MidMO
4/3/2017 10:13 EST
I'm working with an attorney to get my tax payer id. I wont be in Portugal until early October and trying to do this from the US. She is asking 248E for a year of representation. What additional benefits would this representation provide.
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MidMO
4/3/2017 15:54 EST
Services listed as:
Legal Advice,
Procedure assistance,
Power of Attorney
Preparation and delivery of necessary documents,
And everything that might be required for the fulfillment of the clients objective.
It appears comprehensive, but are they really necessary for expats? Is the fiscal/tax system that complex?
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mondayschild
4/4/2017 04:40 EST
The tax system is complicated. It is not like the US where you can easily prepare your own taxes. But she is not an accountant and tax preparation is not on that list. I really wonder what "legal advice" means. It certainly is not "legal representation," for example if you choose to purchase a property. That would cost a good deal more. I would be very wary of "everything required to accomplish the client's objectives." No attorney would promise that for such a low fee. Some people feel more comfortable having a third party do things for them, that's fine but absolutely not necessary (except taxes). However I really wonder what you'll get for that fee.
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beeg1234
4/4/2017 04:59 EST
Just thought to share MY EXPERIENCE. I agree with mondayschid's latest response.
My husband & I (Americans from San Francisco, both 50 years old) moved to Portimao in the Algarve Oct 2016 , and we paid an attorney for filing our 120 day visa plus help with the SEF process.
The firm also helped with getting our fiscal number, opening a bank account at Novo Banco, filed our Non-Habitual Residency Tax Status, and other legal assistance we needed to obtain our residency process. What other legal assistance? Well, my husband had a bit of a colorful FBI background (nothing criminal but youth & living in SF can add to one's background). We now also have an accountant to file our tax return for 2016 (partial year Oct-Dec). Please note just because you have been approved for the NHR tax status does NOT equal you do NOT have to file a tax return in Portugal. The short explanation is you file your US Federal Tax Return first then file your Portugal Tax Return using the info in your US Federal Tax Return. In MOST cases you won't have to pay taxes in Portugal, but having a tax accountant might be smart especially if you have a lot of investment income like us, or you worked in Portugal.
Anyway, you get what you pay for and the amount this "representative" is charging doesn't really make sense to me (meaning I don't think she is a legit fiscal rep). Again, I'm just sharing my experience.
Thanks.
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craigandmicki
4/4/2017 07:14 EST
You should experience a high number of responses saying "NOTHING". There is no benefit. Some people feel less confident in doing these things themselves and do seek external help. Getting your tax ID (NIF) is very simple and requires nothing other than your passport. You could hire a local attorney to help you for 75 euros at most. More private apartment owners are asking for a co-signer or a fiscal representative, but that can also be done without a fee. I can see no benefit of the fiscal rep agreement you're being offered.
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Yummmmmyme
4/4/2017 07:39 EST
As people have said, it's really a waste of money. Having said that, once I was here I needed one to get my NIF, and that was a surprise.. I took in the relevant portion of the law that said I didn't need one, but I was met with "that's not the way we do it in this office".
As you probably know, you'll need your NIF to open a bank account and sometimes to sign a lease, etc. but there's really no reason to get it in advance. It's much easier to do it once you get here. I've heard stories of people who's Airbnb host or realtor (when looking for an apt) and even one who's uber driver signed for them (shocked face). They basically want You to have someone who has a residence card and an address show up there. Nothing was ever sent to my representative. I asked at the Finances office and she said it was so they had some way to contact you (I.e., if you didn't pay your taxes or got a fine). But like Craigandmiki have said, you can often hire an attorney (or accountant) for much less over here, and people will give u referrals if you ask. That way you'd have someone you've met in person and who you can turn to later.
I'm wondering what your motivation is to do it before you get here. It's a big move and maybe your decision is based on all of the uncertainty that goes with it. But you will have credit cards and cash, and transferring money takes 48 hours generally. (Ask on the forum for the cheapest way to do that.) Your hotel or Airbnb will be paid for. In the beginning, and I'd highly recommend you rent a place for at least a month so you have time to look. (Just my opinion.). So it's kind of like being on holiday (spending-wise) and really not that scary. It will take you half a day at the finances office (if you don't get there first thing in the morning) and an hour or so at the bank. You can do that in the first week easily, so you can have money by the end of the week. Feel free to pm me if This doesn't answer your questions or if I can help.
:))
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