Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Grrr]

That’s great - you mean the AU Passport office? Did it need to be them specifically or could it be any certifying authority (like a JP)

Assume i could do the same declaring US Bank account interest?

If you read the notes for the W7 form, it says it needs to be certified by:
- issuing authority (hence our passport office)
- a US embassy/consulate (but they will only do it via mail, and I didn't want to mail my passport around)

 

[djchuckles]

Good stuff - not bad for 4 bucks - you saved $1 over my Maza way and got your ITIN way before me!

 

[Finale]

DP here for fellow tight-cough...

I missed out on the bargain priced Maza, and couldn't justify spending ~$400 on an agent (and also didn't like the idea of sending copies of my passport etc to a random person on the internet)

I filled out a W7 and 1040NR from the IRS website (declared $85 gambling income).

After receiving confirmation that they would do it (via email) from the Passport Office, I took my passport in and had certified copies made (no appointment required) for free. A surprisingly painless procedure for a government interaction.

I mailed my W7,1040NR and certified passport copy via standard mail (~$4) on 14/10.

The certified copies were returned to my US address on 19/11, and my ITIN arrived there on 27/11

That's good news that the passport office does it now. Did they put their stamp or has anything that reads "Passport Office"? I read about the Canadian one not doing an embossed seal anymore and some IRS agent rejected it. I think that was because there was nothing showing "Passport Office" on the paper, only "Government of Canada" which was not good enough.

 

[Finale]

Bought a couple of vouchers from Hilton Surfers Paradise. Originally showing as Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences but then it posted a different name. Was a bit worried but Aspire resort credit showed up fine.

 

[Grrr]

Did they put their stamp or has anything that reads "Passport Office"

It's not embossed, but it has 2 stamps with DFAT logo/Passport office etc on it.

For those who have done the W7/1040NR combo (or had agents do it on their behalf), does the IRS eventually send you a notice of assessment based on that initial tax return ?

That was what I interpreted the explanatory notes to imply, but I have yet to receive an assessment or request for their $9 in tax

 

[djchuckles]

Bought a couple of vouchers from Hilton Surfers Paradise. Originally showing as Hilton Surfers Paradise Residences but then it posted a different name. Was a bit worried but Aspire resort credit showed up fine.

View attachment 419053

This is good to know - I’m in the Gold COast at least once a quarter so shoudl be able to make use of this for Aspire and Suprass credits

I hear the vouchers are very hard to actually use though? How come the voucher was 198.10?

 

[Finale]

It's not embossed, but it has 2 stamps with DFAT logo/Passport office etc on it.

For those who have done the W7/1040NR combo (or had agents do it on their behalf), does the IRS eventually send you a notice of assessment based on that initial tax return ?

That was what I interpreted the explanatory notes to imply, but I have yet to receive an assessment or request for their $9 in tax

When I renewed my ITIN, I did both W7 and 1040NR. My income was $250 and the agent just put $26 tax on 1040NR. I guess 10% tax plus maybe $1 penalty fee for doing tax late (after April 15)? Never heard anything from IRS. Will try to get IRS account later. Looks like I have to do a video call.

This is good to know - I’m in the Gold COast at least once a quarter so shoudl be able to make use of this for Aspire and Suprass credits

I hear the vouchers are very hard to actually use though? How come the voucher was 198.10?

I never used the vouchers myself but gave them to a close family a few times and he enjoyed using them. Never heard him complaining. I think you just have to call or email to book.

Bought 2 vouchers at $150 each plus $6 fee so $306 AUD.

 

[djchuckles]

When I renewed my ITIN, I did both W7 and 1040NR. My income was $250 and the agent just put $26 tax on 1040NR. I guess 10% tax plus maybe $1 penalty fee for doing tax late (after April 15)? Never heard anything from IRS. Will try to get IRS account later. Looks like I have to do a video call.



I never used the vouchers myself but gave them to a close family a few times and he enjoyed using them. Never heard him complaining. I think you just have to call or email to book.

Bought 2 vouchers at $150 each plus $6 fee so $306 AUD.

WHat denominations were available?

 

[Finale]

WHat denominations were available?

They no longer do 1 voucher for all products/services. Accom, food, spa etc have their own vouchers now and not changable. You can check here

Gift Vouchers

Looks like the spa voucher has been changed. I was able to buy a spa voucher with a food voucher but now it redirects to another site.

 

[djchuckles]

They no longer do 1 voucher for all products/services. Accom, food, spa etc have their own vouchers now and not changable. You can check here

Gift Vouchers

Looks like the spa voucher has been changed. I was able to buy a spa voucher with a food voucher but now it redirects to another site.

Thanks Mrs Margots probably a good bet (not that I’ve tried it). Can stack up a few US$50 (or closest equivalent) ones and then use in one go

 

[djchuckles]

They no longer do 1 voucher for all products/services. Accom, food, spa etc have their own vouchers now and not changable. You can check here

Gift Vouchers

Looks like the spa voucher has been changed. I was able to buy a spa voucher with a food voucher but now it redirects to another site.

Yes looks like spa is through a third party. And min accomodation one is 250 (Which is now good for Surpass). I think I’ll test the Ms Margot one this month and then just stock up on AU$100 ones of those each quarter….. (The spa one would be nice if it worked, especially as you can choose a custom amount)

 

[Grrr]

When I renewed my ITIN, I did both W7 and 1040NR. My income was $250 and the agent just put $26 tax on 1040NR. I guess 10% tax plus maybe $1 penalty fee for doing tax late (after April 15)? Never heard anything from IRS. Will try to get IRS account later. Looks like I have to do a video call.

They say you need to file a return every 3y to keep it valid - so if they’re not sending you a notice of assessment etc, what happens then ?

 

[CaptainCurtis]

I'm most likely going to be moving to the US for work mid next year, for a couple of years. I'll be heading there in February for 2-3 months, is there anything I can/should be doing while I'm there to get things set-up before moving more permanently in July?