[phrontrunna]

I am in a similar situation with someone else on the boards.

I currently live abroad and do not plan on returning to the US. I left due to a loss of job and alot of debt.
What would happen to me.. would anyone try to arrest me overseas? or would i be arrested upon return? would my wife be arrested? everything is in my name, but i filed taxes jointly.

i have about 20k in credit card debt.

i owe the irs about 4k

and a bank account i had is in the red -600 dollars...

i went broke about a year ago and have no money or means to pay the debt back now.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I doubt that you would be arrested unless you're under order to appear in court and fail to do so.

Yor wife is jointly responsible at a minimum for the back taxes, if the debt relates to a joint return. She may have a defense to the debt, although you haven't shared any basis which would excuse her from being liable.

If you bounced checks, there may be criminal proceedings relating to that conduct. I don't have enough information to know.

[phrontrunna]

I doubt that you would be arrested unless you're under order to appear in court and fail to do so.

Yor wife is jointly responsible at a minimum for the back taxes, if the debt relates to a joint return. She may have a defense to the debt, although you haven't shared any basis which would excuse her from being liable.

If you bounced checks, there may be criminal proceedings relating to that conduct. I don't have enough information to know.

What if they try to file a judgement against me and i am not able to go to court. does that mean i may be arrested upon arrival to the states?

my wife did not work and had no income, so shouldn't she be exempt from the taxes?

i didnt bounce any checks, but there were auto withdrawls from my checking account that did not stop. then some late fees. perhaps the auto withdrawl is like bouncing a check..?

but they wont come overseas for me will they?

[fredwrongly]

aaron,

One more thing. I tried negotiating and they didn't accept my offer. The debt is actually higher than I originally thought and I can't pay what they want. Again, what are the ramifications of simply living abroad with outstanding debt? Can (or will) they send a collections agency? Will I get stopped at the airport if I visit? What does it mean for me if they arbitrate?

Thanks,

Fred

[Mr. Knowitall]

You're talking to me?

They don't have to negotiate. They can litigate or, consistent with your contract, arbitrate to try to collect the money you owe.

I think I have already answered your questions. Asking the same question in a different way doesn't change the answer.