[Taniwha]

So that's how it works here in New Zealand - most people can go on line and fill out a 2-page web form, the IRD already has our equivalents to W2s, 1099s etc, you can look them over, make sure you think they're correct and effectively press a button - taxes done! And if you don't? then the IRD will do it for you anyway and send you a refund (with interest) or a bill.

Of course it's much easier for us because we have a much simpler tax system - virtually no exemptions - chances are if you have one job all year your employer got your tax right to the dollar.

I have to file in both countries, American taxes is like pulling teeth (the paper work side, I don't mind the actual paying of taxes, it's a civic duty after all)

[fennecfoxy]

I was on PAYE all my life in NZ, now I'm PAYE in the UK. So easy. Even a brief spurt of contracting here taxes were super easy (altho an accountant is still useful).

[jokethrowaway]

Civic duty? If I were you I'd renounce my American citizenship. I don't see why you should support a warmongering country with your money, especially if you're not living within its borders.

Even if I were living in the US, getting money from someone under the threat of fines and incarceration is called extortion.