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Anyone been to Belize?

Started by LeeB, August 05, 2015, 05:40:46 AM

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LeeB

Lindy and I are considering moving outside the US for a few years before I retire to take advantage of some tax breaks. Has anyone spent some time in Belize and what are your thoughts about the place? We are also considering Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Honduras. Not too sure about the last two. Crime rates seem a bit high, Property prices are fantastic in ES and Hn but would be pointless if you are kidnapped or robbed of all you have or worse. On the other hand I have never felt unsafe anywhere I've been in the world. Maybe ignorance is bliss. If anyone has opinions about these places I would love to hear them.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

WV Sawmiller

    Haven't been to Belize yet. I did visit Ecuador in 2008 and had a good time. Surprised me they used USD as currency. Prices were very reasonable. Rated well on many factors such as health care, taxes, etc.

    Panama is another site I hear is popular ex-pat retiree location and surprisingly even Columbia.

    Good luck whatever you decide.
Howard Green
WM LT35HDG25(2015) , 2011 4WD F150 Ford Lariat PU, Kawasaki 650 ATV, Stihl 440 Chainsaw, homemade logging arch (w/custom built rear log dolly), JD 750 w/4' wide Bushhog brand FEL

Dad always said "You can shear a sheep a bunch of times but you can only skin him once

Blackgreyhounds

Costa Rica is really great and easy for an American to visit or move to.  Haven't been to Belize yet, but I only heard great things about it.

Raider Bill

I used to go to Costa Rica. My money went a good long way. Last time we went it had become more of a tourist event and I found my $$ didn't go as far.
I do like the country though.
Several I know moved to Honduras and love it. They equate it to what Costa Rica used to be like.
The First 70 years of childhood is always the hardest.

LeeB

Property is certainly cheap enough in Honduras. Not sure about the tax situation yet. I'm trying to get away from some of my tax liability, not get into another entity. That is the draw of the other countries I listed. Trying to find information on my particular circumstances is tough. I would be a US expat physically there less than 180 days a year, no local income, working in another company and getting paid by a company from a third country and still liable for US taxes, albeit much less because I will be staying out of the US for more than 330 days a year. Clear as mud huh? Lindy would live there full time but not have an income. Try researching that on the net. Best I can find about Honduras so far is that if you are not in the country more than 90 consecutive days you are not considered a resident and are therefor not taxed on foreign income. Not sure where buying a house there would play into the equation. In some countries that makes you a resident, others it does not. This is an example of what you can get there. No individual can own more than 3/4 acre unless you form a corporation whicjh is fairly easy and does not cost too much.


http://www.hondurasrealestate.com/properties/country-in-villa-santa-rosa-copan/
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

Raider Bill

Years ago I looked into buying in the Costa Rican mountains. I couldn't own land not being CR but there were many Attorneys that bought in their names on your behalf.

I decided that wasn't for me so I bought land in another 3rd world...Tennessee :D :D :D
The First 70 years of childhood is always the hardest.

LeeB

I guess we are going down in late October to have a look see for a week or so. Tickets are bought and I'll reserve a car tonight. Now just need to decide where to stay. It will be quite an adventure for Lindy. Farthest she's ever been out of the States is just across into Mexico to Monterey.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

LeeB

House is rented, car is reserved, tickets are bought. Just waiting for the day to arrive. I don't guess Lindy and I have ever been on a real 'vacation' before. Looking forward to it. It's the rainy season but I figure if we are thinking about living there we might as well see it when it's not at it's best. I'm exited to be going somewhere, even with all the traveling I already do.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

Magicman

I wish you the best with your adventure.  How long do you plan to stay on this first trip?
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

LeeB

Just 8 days. If it looks like someplace we might want to live for a while we will try a 6 month rental and maybe buy something after that. I'm thinking seriously about staying out of the US for about 9 - 10 years to save on income tax. That's one reason for choosing Belize. They have no income tax on foreign income. The amount I can save in the next 10 years is huge. Enough to make a major difference in the lifestyle I can have in retirement. There's also the possibility that we may decide to become globe trotters and try many different places. My work allows me to live pretty much anywhere. It's mostly a matter of how long it will take me to get back and forth.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

LeeB

Heading out for Belize tomorrow. Early flight, 6:00am. We'll stay tonight in a hotel in Springfield so we don't have to make a 2 hour drive in the wee hours of the morning. Lindy is exited and scared at the same time. She's never really been anywhere outside the US. I keep telling her it's no big thing, just stick with me.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

Bandmill Bandit

Hi Lee
Sent you PM. Call me when you have a chance BEFORE you leave.
Skilled Master Sawyer. "Skilled labour don't come cheap. Cheap labour dont come skilled!
2018 F150 FX4, Husqvarna 340, 2 Logright 36 inch cant hooks and a bunch of stuff I built myself

LeeB

Fast food native style. Grilled chicken and pork on hand made tortillas with a tasty home made sauce and a really tasty habanero sauce on the side, washed down with a nice fresh lime drink. Go bold or go home.



  

 
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

customsawyer

Two LT70s, Nyle L200 kiln, 4 head Pinheiro planer, 30" double surface Cantek planer, Lucas dedicated slabber, Slabmizer, and enough rolling stock and chainsaws to keep it all running.
www.thecustomsawyer.com

LeeB

Not so sure this is someplace we want to move to. We'll go have a look around and see a few homes over the next few days and give it some more thought. Yesterday I would have said no, but today after getting out just a little bit We're willing to have a look and see.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

SLawyer Dave

On a side note:

LeeB, I am NOT a tax attorney, but wanted to caution you about your plan.  According to several articles I have read, the IRS has implemented a tax amnesty program for U.S. citizens living overseas.  As it turns out, there are a number of laws and policies already on the books about citizens still needing to pay U.S. taxes even if they are working and living overseas.  The IRS just hasn't been enforcing them much.  That is supposedly changing, which is why the IRS offered the amnesty program for people to pay the taxes before penalties and interest were applied.   So please talk to a certified tax professional, (generally a CPA or Enrolled Agent), before making any concrete plans. 

LeeB

Thanks Dave. I'm aware that I will still have a tax obligation. If I stay out of the country for 330 days I only have to pay on anything over $210k when filing joint return.
'98 LT40HDD/Lombardini, Case 580L, Cat D4C, JD 3032 tractor, JD 5410 tractor, Husky 346, 372 and 562XP's. Stihl MS180 and MS361, 1998 and 2006 3/4 Ton 5.9 Cummins 4x4's, 1989 Dodge D100 w/ 318, and a 1966 Chevy C60 w/ dump bed.

Magicman

That figure is my break point too.  :P  I pay taxes on everything under $210K.   :D

OK, I'll behave now.  ;D
Knothole Sawmill, LLC     '98 Wood-Mizer LT40SuperHydraulic   WM Million BF Club Member   WM Pro Sawyer Network

It's Weird being the Same Age as Old People

Never allow your "need" to make money to exceed your "desire" to provide quality service.....The Magicman

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