The BABC’s annual British Expats Evening took place on March 29^th 2017 and was hosted by Global Transfer Company, OFX. The evening afforded attendees the opportunity to network and hear from an array of Bay Area experts on a variety of issues concerning tax, financial, retirement and immigration. The panel consisted of: Charlotte Wall, (Spott Lucey & Wall), Arnaud Sintes (Bank of the West), Charles Cockerton (Florin Pensions LLC), James Mayock (E & M Mayock) and was moderated by Jason Kumpf (OFX).

The event provided attendees with the opportunity to ask the panel personal questions relating to their own tax, immigration, legal, banking and pension concerns. The panel offered recommendations and solutions to the issues raised and advised attendees on an appropriate course of action going forward.

Charlotte answered a variety of questions regarding tax including the differentiation between a resident and non-resident in the US and the subsequent income tax implications. The audience learned of the most common mistakes tax experts see being made and how to avoid them when filing their own tax returns. The discussion then moved on to the topic of pensions and retirement where Charles explained the new UK pension flexibilities that have been introduced and how best to maximize an individual’s state pension whilst living in the U.S. Moving on to the topic of personal finance, Arnaud gave advice on how to open a bank account if you have recently arrived in the United States and not yet obtained a Social Security number. Arnaud then spoke about the fundamental importance of establishing a credit history once established in the U.S and the best ways to start building credit. James responded to a multitude of questions in relation to the forecasted changes in immigration law and the green card application process under the Trump administration. He also spoke about the change in the number of days an individual is permitted to remain in the U.S after leaving employment and how best to obtain a new visa should the circumstance occur.

The event proved to be immensely informative and engaging evening for all who attended; a special thanks to all participants and our event Sponsors: Bank of the West, Spott Lucey & Wall, Florin Pensions, E & M Mayock and OFX.

See you next year!

Click HERE to register for free and receive BABC preferred rates at OFX

See more of the photos here