C e n t e r     f o r     International  Academic  Programs

Legal Issues to Address Before Going Abroad

• Power of Attorney - Giving a family member or trusted friend power of attorney while you are abroad is a good idea. Power of attorney gives that designated person the power to act on your behalf in case a legal document requires your signature while you are away. This is especially important if you receive financial aid as they may need to endorse a check or complete a form for you.

• Absentee Voting - If elections are going to take place in the United States while you are overseas, you can still take part in the election process by completing an absentee ballot. You must, however, register to vote before you leave home. For links to state voting officials, state voting requirements and forms to register absentee and request ballots:  http://www.fvap.gov

• Filing Income Tax - If you currently pay income tax and will be out of the United States during spring semester, you can request an extension of the deadline for filing federal, state and local tax returns. If you choose to file from abroad either ask someone to send you the forms or contact your local embassy or consulate.

• US Customs and Duties - If you plan on taking expensive items, such as cameras, Walkmans, CD players, personal computers, etc., you should consider registering them with US Customs before you leave. That way those items won't be subject to duty when you return.  For more information: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/

Thanks to IIEPassport for this information!

http://info.iiepassport.org/studyabroadguide/faqs/back_home.html

 

 

University of Missouri-Kansas City Center for International Academic Programs 5325 Rockhill Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 USA Phone: 816.235.5759  Fax: 816.235.5610 Email:  international@umkc.edu à How to get to CIAP ~ click here à