52 Comments
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Gene Hern's avatar

Hi. Writing from Sintra. Love reading your posts. As I understand it the NHR is the 10% tax that you pay. BUT as Americans you pay US taxes wherever you are in the world. There is also a tax treaty between them so if you pay more than 10% in US taxes (most do) then you should owe nothing. The accounting firm is used to (probably) expats who only pay based on their residence (like the UK citizens). So you might need a new accounting firm...

Amy Redfield's avatar

I vote for the new firm. Scott is letting these folks see if they can set it straight.

Scott H-K's avatar

Mostly because all I have time for right now is giving them enough rope to either hang or untie themselves. I'm open to recommendations for a new firm if you have any!

Gene Hern's avatar

Of course. I got the name of dmatax.pt off one of the expat forums. I met with them for an initial consultation (90 euros I think) and they said I didn’t need to file this year bc out tax registration started in January. Super honest and said to re contact them next year. I met with Rui Magalhaes.

Moira McKinnon's avatar

FRIEND! I am sending so many hugs and reminders that you are an incredible person who used to handle the angst and trauma of dozens of teenagers on a daily basis, all while driving around the back roads of New England before we had Google Maps. You will get through this, and dinner will be stupendous! What matters is the people in the room and the spirit they bring, not the light fixtures or glassware. Hope Amy is feeling so much better soon.

Scott H-K's avatar

I wish I could remember the brand of street atlas I used to have constantly open on the passenger seat but I think I've blocked it from myself :-D. And I remember just breaking down in frustration and purchasing my first GPS in a Best Buy in New Hampshire after getting lost on my way to a fair the evening before :-D.

Thank you for your kind words and support, Moira.

Janelle Holden's avatar

Big big hug Scott! And lots of love and healing to Amy. I read that with a lot of empathy. It’s a challenge to be human. Any human in any place. You are doing your best and managing to keep a pretty good sense of humor about it. I hope things get easier soon. You two are an incredible.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you, Janelle. I feel and appreciate your support. You've got a lot on your plate, too. May you have better success at managing it than I did yesterday :-D.

Jeannie's avatar

Sorry about the rough parts of your week. Amen to lists. I make a new one everyday and throw out the old one, just because. So, retirement isn’t the secret to completing lists? I guess the lists will keep us young. I enjoy the wit in here, always makes me laugh!

Scott H-K's avatar

Thanks, Jeannie, for the kind words. A new list every day? I can't even imagine. And sadly, the lists may look different but they don't empty any quicker. At least not in my experience. It's true that we can't die with a full to-do list, right?

Bonnie J Power's avatar

love to you both! Bonnie

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you, Bonnie!

Rossana's avatar

What an authentic piece this one was. I hear your vulnerability and yes, not all is wonderful in PT and the language is a bigger issue that we all think. Thanks for your time and effort to keep sharing your learnings. Was Amy intoxicated?

Amy Redfield's avatar

Hi Rosana! Thanks for the laugh! Neither Scott or I drink, so it gave me a much-needed giggle. Talking with my ENT friend in the States, it is likely going to be a life-long autoimmune condition.

Laura Barnett's avatar

Thank you for sharing the ups and the downs, the joys and the sorrows, the lightheartedness and the anger. Know that while all this feels like it is spinning out of control, He’s got you in the palm of His hand. I often remind myself that the flowers don’t fret because they know work will be done by others. You have cheerleaders across the pond rooting you both on!

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you, Laura, for the kind words and the important reminders.

Dan Smith's avatar

I am thinking of you. Take care, as best you can.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you, Dan!

MAURY HILL's avatar

I feel your pain/heartache/desperation/frustration! I hope Amy is feeling better, and hope some of your feelings have been spent enough to carry on with hope and determination. Your tax bill is shocking! Congratulations on your upcoming baptism. Sending love and prayers.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you, Maury.

Amy Redfield's avatar

I think he was coping fine until the tax bill hit, Me, I'm in denital over it so it's fine ;-)

Lisé Everly's avatar

I hope Amy is feeling 100% soon, after hearing about your ordeal I am going to double down on my “Portuguese phrases for emergencies.” And don’t let some dude who felt he needed to spew his vitriol all over your comment section affect your week. As I just learned in my Portuguese class, “Nem sempre podemos agradar, mais sempre podemos falar agradavelment.” (Voltaire). Sticks and stones. Have a wonderful gathering with your friends and thank you to you and Amy, your blog is entertaining, informative and helps me not to get too impatient for our move to Portugal.

Scott H-K's avatar

Lots to think about in here. Many thanks for your wisdom and kindness.

Amy Redfield's avatar

hey, that's a good idea.

Lori's avatar

Oh! Sorry guys!!! I hope everyone, including the dog, feels better soon! Did that 30 minutes save your sanity? I hope so. Take care! And go back to the enjoyable day with friends out of the city.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thanks, Lori! I'm feeling a lot better this morning. It helps that Josie made it through the night without incident.

phylherman@verizon.net's avatar

Oh, Scott, I'm so sorry, particularly about Amy. Is it the migraines? You have way too much on your plate right now. Is Amy any better? I'll email you and of course I will pray for you all. Congrats on being baptized. I'm really so happy about that. I'm going to put you both on my church prayer list this Sunday. And of course I am so sorry about your friend Vince. Just prioritize the house and tax problems for later.

Amy Redfield's avatar

I'm trying to channel the Apostle Paul.

David and Malou's avatar

Sending you and Amy good, calming vibes from across the Atlantic. Take care of yourself too, Scott. Caregivers also need to breathe.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you! Much appreciated!

Lani's avatar

Oh wow! What a difficult week. Thanks for keeping it real. I have to remind myself that there will be challenges once we move here. Things I'm not ready for include medical care and just all the red tape issues. And, of course, language challenges. Hope Amy feels better soon. And so sorry for the loss of your friend.

Scott H-K's avatar

Keeping it real is what we're about! The nitty-gritty down and dirty truth. I hope your travels are going well. I've enjoyed your posts to date.

Gayna's avatar

I just discovered you through Nancy. I hope Amy is feeling better. Sounds like you’ve had a week! The dinner will probably be the reward you deserve after all of these minor tragedies. Have a good time and remember that Vince would love to be where you’re at right now.

Scott H-K's avatar

Thank you for the kind words, Gayna.

Pamela's avatar

Hugs to both of you. So sorry for the loss of your friend and Amy's not feeling well. I'm sure the dinner was great tho. XOXO

Scott H-K's avatar

Thanks for the kind words, Pam. The dinner went very well.