Know The Important Passport Changes for 2016

Uncle Sam Says ‘Pay Your Taxes or You’re Grounded!’  The U.S. has recently made an addition to the IRS tax code that affects your passport. It allows the government to deny, revoke or limit a person’s passport if they owe more than $50,000 in taxes. Since that amount includes interest and penalties, it may be a little easier than you think to reach that amount! This law goes into effect January 1, 2016 so be sure you are aware of any passport changes for 2016!

Targeting seriously delinquent taxpayers is expected to bring in about $400 million in unpaid tax revenue over the next ten years.  Though some feel it’s taking away basic rights, I’m okay with that.  I think it’s a better idea than raising everyone else’s taxes to pay for the deficit!

The biggest con noted, is that this can be problematic for U.S. citizens living abroad as they need their passports for daily living. The argument is that these citizens do not always receive the IRS mailed notifications, as the IRS system is not set up for overseas address entries, making much of their mail undeliverable.  The bill passed into law regardless, so U.S. citizens living abroad will need to be pro-active in monitoring their IRS status.

There are exceptions to every rule, but not a lot.  Travelers who are actively disputing their taxes with the IRS or can prove an emergency or humanitarian purpose can get special consideration.  Basically speaking, if you owe over $ 50,000 you need to deal with the problem and come up with a payment schedule if you would like to use your passport.

Some Other Changes…. Passport Pages

If you’ve used your passport extensively, you probably know that in the past, the U.S. Department of State was able to add visa pages to your passport for a small fee. As of January 1, 2016, this is no longer an option and you’ll need to get a new passport!

Getting Your Passport Quick!

Getting a passport takes time, but what happens if your flight is scheduled this weekend and you find you don’t have any pages left?  To get a new passport in a couple of days you’ll have to apply directly at a U.S. Department of State Regional Passport Agency. With only 28 in the country, you might have to take a drive.  Check the link to see the agency closest to you.

FYI – Beginning December 1, 2015, passport agencies require proof of travel within two weeks in order to make an appointment for an expedited passport. Click the link above for a list of U.S. Passport Agencies or call 1 877 487-2778.

Passport Lost or Stolen In Another Country?

For assistance, it will be necessary apply in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find that information on http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies.html or contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 1 888 407-4747.

It would be extremely beneficial if you had the following items with you when obtaining your new passport, otherwise you may have to stay in out of the country until the embassy/consulate is able to prove citizenship.

• • ID – Driver’s license or Non-Driver Government I.D.
  • Evidence of Citizenship – Birth certificate or copy of missing passport. If you don’t want to bring your birth certificate, it may be easier take a picture of the information page of your passport with your phone before you leave on your trip.
  • Travel Itinerary
  • Police Report, if passport was stolen and a report is available
  • A passport photo – They’ll direct you to somewhere for a photo but if you have a spare, put it in your wallet before you leave.
  • Application for Passport DS-11
  • Statement Regarding Lost or Stolen Passport DS-64

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