Consulate General, Edinburgh
E-Newsletter September 2007
http://london.usembassy.gov/scotland
This newsletter is to keep you updated on events that affect Americans across the world and to notify you of events of interest in Scotland. Feel free to forward this e-mail to friends or co-workers.
Upcoming Consulate Holidays:
The Consulate will be closed Monday, Oct. 8.
Voting While Outside the United States
The presidential primary season is coming upon us like Christmas; they’ll both be here before you know it! Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who reside outside the U.S. are eligible to vote absentee in an election for Federal office. In addition, all members of the Uniformed Services and the Merchant Marine and their family members (who are U.S. citizens), may vote absentee in Federal, state, and local elections. The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is accepted by all states and territories (except American Samoa and Guam) as an application for registration and for an absentee ballot. The FPCA is postage-paid in the U.S. mail, including the Military Postal System and State Department pouch mail. An online version of the FPCA is available on the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at www.fvap.gov. The online form must be completed, printed, signed, dated, and mailed to your Local Election Official. Or, you’re welcome to forward the addressed and sealed envelope to the Consulate and we’ll send it on to the U.S. for you in Department of State pouch mail. It's never too early to make sure that you are registered to vote.
Include Your Social Security Number on Your Passport Form
Remember to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) when applying for a U.S. passport. Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 6039E) requires U.S. citizens to provide their SSN, if they have one, when they apply for a U.S. passport.
Generally, all U.S. citizens should have an SSN for U.S. tax purposes as they are required to file income tax returns with the IRS, regardless of where they live. Currently, for example, a single adult under the age of 65 and earning $8,450 a year or more would generally need to file a U.S. tax return. The full table of income limits and filing requirements is available at http://london.usembassy.gov/irs/irswho.htm.
If you have not been issued an SSN, when you apply for a passport, you may enter zeros instead. However, you should only do this if you have not been issued an SSN. If you have an SSN and don't provide it on the passport application, you are subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. If you are residing abroad, you must also provide the name of the country in which you are residing.
Edinburgh Capitals Ice Hockey
Are you homesick for some fast-skating, teeth-rattling, body-checks? You’re invited to put down that remote and go see some live ice hockey! Most home games are played on Sundays at Murrayfield ice rink, with face off at 6 p.m. For further information please visit www.edinburgh-capitals.com.
American Football at The Mercat Bar
Live NFL Football is shown every Sunday at The Mercat Bar at 28 West Maitland Street in Edinburgh. If you would like more information, please contact Chris at info@mercatbar.com or 0131-225-8716, or visit their website at www.mercatbar.com.
American Football at The Murrayfield Bar
The Murrayfield Bar in Edinburgh has nine screens in total, including two giant screens. American football is shown on all of these, with commentary audio provided throughout the bar. You won’t miss your favorite team, since they can screen two football games at the same time. There is a full food menu served until 10 p.m. and a free buffet to groups of 15 or more (advance notice required). For more information, please contact The Murrayfield Bar manager, James Aitken, at 0131-337-1574.
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