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Permalink Reply by Ryan Tucker on April 18, 2012 at 4:24pm

I did 3 tours there and it was tax free for us(military). I was told by some of the civilian contractors that it was also free for them but I can not verify that.

Not much else I can offer you. If you go, it will be a dangerous situation. Your company has probably taken precautions and hired professional shooters for security so you should be good on that end, but your still going to a war torn environment where they don't particularity like Americans.

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Permalink Reply by John Muir on April 18, 2012 at 5:25pm

A few guys I go to church with went to Iraq in 2007 working for Flour-Daniels. They are civil engineers. They were in Baghdad. They spoke very highly of it, and said that - like anywhere else in the world, you just have to use common sense.

Their company would pay for frequent vacations to Jordan, where their families would visit them. They spoke well of Jordan, also.

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Permalink Reply by Orrbitron on April 18, 2012 at 7:35pm

Tax free, but you have to spend no less than 30 days back in the U.S. in a years time.  They do not joke around, the IRS will take $30k-ish if you mess that one up.

Shouldn't be too bad for you there.

-Orrbitron

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Permalink Reply by David Allen (Wallace) Cook. on April 18, 2012 at 11:24pm

My uncle worked a year in Iraq with a company (Australian though) and he said he paided no tax, although he said whilst he enjoyed it there he wouldn't go again. Even with 'security guards' (read: paid mercs) the place where he worked took fire 5 or 6 times when he was there, although no-one was hurt since it was mainly small arms. The security guys also had a stand-off with a armed local that was threatening to shoot them down, although he eventually left. So, making sure you have protection is a major thing.

P.S: My uncle said that no matter where you go always carry a camera, your passport, a journal and some money, but not to much.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy W. Saunders on April 19, 2012 at 12:05am

Thank you so much for the information guys, its very helpful in planning such a trip.

 

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Permalink Reply by David F. on April 19, 2012 at 9:01am

I would suggest a good line of life insurance for your family just in case.  Something that clears all the debts and pays off the house if you own one, or has enough to buy one.  Also a good set of insurance on disability.  The doctors have gotten really good at keeping people alive.

This may sound pessimistic but I really don't wish you to need to use it, but if it is used then bases are covered and regrets are minimized.

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