contents

American institutions who care about my residency

• SSA
• IRS
• banks: Chase, Citi
• brokerages: eTrade, DWS, Putnam, ADP
• passport: for online renewal they ask for address and ask “is this your residence?”
• FinCEN, for FBAR
• Kansas Department of Revenue: license/ID, voter registration, jury duty, income tax

Thailand institutions that care about my residency:

• Tax Authority ??
• Immigration: visa, TM30
• banks: Bangkok Bank, SCB, Kasikorn KBank
• Department of Land Transport: drivers license

If I leave Thailand, I might find myself wondering what address I should give to Immigration and banks.

How to establish residency in another state
https://www.wipfli.com/insights/articles/pcg-tax-how-to-establish-residency-in-another-state

Terms

• Dual residence
• Multiple residence
• Domicile
• Intention
• ID
• Proof of residence

Thailand

• If I live in Thailand for 180 days in one year, I am a tax-resident of Thailand for that one year.

USA

• I am always a citizen of the USA. I cannot be kept out or denied a passport.
• I am always subject to worldwide income taxation, regardless of where I live.
• According to SSA, if I live outside the USA for 3 months, I am a foreign resident.

State income tax:

• Kansas: 5%
• Florida: 0%
• Wyoming: 0%
• South Dakota: 0%
• Washington: 0%

How to change state residency while abroad
https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/state-residency-while-abroad/
David McKeegan, co-founder and IRS enrolled agent
“Each state has rules about who’s domiciled in the state.

Your domicile is a fixed, principal, and permanent home that you reside in, and that you intend to return to or remain in.

This gets tricky because it’s based on your intent. But it gets hard to know somebody’s intent. So we need to look at your actions.”

2 options

• dual

Which state

• Topeka
  • drivers license has expired
  • income tax
  • jury duty
• Seattle
  • no tax
  • jury duty?
  • don’t want to bother sister
• some other state using virtual mail box: Florida, Wyoming, S Dakota

Examples as of 2024:

• US Global Mail, $9.95/mo, since 1999, Texas
• Traveling Mailbox, since 2011, $15/mo, Sanford NC
• USA2ME, since 2004, Texas
• Anytime Mailbox, since 2013, a network of partner operators, 2500 locations including Bangkok
• St Brendan’s isle SBI, mailing service in Florida for cruising community

Post Office explanation of Private Mailbox Addresses (PMB)
https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28c2_040.htm

• commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRA)
• add #234 or PMB 234 to the address line

Notes

• setup requires USPS form 1583 which must be notarized and requires two IDs: one photo ID and one address ID. Address on the 1583 must match the ID. This implies that:
  • I must have a state-issued ID for a physical address in the USA, before I can apply for a virtual address. And,
  • the state-issued ID comes from the DMV of that state.
• non-citizens and non-resident expats are accepted
• does not affect residency or tax staus

I need a Drivers License, or non-driving state ID, in the following circumstances:

• to signup for login.gov
• to signup for a Charles Schwab US account (not International)

SD, Florida, Texas

K03-85-0007
issued:
expired: 9/1/2023

Required documents to get a new license. Prove three things:

1. citizen: (1) passport
   

1. SSN: (1) soc sec card
   

1. residence: (2) canceled mail, bank statement

How long does it take to receive the official license in Topeka?

• grok: “You should receive your physical driver’s license on the same day you apply, provided all paperwork and testing are completed satisfactorily.”
• quora: “Processing Time: After passing the tests, you usually receive your temporary license immediately, with the official license mailed to you within a few weeks.”
• https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovdlfaq.html: “How long does it take for a credential to arrive in the mail? While most arrive in 14-20 days, it can take up to 45 days.” (2-3 weeks or more)

5-year renewals.
Do I need an active USA license to renew? No.

How to change state residency and manage state residency while abroad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onS6Tonu99w
by the owner of Greenback Expat Tax Service

South Dakota Residency for Nomads
https://slev.life/south-dakota-residency-for-nomads
by a previous nomad named Steve

How to establish residency in South Dakota: a step by step guide
https://www.dakotapost.net/blog/how-to-establish-residency-in-south-dakota-a-step-by-step-guide#physical-presence
by a virtual mailbox company in Sioux Falls

Is South Dakota still a good place to Domicile?
https://blog.savvynomad.io/is-sd-good-domicile/

1. To get a virtual mailbox, I must present a state-issued ID. True?
   

1. To get a state-issued ID, I must appear physically at the DMV. True?
   

1. To present an address on my 1040, I must be able to prove my residence at that address with a state issued ID card. True?
   

1. To prove I no longer live in Kansas for income tax purposes, I must be able to prove my residence in some other state with a state issued ID card. True?

Most of the tax and investment advisors I have talked to advise me to keep the US address.

Mailing address
Domicile
Residence

Thai tax resident: 180 days or more
Ssa: wants to be notified of travel of 3 months
Kansas tax: domicile is intention to return, and domicile is taxed
Kansas driver’s license: requires proof of residence, two documents
Irs
Passport
Us bank/brokerage: do not serve non-resident

Schwab international: non-residents ok with restrictions

Global bank
Global credit card

What triggers a bank or brokerage freeze or closure? This is the same as asking: when does a brokerage learn that you are living abroad?

• Foreign address to SSA?
• Foreign address to IRS?
• Foreign bank accounts opened?
• FBAR report filed?
• Schwab International account opened?
• Credit report informs brokerage of new address

US brokerage vs International brokerage

• Beneficiaries
• Mutual funds

How to maintain multiple residences.
For example say a guy lives in Thailand and he also has a residence in the USA.
He uses the USA address for banks and credit cards and brokerage companies. But he spends most of his time in Thailand and has bank accounts there which he reports via FBAR.
He uses the USA address for his US income tax.
What address should he use for his SSA account?

He also uses his USA address for his social security account.
He has concerns that if his brokerage accounts find out he spends most of his time in Thailand and has bank accounts in Thailand that they will close his accounts.
He is also concerned that he might be out of compliance with SSA rules.

I’m looking for a online community forum where USA expat retirees talk about issues with SSA and retirement benefits

I am looking for a financial advisor who works as an independent fiduciary and specializes in USA expats living abroad and offers hourly consulting

What are the risks of giving my portfolio information to a potential financial advisor

What are the risks of giving SSA my US address

Will Schwab international allow me to buy US securities from a Thailand address

https://www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/getting-started/working-investment-professional/check-out-your-investment

https://www.prudential.com/financial-education/5-types-of-financial-advisors

Charles Schwab offers two distinct types of accounts—Schwab International and Schwab Domestic—that cater to different audiences with varying features. Below, I’ll explain the key differences, focusing on your specific points about beneficiaries and mutual fund purchases, while also providing a broader comparison based on available information as of February 20, 2025.
Overview

• Schwab Domestic Account: Designed for U.S. residents, this is the standard brokerage account available through Schwab’s U.S.-based platform (schwab.com). It offers a full suite of investment options and account features tailored to U.S. citizens or residents with a Social Security Number (SSN).
• Schwab International Account: Known as the Schwab One® International Account, this is for non-U.S. residents in eligible countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Singapore, etc.). It provides access to U.S. markets but comes with some limitations compared to the domestic version, reflecting its focus on international investors.

Key Differences
1. Beneficiaries

• Schwab Domestic: Supports designating beneficiaries. U.S.-based accounts allow you to name beneficiaries for assets like individual brokerage accounts, IRAs, or trusts, facilitating estate planning. For example, you can set up a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation to pass assets directly to heirs without probate.
• Schwab International: Does not support beneficiaries. International accounts lack features like TOD designations or the ability to name beneficiaries directly. This limitation stems from the account’s structure, which is designed to comply with U.S. regulations for non-residents and may not integrate with local estate laws in the account holder’s country. As a result, estate planning for international account holders may require external arrangements (e.g., wills or trusts governed by their home country’s laws), which can complicate asset transfer upon death.

2. Mutual Fund Purchases

• Schwab Domestic: Fully supports buying mutual funds. Domestic account holders can invest in thousands of mutual funds, including over 4,000 no-transaction-fee (NTF) funds and Schwab’s proprietary low-cost index funds. The platform offers robust tools for researching and trading mutual funds, catering to both active and passive investors.
• Schwab International: Does not support buying mutual funds (with exceptions). Generally, international accounts restrict mutual fund purchases, focusing instead on U.S.-listed stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options. However, there’s an exception: international accounts can trade “offshore mutual funds,” which are distinct from the mutual funds available to U.S. residents. These offshore funds are tailored for non-U.S. investors and may involve different fees or availability, but they’re not part of Schwab’s broader mutual fund lineup (e.g., NTF funds or Schwab-managed funds). This limitation reduces flexibility for international investors who prefer mutual funds for diversification or simplicity.

3. Other Notable Differences

• Eligibility:
  • Domestic: Requires U.S. residency and an SSN.
  • International: Available to residents of over 100 countries (varies by region), but not U.S. residents. No SSN is required; instead, identity verification uses passports or other documents.
• Minimum Deposit:
  • Domestic: No minimum deposit to open a basic brokerage account.
  • International: Requires a $25,000 minimum deposit, a significant barrier for smaller investors.
• Currency Support:
  • Domestic: Operates in USD, with seamless integration for U.S.-based banking.
  • International: Accepts deposits only in USD, with non-USD deposits converted (often at a 1% fee or higher, depending on currency), which can erode value for those paid in other currencies (e.g., CHF, EUR).
• Investment Options:
  • Domestic: Includes stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, options, futures, forex, and fractional shares (Stock Slices for S&P 500 stocks).
  • International: Offers stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, and offshore mutual funds, but excludes futures and forex. Fractional shares may be unavailable or limited.
• Tax Forms:
  • Domestic: Issues Form 1099 for U.S. tax reporting.
  • International: Issues Form 1042-S for non-residents, reflecting U.S. withholding tax on dividends/interest (typically 30%, reducible via tax treaties).
• Banking Features:
  • Domestic: Links to Schwab Bank accounts (e.g., High Yield Investor Checking) with perks like unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.
  • International: No direct banking integration; funding relies on wire transfers or checks, with no ACH option for non-U.S. bank accounts.

Implications

• For U.S. Residents: The domestic account is more versatile, supporting beneficiaries and a wide range of mutual funds. It’s ideal for those embedded in the U.S. financial system who want comprehensive investment and estate planning options.
• For Non-U.S. Residents: The international account prioritizes access to U.S. markets but sacrifices features like beneficiary designations and broad mutual fund access. The $25,000 minimum and USD-only restriction further limit its appeal, especially for investors seeking flexibility or lower entry points.

Why These Differences?

• Regulatory Compliance: Schwab tailors international accounts to meet U.S. securities laws for non-residents, which may restrict features like beneficiaries or mutual funds to avoid conflicts with foreign jurisdictions.
• Operational Focus: Domestic accounts align with Schwab’s full-service model for U.S. clients, while international accounts focus narrowly on U.S. market access, reflecting a trade-off for global reach.

Conclusion
If beneficiaries and mutual fund investments are priorities, the Schwab Domestic account is superior but only available to U.S. residents. The Schwab International account suits non-U.S. residents wanting U.S. market exposure (e.g., stocks and ETFs) but falls short in flexibility, making alternatives like Interactive Brokers (which offers multi-currency support and lower minimums) worth considering for international investors with broader needs. Your choice depends on residency and investment goals.

by Hui-chin Chen
https://moneymattersforglobetrotters.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-us-investment-accounts-when-i-move-overseas/?cn-reloaded=1
What should I do with my US investment accounts when I move overseas?
1) On US Government Assignment
2) Maintaining two residences
3) Short-term: with known end date
4) Long-term: no estimated return date

• If your current custodian will not continue to work with you, find a custodian that will.
• Open accounts using your foreign address, transfer the funds, and close the existing accounts.

Author Hui-chin Chen, co-founder of Jade and Cowrie, independent, fee-only, fiduciary firm.
Hourly consulting at $525.
https://jadeandcowrywealth.com/pricing/

https:%%//%%moneymattersforglobetrotters.com

drivers license
jury duty
income tax

no drivers license
may not be able to use foreign credit card for purchases from US vendors
will SDFCU put a US address on the card for me? and accept a foreign phone?
and will they need a drivers license to open the account with a US address?

Some US vendors will not accept payments from a credit card with a foreign billing address.
There are two mismatch issues.

1. billing address does not match the card’s issuing country
   

1. the card is not in the US

Amazon and other large retailers accept foreign cards.
Smaller companies might not.
It can depend on the payment gateway: PayPal, Stripe, or Square.
Work around, use a payment system other than a credit card: PayPal, Google Pay,

defined by Grok.

Legal Address: The official address registered with government or legal entities for purposes like taxes, voting, or legal documentation. It’s often your primary residence or domicile but may differ based on jurisdiction or purpose.

Dual Residence: Maintaining two residences in different locations, often for work, lifestyle, or legal reasons. Each may qualify as a residence, but typically only one is your domicile for legal purposes.

Domicile: The place you consider your permanent home, where you intend to return and maintain legal ties (e.g., for taxes, voting, or inheritance). It’s a single, fixed location, even if you live elsewhere temporarily.

Mailing Address: The address where you receive mail, which may or may not be your residence or legal address. It can be a P.O. box, workplace, or another designated location.

Residence: A place where you physically live, whether permanently or temporarily. You can have multiple residences, but only one domicile.

Temporary Address: An address used for a short-term stay, such as a hotel, rental, or friend’s house, without the intent of making it your permanent home.

Temporary Residence: A place where you live for a limited period (e.g., for work, study, or travel) without establishing it as your domicile or permanent home.

Tax Residence: A specific definition made by each country. For the USA, every citizen is a tax resident, meaning he pays US taxes no matter where he resides. For Thailand, a traveler becomes a tax resident when he stays more than 180 days in the year.

The IRS uses the term “dual-status” to refer to a taxpayer who is resident for part of the year, and non-resident for part of the year.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxation-of-dual-status-individuals

Residing in two different countries.
Residing in two different states.
Usually considered for where you pay taxes.

Expatriates Stack Exchange
https://expatriates.stackexchange.com/questions/9364/can-you-be-resident-in-several-countries-at-the-same-time

The general answer to your question is yes, you can almost certainly be considered “resident” in two or more places at once.

Each country defines what it means to be “resident”, and for what purpose. Sometimes, a country will define residency as “present in the country for 183 days in a calendar year”. Or “6 months”, if less precise. Sometimes, a country might define residency as “registered with the local municipality as living in a house”. Sometimes, residency for tax purposes is different than, say, residency for qualifying for reduced university tuition rates.

[I am a tax resident in both USA and Thailand,

• USA, because I am a citizen,
• Thailand, because I spend more than 180 days per year here.]

Living in two different US states.
https://www.reddit.com/r/tax/comments/18typ6v/i_have_a_residence_in_two_different_states_can_i/

Dual Residence might mean

• one legal permanent domicile residence, and
• one temporary physical residence.

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-legal-residency-and-physical-residence
Jun 2024
For the entirety of my USAF career I was a legal resident of Texas. That’s where my family was, where I entered the Air Force, where I was registered to vote, where I paid income tax, where my bank was, where I got my driver’s license, etc.

My physical residence was wherever the USAF sent me: California, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, Guam, Virginia, Korea, Nevada, Massachusetts, Australia, Georgia, Kuwait, etc. Changing my legal residence every time I moved would have been a big inconvenience.

Now that I am retired, my legal residence and my physical residence are the same.

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/legal%20residence
(law) the residence where you have your permanent home or principal establishment and to where, whenever you are absent, you intend to return; every person is compelled to have one and only one domicile at a time
synonyms: domicile

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/domicile
Domicile refers to someone’s true, principal, and permanent home. In other words, the place where a person has physically lived, regards as home, and intends to return even if currently residing elsewhere. Determining where a party is domiciled is of particular importance in the field of civil procedure.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/residence
A residence is the place where a person lives or resides, which may be different from one’s domicile . It can be a house, apartment, or any other dwelling where someone makes their home.

Residence also refers to the act of living somewhere for a period of time. A state may define this length of time and provide certain privileges only to residents of the state.

https://www.robins.af.mil/Portals/59/documents/Judge_Advocates_Office/Civil_Law_Division/Legal%20Residence%20and%20Domicile.pdf
Basically the terms “domicile” and “legal residence” refer to the same place – the state you
consider your permanent home. On the other hand, your “residence” is simply where you are
living at a particular time.

Each of the following will be affected by the law of your state of legal residence:

• Liability for the state inheritance taxes
• The jurisdiction where your will must be probated and the resulting consequences (including who may act as your executor or guardian of your minor children)
• The right to vote
• The right to hold public office
• The right to homestead
• Determination of whether you or your children may attend a state college without paying higher fees required for out-of-state legal residents
• The family relationship, including the rules on property rights, divorce, and marriage
• annulments.
• Liability for state personal property taxes
• Eligibility for public welfare

https://www.retirejapan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3159
I eventually found that I needed to maintain a physical US address for other financial accounts and so have both Japan and US physical addresses and two different phone plans that allow two factor identification, one using a US phone and the other a Japan phone to match with financial institutions in either country.

https://www.juslaws.com/contact-us
Bangkok and Phuket

https://residence.legal/
Ukraine. Immigration, business, investment, corporate…

Maintain a US residence (legal residence)

• drivers license
• cell phone sim card for 2FA

Still not enough for banks and brokers, because they can track IP address, phone geolocation, financial transactions, airplane tickets, shopping habits, etc. They don’t care about your legal address, they are expected to know your current physical residence.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/six-financial-mistakes-people-make-when-retiring-abroad-1450062190
WSJ 13 Dec 2015
Among them: running afoul of IRS rules and keeping too few bank and credit accounts back in the U.S.
For the 380,000 retirees who live abroad, according to the Social Security Administration—up from 307,000 in 2008—the potential missteps are numerous. Amid a U.S. crackdown on money laundering, tax evasion and non-compliance with tax-reporting obligations, some expats are being cut off by their banks and brokerage firms. Others are running afoul of the Internal Revenue Service. Many are discovering that tax treaties don’t always fully protect them from double taxation.

opposing opinion:
U.S. Brokerage Accounts for American Expats
By Jake Mongler, CFP®, MBA, at Creative Planning
https://creativeplanning.com/international/insights/taxes/brokerage-account-closure-american-expats/