American Citizen Services Newsletter
Embassy Town Hall
Ambassador Charles Glazer extends an invitation to all American Citizens residing in El Salvador to attend a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday February 27th, 2008 starting at 3:00PM at the Embassy. The American Embassy is located at Final Boulevard Santa Elena in Antiguo Cuscatlan. Anyone who wishes to attend should contact the Embassy at 2501-2626 by Friday, February 22, 2008.
Passport Fee Changes
Effective February 1st, 2008, new regulations regarding the costs of American passports and the procedures for applying were implemented. These changes in fees reflect the rising costs of producing passports with added security features and the staffing increases that are necessary to support these changes.
Fee Changes
- Application fees for minors 15 and younger will increase from $82 to $85
- First time passport applicants for adults 16 and old will increase from $97 to $100
- Replacement fees for lost, stolen or damaged/mutilated passports will increase from $97 to $100
- Renewal fees will increase from $67 to $75
Procedure Changes
- All children under 16 now require the consent of both parents to apply for a passport.
- The passport applicant forms have also changed. Please visit the Department of State website at http://state.gov or the American Embassy in San Salvador site at http://sansalvador.usembassy.gov to get locate the new forms.
Filing Taxes While Overseas
April 15th is not a date most people look forward to, especially as an American living abroad. If you are unsure about the regulations surrounding the overseas payment of taxes, there are some great resources to help. Generally, if you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living outside the United States, you are required to file income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns and pay estimated tax in the same way as those residing in the United States. Your income, filing status, and age determine whether you must file a return. For more information visit the official U.S. Government website for tax information www.irs.gov. Additionally, the American Embassy in San Salvador does have limited quantities of tax forms. However, we are unable to provide individual assistance.
Voting 2008
US citizens 18 years or older who are or will be residing outside the United States may be able to vote by absentee ballot in any election for federal office. Get more information by visiting the official U.S. Government website for overseas absentee www.fvap.gov.
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