Defend voting rights in our fragile democracy

By Laureen Scharps, FAWCO Rep, AIWC Frankfurt Taunus Rhein-Main

On January 6, violent extremists attempted to overturn the result of the US Presidential election. Multiple states are making new efforts to increase the difficulty of voting. More than ever before, Americans must advocate for our democracy and support all citizens’ Constitutional right to vote.

To help protect our right to...

Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) and Recovery Rebate Credit 2020

By Olga Kocybik, CPA, AIWC Dusseldorf

Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments or recovery rebates, are payments to eligible taxpayers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been two payments issued:

First EIP: eligible taxpayers that filed either 2018 or 2019 returns automatically received their checks of $1,200 per individual plus $500 for each qualifying child around April-June of...

Recovery Credit Rebate Worksheet

If you didn’t get the full Economic Impact Payment, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit

The IRS and Treasury have issued all first and second Economic Impact Payments.

If you didn’t get any Economic Impact Payments or got less than the full amounts, you may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020...

A Checklist of Tax Year 2020 Tax Dates and Changes

By Olga Kocybik, CPA, AIWC Dusseldorf 

If you are a US citizen or resident alien living outside the United States, even though you may not owe any US tax, you generally are required to file US income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns.  Some may also be required to file a state or local tax return.

Regardless of...

Tell Congress to pass bill to improve and secure US elections

Overseas American voters should learn about a massive bill, called HR 1, the For the People Act of 2021 (called S. 1 in the Senate), to improve and secure US elections, and urge their Representatives and Senators to pass it. See especially the section devoted to overseas military and civilian voters (Title I, Subtitle J). Act now: the House of Representatives...

Upcoming Elections in Louisiana, New Jersey and Virginia

Voters from these states, register to vote/request your absentee ballots now! FAWCO Clubs and  Members, please publicize these elections and reach out to any voters from these states whom you know and encourage them to vote (if they can do so - see below for details.)  

Special federal elections in Louisiana

Louisiana has a special federal primary election scheduled for March...