will continue to experience “the system” and be bummed-out as long as you stay in one place. I hope you pull up the hook and get a move on buddy… you know how to make enough money to survive- SHOOT MOVE COMMUNICATE (sorry, I stole that from my Army days). When you were CRUISING and FILMING, you seemed HAPPY to us, your fans. Use that FREEDOM to see and share the world with the rest of us. You have said it many times, “… I don’t need a pretty boat, just a safe boat…” (or something like that) I’ve purchased both your DVD’s as well as the DOWNLOADS, I’ve donated and chartered with you- just to help you produce more films and would continue to support your adventures, but senor… for your own sanity and ours… pick a horizon and GO FOR IT, but don’t forget to film it.
I agree with “Zamborick”, great words by the by. I’ve been following you for years now, and I do miss you describling what it look to have the Big Blue spraying salt water in your ace while sailing by the power of the wind. I know I’ll never sailing like you do, but I will be able too dream right beside you. I know your trying to get your health under control, with that I wish you luck. You seem to be focused on getting back to sailing across the Big Blue, by it couldn’t be soon enough for use, the followers. I’ve also sent money, bought your DVD’s, and I’m so ready for another one. I’ve almost worn the two I have out but when I feel that life is backing me into a corner, I simply play one of your DVD’s and the dream comes alive. Alex, I do hope you get your teeth problem solved, and that you get back to your Splendid. She is calling your name, but also is the Big Blue, the deep waters, the never ending winds of mother nature. It’s time, to cut the ties to this place, you’ve been staying, and reach out to clear open waters. I only wish you the best, Sail free, Sail far, just keep sailing…..
Alex,
I broke again, I think the gods want me to stay away form Panama and it’s killing me! Oh well, I should be there mid next month so maybe we could try again if you have time. Zegiest is a great movie and there is part 3 that is due out any day now, I am really excited to see it. For those of you who remember the “Spaniard” that killed a guy near the San Blas here is a link with some more info. It’s a shame that human life is just not respected the way it should be by some people. My family and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to the families that have been destroyed by this madman.
Chris
http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20110218100024307
rguffy,
Thanks for the kind words. Trust me I want to get sailing more than anyone. I worked on my “bucket list” today on the bus and I’m doing pretty well with it, I’m actually going to post it as I don’t want to forget.
Rick,
I really need to get a decent camera setup before I take off again. I’m thinking of trying to raise some $$$ at kickstarter.com, they raise money for creative projects. Unless someone wants Producer credit on my next film :) I also need a drifter and paint. Finishing Splendid is one of the things on my bucket list and is important to me.
Chris,
yes, lets try to hook up again. I never saw the second zeitgeist???? Only the one that starts with the blue box, I think that’s the first one. If you guys haven’t seen it/them, you can watch them for free on line.
http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
Man, I’ve spent over $500 in the last few days but boy did I get a lot done.
See back doctor (for job)
Get hearing test (for job)
See dentist and got a filling
See regular doctor and went to lab for blood-work
Drink beers at the Hard Rock
Drink Beers and eat burger at TGIF
Get Sushi rice, nori, and wasabi at Japanese market
Buy jeans and t shirts (mostly for job)
See my buddy Marcos
See buddy Roger
Flirt with backpacker girl till 1am ;)
watch The green hornet in 3D in air conditioned theater (really cool)
buy asthma inhalers
Fight with IRS for 7 hours
Fight with my bank for 2 hours
I’d say I did a lot for $500.00 and got my monies worth over my three day adventure in Panama City. My employer in April should reimburse me for about $160.00 (bio mechanical & hearing tests).
I’m going to try and get a video posted this week. I have cool video from the charter and I want to talk a bit about boats:)
This was an interesting Blog.
As far as Canada goes I know if you want to hold on to your health care you need to spend a certain number of months in Canada every year. The Canadian sailors don’t usually cruise full time because of this. They tend to return home for the warmer months.
Peace-out!
Two things in life you can be sure of DEATH AND TAXES O Well lessen learnt, so long as they get their yearly paper work there happy So stop stressing .don’t let them get you down ,go with the flow and relax,LIFE’S TO SHORT ….GO SAILING
Hi,i have to say i got a great respect for everything you did so far in your life,things that made think about mine to.
But you got to understand that you steel part of the system…the reason is wen you use for exemple the paypal to sell your DVDs for exemple,you agreed to use the system and you agreed to play with there rules and that is taxes to pay.
Wen you buy fiberglass to repair your boat for exemple,you agreed to help facturies to keep pollute our planet and you help the system and etc…
So you steel are part of the system even wen you do not whant it.
So do not say you are not part of the system wen you use things from it.
Don`t take me roung i´d love to leave the system to.
Rui from Portugal
Hey Alex,
A few blogs ago you mentioned you might want to transit the cancel again and spend more time in the Galapagos. Is that still your plan? If so when are you thinking of doing this?
Also will you head back to Hiva Oia? When are the best months to sail there?
alex you are gonna want to check on the IRS.Gov website for the particulars of filling your Foreign Income Exclusion ( i think it is the form 2555 ) but the website will give a reasonably intelligent person the particulars on the how’s, why’s and wherefores of filing.
The key, and Im sure your CPA will enlighten you, is to FILE every year no matter howm uch you make be it a dollar or more, you gotta file and that my friend is why your ass is in a sling.
I cannot imagine any respectable tax person advising you to not file, that is the basic tenent of the IRS, you file every year, period ! lesson learned.
I wont go into my feelings of how our taxes are spent, how disfunctional our present administration is or any other freedom loving individual personal opinon, suffice it to say, dont do the crime if you cant do the time, the bad boys at IRS have NO humor and remember this, it will only get worse, check out the ” Affordable Health Care Act ” if you dont believe me, and see just how much more this administration took from you today !
and remember that the next time you get a chance to vote
gary
Fuck those rat fucking bastards! Get an account in the Cayman’s, keep your money stashed on the boat or buried in the jungle. More proof that in the USA you are guilty until proven innocent, its all a charade, sail on my brother.