[bell-cot]

> ...it would seem that the IRS is trying very hard make this process unappealing

IANAL, but I believe that all the unpleasantries which you note were decided by the U.S. Congress. (Most probably with the President's sign-off.) Making the IRS out to be the Real Villain(tm) here only helps a bunch of self-serving politicians to evade responsibility.

[AdamN]

+100

[azinman2]

And what's wrong with this? Personally I'm very happy to see it. The idea that you make tons and tons of money by what America has worked hard to offer you and then you want to skip town because of taxes? Taxes that help pay for all the advantages that got you that wealth in the first place?

Good for Congress for trying to prevent this.

[bell-cot]

If the unpleasantries only applied to a few very rich, who were trying to skip town that way, then you'd have a decent argument.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the vast majority of targets bear no resemblance to your stereotype. And the system has no interest in discriminating between the few filthy rich town-skippers and the vast majority who are just easy victims.

Targeting all members of large group - because a small minority of them are "bad" in some emotional-button-pushing way - has a very long and disreputable history.

[junon]

Ehhh not sure about that. America doesn't have high taxes compared to many other places to live. This isn't as clear cut as I think you think it is.

[azinman2]

Then you’re refuting the basic premise of the article, which is that the ultra wealthy want to avoid taxes.

Why else would Eric Schmidt want to become a citizen of Cyprus, which then also allows him to live elsewhere in the EU? It’s certainly isn’t to end up laying more in taxes than he would in the US.

[ucha]

Being a citizen of Cyprus gives him visa free travel and work options in Europe. As he hasn't renounced US citizenship, he certainly isn't taking advantage of that for tax reasons. The article seems to imply otherwise, but that's basically what bad journalism is... strongly suggesting an incorrect interpretation of facts while still "telling the truth".

[jleyank]

There is a real problem with the US-expst taxes when moving to a lower-taxed state... The difference is owed to the US and it's now a positive number.

[washadjeffmad]

Not to derail, but surely you're aware that tax-funded services taken for granted in those "many other places" are separate fees in the US.

[junon]

Not sure what you mean. Please explain.