Originally Posted by
TonyC
(I quoted the fourth sentence ("Without tax equalization...") because I don't understand what you were saying.)
I tried to provide you with facts, and I apologize if you felt I was chastizing.
I can answer any of the above questions you have raised, but I won't do it here in public with 4760 amateur tax accountants and the rest of the world looking on. If you'd like to ask a specific question on the ALPA Webboard, I'll do my best to accomodate you.
The first time a math teacher demonstrated to me on the chalkboard how to use the Quadratic Formula, I watched, and followed the calculations, and believed that it was correct. I could not have immediately stood up at the same chalkboard and demonstrated to another class of students how to do the same thing. Since then I've practiced, and applied the skill, and even "re"-learned it to help teach my own children.
Similarly, the first time an accountant stood at a white board and explained the industry standard method of Tax Equalization, I watched, and followed the calculations and believed it was correct. I worked through more examples, asked questions, and discussed hypotheticals. That doesn't mean I'm prepared to stand before 4760 amateur tax experts and tell you how Tax Equalization works. I'm not going to school to become an acountant. However, I'll be happy to share with you my "class notes" and the "teacher's handout" (I'll bring them to the Hub Turn Meetings tonight and tomorrow (if I don't get called on Reserve) and do my best, but I'm not an accountant. That's why we
hired an accountant. There's nothing esoteric about that.
Let's deal with the facts.
.
Fact, Nothing you say in a telephone call is legal or binding, unless it is recorded, with your permission, and you have the expertise in the area you are commenting on. You already said your not an accountant. You can tell me what ever you think you know but that's about it.
Fact, you shouldn't be standing before 4760 amateur tax accountants. Thats not your job.
Comment, You obviously have had some sort of class that enabled you to understand the tax equalization concept. Why hasn't the union sent out information to the rest of the crewforce, of at least a generic tax example.
Fact, I spoke with an IRS representative, specializing in US citizens living abroad, I asked one question, after aprox. seven minutes of research the questions still could not be answered. I was directed to an e-mail address and resubmitted my question. The question was answered with supporting documentation and tax code references.
Non-Fact, Question, Still think you can answer any question I pose?
Fact, The more I'm told to call someone, and get their opinion, that's all it is, for reasons stated above, the less I like it. Professionals, accountants, were hired to give information, if you believe that a select few should receive this information and the rest of us should accept hear-say from our reps you are mistaken.
Fact, misinformation or wrong assumption with regards to tax questions can harm people financially.
Question(I don't expect you to answer) Empty nest couple with rental property income, and large annual dividend and interest income. Will income generated from either of these sources be taxed by the Hong Kong or French Government? Will FedEx pay any portion of this? Better check before you vote. If you get an answer from the company, better get it in writing.
Remember, what you don't know will cost you.