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Update Bulletin On-Line.........
.. In The News and Readers Write In (with our answers to Questions).......... |
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THE NEWS:
. New US National ID card in the Works? . A U.S. Department of Transportation task force is moving forward with plans for a national transportation-worker identity card intended as a first step toward "trusted-traveler" cards for airline passengers. . Trusted-traveler cards would authorize passengers to bypass extensive security screening at airport checkpoints. The Israeli government instituted a trusted-traveler program five years ago in an effort to speed up long lines at airport security checkpoints. The electronic card would have an encoded biometric description of the owner to ensure that the person using it is the same person identified on the card. Biometrics refers to computerized systems that identify a unique part of each person's anatomy, such as fingerprints, facial structure or irises. . Eventually, the Transportation Department task force wants the cards to be used throughout airports and transportation services internationally. The card is intended to shorten lines at airports, but FBI background checks would disseminate information about the owners to many law enforcement agencies. . This is a backdoor national ID," said Barry Steinhardt, associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union. "This so-called trusted-passenger card will become essentially mandatory for everyone to use not only on airlines but also buses, trains and perhaps drives over bridges and tunnels. The consequences of not having a trusted-passenger card is that you will be immediately suspect. . . http://www.washingtontimes.com/business/20020131-32817256.htm . EDITORS NOTES: Believe it or not, a national ID system already exists in the US. It’s called or involves your Social Security number. That is to say, almost every aspect of your life (be it financial or otherwise) is somehow cataloged and cross-referenced using your Social Security number. In fact, they do not even call it a Social Security number anymore. They call it a tax ID number instead, leaving the reference to social security out of the loop altogether. . So, the US government already has detailed information about where you worked, salary, bank information including loans and credit card transaction, and a host of other things like where you lived in the past or do live at the moment. You really cannot do much in the US anymore, or at least conduct business without providing your Social Security, ahem – excuse me, Taxpayer Identification Number, at the present time. Even some businesses or services that have nothing to do with financial transactions or employment ask for such a number as an internal customer account or reference number. So, if you find out someone’s US tax ID number, maybe you could possibly find out such things as what brand of food people buy, or if they have a dog, etc. In other words, if some of these major supermarket chains use the Tax ID number as the valued customer card program account number (which some do, but certainly not all), then you really can invade someone’s privacy and get all kinds of detailed information on them. This is true for many other types of business, such an insurance companies, for example, which might have client records cross referenced by tax ID number. . The real issue or concern then is not whether or not such a national ID system (tracking or information system) exists or not (it already does), but rather how intrusive it can be going forward. Some people would say that it is bad enough government agencies keep detailed computer files, in one form or another, regarding citizens. However, what we are now talking about is something very different. That is, a super sophisticated GPS (Global Positioning Satellite system) chip embedded ID card, complete with eyeball scan or similar high-tech wizardry. What’s so bad about that? Well, is it really necessary that you should need to produce such a document when boarding an aircraft, bus or when crossing state lines with your automobile? Is it really necessary that the government can zoom in on your card (which presumably you would need to have with you at all times, or face arrest) and activate a GPS signal to find out where you are every minute of every day? . Supporters of such an idea scoff off such complaints as being comments from alarmists or folks that have watched too many Hollywood fantasy films. In my opinion, they are right. The problem is, all those so-called futuristic fantasy films are now being acted out in real life. If it was unbelievable in the past that the US government (the so-called freest nation on earth) would force such measures on its citizens, then what about all the other things that go with it? The crazy Senator that has it out for someone or that forgets he lives in a democracy, the computer hacker that figures out a way to enter the system and ruin his neighbor’s life or the government clerk having a bad hair day that types in Smyth instead of Smith (and the wrong man is flagged as a bad guy in the computer system). Could never happen? You decide. What do I think? Let’s just say I have seen too many American futuristic fantasy movies, and they are not just things taking place on the big screen anymore. . . Readers Write In: . John, . I wanted to ask for you opinion on the probable authenticity of the offer below. I understand you offer similar services. Can this really be done as advertised - completely anonymous and at that price? Thank you. . A complete Panama Incorporation Package for only $650USD! NOTE: We will vehemently REFUSE to request identification from you. Panamanian corporations are, if set up with nominee directors, COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS and there is no need for any identification whatsoever. Don't be taken advantage of by other Panamanian incorporators who will request your identification to even talk to you... and then charge you thousands of dollars for the very same thing you could get right now for only $650USD Act now! Can you afford NOT to take advantage of all these benefits? . EDITORS REPLY: First and foremost, thank you for this question because it is very common one. That is to say, why is there a difference in services fees, including our own as well (which by the way, is much more than $600). I wish I could offer a Panama Company to a client – SET UP CORRECTLY for this amount, but I do not want to scam people and I do not want clients to have problems going forward (with their documents). With that said, let me explain what I know about this and offer some additional comments or information as well. . First of all, this group was using a particular firm in Panama to do their incorporations for them. I do not know if they still are using the same person or not, but assuming they are, I have some personal experience trying to change and correct some documents these people completed for a client that used them first, and came to me later on – after the fact. . In any event, what I found out was that these people do not pay the initial public registry fee as part of what they are charging as the first blatant problem. Let me explain. The public registry in Panama allows for a 90-day grace period when forming a new company or foundation in the theory that notaries or attorneys have the opportunity to complete the documents for a client, get paid, and then go back to pay the public registry. Obviously such a system is helpful for cash flow purposes, but it is open to abuse. That is to say, a notary or attorney can get a company or foundation formed in Panama without paying this fee upfront. However, if it is not paid, certainly you then have a problem with the public registry going forward 90-days later (the documents are not current or up to date as far as the public registry is concerned) and you have more of a problem when you need to make any changes later on. Why? Because, the public registry will not allow you to do anything until ALL such fees in arrears have been paid in full, plus they charge you a penalty for late payment. This is what happened with our client. . When I confronted this clown in Panama who completed this (obviously a third party in Panama that this so-called privacy group pays to complete services for them), he told me: it is not my job or responsibility to pay a government tax and clients need to tell me upfront that this is what they want done. My reaction was, come again? Clients are supposed to tell you specifically to pay this fee, and you want them to pay you extra funds on top of your teaser ad fees for something they assume you are doing for them in the first place as part of the fee being collected? . This is like seeing an ad for a brand new 2002 Toyota Corolla – for only US$2,500 – Act Now – Don’t Delay – Limited Inventory, etc. You run down to the dealership, pay your money and come back the next day to pick up your brand new bargain priced car. However, when you put the key in the ignition, nothing, nada, it does not start. You open the hood only to find out there is no motor inside. You run back to salesman and ask, where the hell is my motor? Oh – you wanted a motor too? Well, that’s and additional US$12,750. Why didn’t you say so yesterday? . So, the morale of the story is, there is reality, fantasy, slick sales gimmicks, and everything else in between. Your US$650 cheap incorporation just jumped to $800 with the correct initial payment to the public registry, and we have not even gotten started yet. We have not even started discussing some other things, which I will expand upon in a moment. However, in short, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and my other question is: Are you hiring someone who knows what they are doing to offer a Professional Legal Service, or are you buying a magic Ging-Su knife advertised on late night television? Think about the kind of people you are dealing with that need to run such gimmicks. These are people with the mentality of an appliance salesman, out to make a quick buck or commission and move on. . With regards to giving identification, there is no reputable firm in Panama that will in the least not ask for some information from the client and in the case of preparing legal and proper powers of attorney, legitimate ID. This of course is private information so the firm knows who they are dealing with and quite frankly so they hopefully do make a mistake with name spelling on documents. Simply because you provide such information does not mean it is being made available to anyone else for any reason. The only comment I can make is to assess the type of persons or firm you are dealing with. If such information is provided to a US based office or person, again, I can see the danger of having such information readily available for seizure (with regards to a CPA or US based attorney performing such a service). However, I do not see such issues when working with someone located elsewhere (and whereby local law truly protects such privacy). Also, setting up legal documents properly is a different matter from purchasing a Juice-Man juicer. I would be very leery of someone behaving or marketing a professional service this way. I doubt you would hire a heart surgeon who advertised a two for one sale (act now for your open heart surgery and anesthesia is FREE), and I think the same consideration should be taken with financial matters or legal documents. . With respect to the completion of incorporation documents, the real issue or concern is, regardless of what fee you pay, are you going to be able to use such documents? Stated another way, what good are the documents if the bank will not accept them with respect to getting an account open? We try to have the proper notary stamps or other kinds of certifications placed on documents so hopefully clients will not have any difficulties with the banks accepting their documents. However, keep in mind all these things cost money or are fees paid to government offices, notaries or consulates and some do not come cheap ($50 per document in one case for example). When you start talking about having this done for two or three certified copies, it adds up. But, in the least, it is a complete set of properly done documents so clients do not have to come back four months later saying the bank want to see this, that or another thing before they will accept the documents for account opening purposes. Since many of our clients look to have accounts or investments in both Europe and Latin America (Dominican Republic usually) we keep abreast of what types of certifications the banks like to see and have them added on automatically, without the client having to ask (or knowing enough to ask). . So, the bottom line is, sometimes a bargain is a bargain, but sometimes when you buy a diamond ring for 10 cents, you just bought something not worth a dime. Just make sure you know what you are paying for (and what you perhaps are not getting as well). On the other hand, there are some firms offering Panama Foundations, as just one example, for US$10,000 or more, which to me is outrageous. I do not know what to say about that either other than perhaps this includes a beautiful girl buff waxing your car or some other perk. Generally speaking, our fees are reasonable for what we offer clients and are also in line with other professional service firms. . . Another Reader Writes: . Having lived in the DR for 15 years (SD, Santiago, and Puerto Plata--Costambar), I say without reservation that your analysis of the real estate market is excellent. It may be the best I have seen for the DR. . I was recently back to the DR, and am considering a retirement there. The types of properties that you recommend are exactly the properties I was investigating. From the U.S. it is difficult to get information on the areas of Miches, Barahona and Sabana de la Mar. Do you know of any reputable folks who have listings in those areas who aren't out to gouge a gringo? . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for your comments. With regards to real estate, I have to say there are not too many so-called agents I would put my name behind or recommend. My advice is, if you have a handle on the Spanish language, is to poke around yourself with the locals. Usually this how you find the bargains or at least what the local prices are and what is available. If you do not have time to do this or do not speak Spanish, try and find a local bi-lingual Dominican to help and pay him or her a flat finders fee. Many people the world over, and the DR is no exception, think foreign or American equals wealthy (or that money falls off of trees in the US and elsewhere). So, by sending a local at least you can nail down the REAL price. There are many, many reasonably priced properties in the DR, but the problem is they are usually not listed with realty brokers and most certainly are not advertised in English. One of our clients just bought a 12-Acre farm for about US$ 12,500 located 1 hour outside of Santo Domingo, so I know they are out there. . . Another Reader Writes: . Dear John, . Regarding "income taxation." As I remember learning in history class. Isn't income tax an unconstitutional thing? We are supposed to be free of income taxation. Furthermore, didn't President Lincoln implement the income tax law in order to finance the Civil War? And didn't Lincoln say that once the war ended he would eradicate the income tax law? So why now in the year 2002, do I find myself sitting in front of 1099 forms or W2 forms? . EDITORS REPLY: Well, two answers really and to the first one, you are correct. With regards to the modern day US 1040 income tax form as we know it, the roots go back to the early 1900’s. The very first form was a one page plain and simple document. No complicated and confusing rules or instructions, plain, simple and basically a flat rate. . Getting back to Lincoln for just a moment, there are many who have diligently studied law and history who claim that the current US government is actually a misnomer. That is, technically Lincoln disbanded Congress during the civil war and Congress never reconvened (at least in the legal form it was in). Instead, what they did was to reconstitute what might be compared to a corporate entity under technical and legal terms. So, the original Congress that existed from say 1776 through or up to the US Civil War went away and never came back (or at least this is the legal argument). What does this have to do with income tax? . Well, there are many who also claim that the US Constitution prohibits direct income tax assessment and that there are many documents that you sign during your lifetime hooking you into the income tax payment system voluntarily albeit unwittingly. An example might be applying for a Social Security Card or signing a driving license (read the fine print). In addition, many claim that since the Constitution technically prohibits income tax, then you are created as a fiction under this legal corporate entity. If you notice, most documents (social security card) have your name usually printed with all capital letters. JOSEPH PAUL JONES, for example. This is technically a fiction under the law and it relates back to the Nom De Guerre under the old French civil code (Napoleonic code). So, the legal argument goes that Joseph Paul Jones is a natural person under the law protected by the constitution, but JOSEPH PAUL JONES is not, and that you have agreed to be represented or known by this non- natural person entity when you sign a card or anything else printed this way. When you get down to it, why do you really need a social security number or be forced to get one just to work or for any other reason? . There are some logical legal arguments to many things others write off as being the ramblings of crackpots. The founding fathers who wrote the US Constitution were not idiots, but many crafty people have figured out how to maneuver in technical or legal terms. So as a result, you now have US judges who claim that the Constitution protects natural persons under the law (from undue search and seizure) but inanimate objects (such as your car, your house, your money) are not protected and therefore can be seized without due process. All of course to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, little green men from Mars, or whatever else. . In any event, there are different groups fighting the US Government using all of these arguments and legalities (and they might be right). However, the concept of what government should or should not do has changed (we the people allowed it to change, either proactively from a select few or from our silence). As a result, like many modern industrialized nations, which have become Social Democracies, the US Government has become an incredible bureaucratic monster that must be fed. There are many that have chosen to battle the legality of it all inside the legal system, but I believe it to be a fight that cannot be won. The powers that be do not want things to change. They want you to participate voluntarily whether you are in agreement or not, but will take it by force if necessary. The only way to win, or at least survive in my opinion, is to leave (and take your money with you). Many people have done just that, which is why all the pressures and attention towards so-called tax havens and duping other nations into either tax reporting or outright tax collection for the US. . . Another Reader Writes: . Dear John: . Do you have any opinion on the future price of gold? I personally don't Believe the reported inflation rate in the USA. And with the Federal Reserve pumping out cheap/easy money I can't understand why gold isn't on the move. . EDITORS REPLY: While it is true that the Federal Reserve has artificially created cheap money via lower interest rate cuts, there are many other factors that effect gold prices. One of them is of course the actual world supply of gold itself, which has not contracted at all. The Federal Reserve does realize they have made a mistake in that the equation is unbalanced. This is to say, they do not want to make the same mistake Japan did and aside from pushing interest rates down artificially, they must now also provide liquidity to the banking system (which the Japanese did not want to do). In simple turns, they have to now physically print more paper money, ergo inflation (which is really a devaluation of the currency). So I do think your questions about inflation will come into play very, very shortly, although I have to say I am not enamored with Gold or any other precious metal as a safeguard. Russia still has quite a bit of gold reserves, as some of the African nations. If someone (or some governments) wanted to collectively dump all that gold onto the world market at once, down goes the value of your gold coins. . Personally, I would rather buy farmland, a few cows and vegetable seeds. It’s much more work to keep, but when you get down to it; at least you have something to eat (gold coins are hard to digest). . . Another Reader Writes: . Dear Mr. Schroder, . It took me 1 1/2 year to think about forgetting the Dominican Republic but finally I followed my heart and I went back to spent time as tourist, showing places to my mother and godfather and his friend, quite an experience how people react in a different place, people who think you know, as Dominican with my family who welcomed me warmly and as friend with all the people that hugged and remembered me in town. My plan sticks to me anew to at least spend wintertime there until my mom lives and I am sad I wasted so much time here where everything is so much colder, not only the climate. . Well, you have to take care about more efficient business but while I was reading all the news that received during my absence I wanted to let you know about my last experience. Thanks for all the good information and I am looking forward for your next writings, sincerely yours and Saludos. . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for your letter. Many Dominicans are moving back for good and not only to escape the snow, so you will be in good company. . . Another Reader Writes: . Dear John, . I am enjoying your newsletter very much. I feel that most readers would like to learn from you all and any aspects of life in the DR as perceived by an intelligent, knowledgeable individual. I like the way you write and look forward to your newsletter. . However, your last newsletter included many notes related to US international foreign policy. Not that I disagree with the contents but I would prefer to read as much as possible about DR political and socioeconomic issues, immigration policies and practical issues such as costs of services, housing, business license, education etc…All the best, . EDITORS REPLY: Well, I appreciate your comments and your input, but while I do try to offer whatever information I can with respect to the Dominican Republic, our clients have a number of other interests as well. That is to say, taxes, social issues, politics, life-style, cost of living and things in general in other countries (including the US), which might affect their investments or future plans. All of these are inter-related. Plus, just as much as I try to combat the ignorance, negative information or lack of information about the Dominican Republic – the same holds true for the US, Canada, etc. So, while I do very much appreciate your interest in our Dominican Republic bits and pieces, the truth is I do not wish to focus on that alone. It’s a big world out there. Lots of things going on people should know about that could have an impact on politics, taxes and social issues all over (even filtering back to the DR). The world is connected, whether we like it to be or not (and our clients have a varied number of issues that concern them as well). . . Another Reader Writes, . John, . Re: UK newspaper prospective on the US. I don't pay much attention to what they say in the UK. The UK and most of the other EU members are embracing fascism as much as Germany and Italy did in the 30's and 40's. Their media can't see what's happening in their own country. Also, their government is very willing to allow the US to carry out the military operations and pay for them with our tax dollars and our blood, they just don't want to see the US take too much of the credit. The pot calling the kettle black? . As for the US education system vs. the DR's (Or any developing nation), the USA's dumbed down government indoctrination system (aka the public school system) has brainwashed out any common sense that our kids have. The teachers' Unions have a stranglehold on the schools, and the boards of education are helpless. The NEA is an arm of the Democratic National Committee, and the whole education system is a hugh increasingly expensive, government jobs program. I've read that the two things the federal government will never give up is (1) control over education and (2) control over government funny money (fiat currency). As long as they control these two things, they control the population. I don't think the governments of Canada and the US know exactly how many of their citizens are voting with their feet, and taking their money and their business expertise with them. "Developing country or Third World country" are misleading and imprecise terms too often used to denote a country without a large, intrusive government. That's what freedom lovers in the US and Canada are looking for. All the other so-called problems with such countries are merely opportunities for sovereign individuals who have the sense to check out of Big Brother's hotel. . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for your letter, but you must admit that it does seem odd the US press overlooks certain things appearing in British newspapers? As one gentleman stated especially, he wonders if the British and US press are reporting on the very same war in Afghanistan. . . Another Reader Writes: . Dear John, . I sometimes get a kick out of the people who write in to you vehemently defending the US and its government. Are these people blind, or what? The US used to be the greatest country in the world. That was in the days when the government still respected the Constitution of the U.S. of A, like say, in the fifties and maybe even in the sixties. (I'm really not sure if they ever did). The average citizen used to have rights. The police didn't used to be able to confiscate all your belongings before having a fair trial. They couldn't seize your property and close down your business without at least having to prove you were guilty of something first. They didn't have a government organization called the IRS, which has been proven to be nothing but a group of thugs with absolutely NO idea that a Constitution even exists in this country. . Someone mentioned the three strikes law. Nice law. As I said a long time ago, the US is some day going to have to review all their three strikes cases because it is totally barbaric to put a person in jail for life for stealing pizza. Everyone in the US knows that the Three Strikes law was meant for mean and repeatedly violent offenders. Not for pizza thieves. Just goes to show you the supreme power and heavy handedness that this government of the US has obtained and exercised over its citizens. Yes, this government has come a long ways since the sixties. It is not only bullying the rest of the world, but it is also bullying its citizens. If you have the money to buy your way out then you can go free like OJ. If not, you can lose everything you possess, just because some DEA agent or small town cop suspects you, or doesn't like whom you associate with. You know, I never did hear the end of the story of what took place in (I believe it was Arkansas). It was all over the news here in California. A judge or group of judges and police were stopping people on the highways. These cops were falsely accusing people of drug crimes. And pursuant to the new (of course) and phony "drug war" laws, these poor people were having their cars towed off and all their possessions confiscated long before a fair trial was even set. The judges and police were all in on it and were selling the cars and whatever booty they got a hold of and dividing the loot amongst themselves. Yes, by all means, this is the greatest country (laugh) the world has ever known. I would like to know if anyone knows what ever happened to those judges and police that were involved in this scam. . They say that the public has a short memory. I firmly believe that is true. I Guess I'm the only one that remembers the above incident because I never heard another word about it. My guess is that those Officials all got a terrible, and painful slap on their little hand like they always do when they are Government Officials, when in reality, they ought to be sharing the millions of jails cells with the millions of our young men and women who are sitting in jail for far lesser crimes, such as smoking pot or stealing pizza. . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for your letter. With regards to people that might have a different opinion, I respect everyone’s right in this regard. However, we all have a choice or in the least should have the right to a choice when it comes to things like government programs (like being able to opt out with the understanding you cannot take benefits, which is fair), how your money is spent, etc. That really is the problem, or what is often lacking. . . Another Reader Writes: . John - I enjoy your newsletter and want to clarify or answer your question regarding Canadian Passports etc. You questioned why isn't a drivers license or a birth certificate issued by a provincial authority not accepted for international travel etc. As a former Canadian Customs Officer either of these documents are never accepted as a proof of Citizenship. There have been far too many scams with people re-entering Canada from the US with only these documents. Anyone can get their hands on a counterfeit birth certificate and present it to a provincial authority, which will in turn issue a drivers license. They do not follow up on who issued the birth certificate nor liaise with a federal authority as to the validity of the birth certificate. They simply issue it at face value. The only valid document that is recognized is the passport. Someone may have a birth certificate for Canada but may have changed citizenship along the way. People are extremely cunning when they want to exploit the system and will go to all lengths to do it. . Another example How can someone who is operating a business as well as being on welfare in Canada and have a US Green card (don't either of these require proof of residency status??) and yet be in possession of a provincial Medicare Card for one of their parents residing in Haiti who is waiting to be called for an operation. . As far as the guarantor is concerned this is also a joke. An accountant or the mayor of a small town can sign. First of all they are impressed that they are even asked to sign, but don't ask for any proof of citizenship. They know you - they sign. I always find this a funny one that the government would accept that a local politician is more honest than the local baker, barber or mechanic. Keep up the good work - Very insightful . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you very much for writing in. My original point, I guess, was why the Canadian Federal Government does not trust a document issued by a local provincial authority. Your answer was that such a document could easily be forged. I have come across plenty of forged passports (or phony or forged passport programs offered to the public), so I do not know what to say other than anything can be forged and I do mean anything. That being the case, maybe European immigration or US immigration officers should stop accepting passports from Canada (or elsewhere). Maybe one needs to show up at the border with three witnesses who have know you for more than ten years, plus the Doctor or midwife that delivered you. Where does it all end, or perhaps even begin? However, it is interesting to note that Canadians and US citizens (or supposed citizens) can enter the Dominican Republic with a birth certificate and driver’s license as proof of citizenship. So, either the Dominicans are stupid, are not as sophisticated as the Gringos, or let it slide because the economic reality of tourism overrides all else. If the latter, what would the US or Canada do if they had a country and no one came? That is, if foreign visitors stop coming and border officials had to pass the time by playing cards? I wonder. . Another Reader Sent in the following News Article appearing in the Canadian Newspaper: The Edmonton Sun . OTTAWA -- The same federal department that miscalculated $3.3 billion in payments to the provinces is now hiring thousands of tax collectors to go after average Canadians who owe the government money. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is hiring 9,600 employees over the next three years - the majority of whom will be tax collectors and auditors, several union officials confirmed yesterday. Only a fraction of the new hires are expected to be customs officers. The majority are going to come on the tax and the GST side (of the department), said Betty Bannon, president of the Union of Tax Employees. There'll be more enforcement ... going after people who have filed (tax returns) but not paid, and auditing books and records ... and there will be more service. Nycole Turmel, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, said the government is putting a priority on collecting outstanding tax money. It's a priority to be able to recover the money and to be seen as being accountable to the taxpayer. They are trying to put a system in place to do that," said Turmel. Customs and Revenue Agency spokesman Colette Gentes-Hawn confirmed 1,600 of the 9,600 tax collectors and auditors will be hired by the end of March, and another 3,000 will be hired next year, and 5,000 by 2004. Gentes-Hawn could not say how much the government is owed in overdue or unpaid taxes. . EDITORS REPLY: Thank you for sending in the article. I like the comment about trying to offer better service (and collect more taxes of course). I have a feeling you will be serviced all right, but not what you think. In any event, it is interesting to note there are an estimated 15 Million taxpayers in Canada and now about 10,000 tax collectors. I don’t think even the Mafia has that many guys on their payroll, as a percentage, working in the “collections department”. But, then again, what do I know? . . This information has been compiled and presented by John Schroder of Ascot Advisory Services, for the benefit of clients and readers. Ascot Advisory Services provides assistance with such matters as offshore company formation, Panama Foundations, offshore banking, and special services in the Dominican Republic regarding residency, free zone applications, etc. For more information: |