Irs attempts to catch overseas tax evaders


Irs attempts to catch overseas tax evaders

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<i> Friedheim is editor/publisher of Travel Agent magazine. </i> Question: _ Is the Passport Office being merged with the Internal Revenue Service?_ Answer: It remains with the


State Department but under the new tax law starting Jan. 1 you must complete an IRS form when applying for a new passport or renewal. The purpose is to catch overseas tax evaders. Q: _ We’d


like to visit Tibet. Is it possible to travel there independently?_ A: At this time only group tours are permitted, either from China or Nepal. Your travel agent has details, or contact


China National Tourism Office, 60 East 42nd St., New York 10165. Q: _ Recently I canceled a flight for which I had a discount fare and was penalized 50%. Is this legal?_ A: Penalties are


legal but vary among airlines. Check the penalty rates whenever buying a discounted ticket. Q: _ Where can I get information about facilities for handicapped at principal tourist


attractions?_ A: The “International Directory of Access Guides” lists sources for such information covering the United States, Canada and 21 other countries. Available for $5 from Access


Guide Directory, 1123 Broadway, New York 10010. Q: _ My travel agent charged me a $10 fee for booking a reservation to San Diego. I thought their services always are free?_ A: Most agents


still avoid such extra charges but some may ask a fee for very low-cost bookings on which the commission may be a few dollars. Industry estimates it costs an agent $26 to write an air


ticket. Q: _ Is there high-speed sea service between Florida and the Bahamas?_ A: The 312-passenger catamaran Caribbean Princess is starting four-hour sailings between Fort Lauderdale and


Nassau. Economy fare is $49. Call (800) 231-6268 or your agent for reservations. Q: _ We are trying to plan driving time on our trip to France. What is the speed limit on main highways?_ A:


In France the speed limit is 130 kilometers an hour, or about 78 m.p.h. Q: _ Is it still illegal to bring in fur coats bought abroad?_ A: Various laws protecting endangered species forbid


the importation of furs from seals, polar bear, leopard, jaguar, tiger, ocelot and margay. Customs can fine you and confiscate the garment. Q: _ Where is the school for chefs in the New York


area and is it open to tourists?_ A: The Culinary Institute of America, Route 9, Hyde Park, N.Y. 12538, phone (914) 452-9600, trains chefs who also cook for visitors. Two restaurants serve


lunch and dinner to tours and individuals; reservations are suggested. MORE TO READ