Job offer - UK to USA - Same company. What to look for.?

[bridgdav]

I have just received a offer letter from our American office / division of the company.
Will involve a 3 year assignment with options to stay on after.

The role will be similar to my UK based position - renumeration and all things considered it will be a move to better my standard of living, cash etc.. Relocation expenses will also be taken care of.


Has anyone had similar.. What pitfalls are there (plenty..?)
Nothing is signed yet, what should I negotiate for..? (apart from more money)
I am completely ignorant to the US taxation and benefit system..

Any advice will be gratefully received.
Cheers

[worsy]

Low tax no benefits. Make sure they pay Medical contributions as it can be very expensive. Much depends on what state/city you are in.

[davepoth]

Generally - As has been said the tax is low but so are the benefits. The other problem is that there isn't really much in the way of holidays (place I worked got two weeks a year) or redundancy pay, or indeed notice. Make sure you are happy about the arrangements beforehand.

[The jiffle king]

Some practical things:

Move ISA's before you go
Don't shut down all bank accounts, it's tough to open them when abroad
Check the car selling polict carefully, you can lose out
Check the house sale policy carefully!!
Check holidays, US less than UK.
Travel allowence paid as expenses or gross salary?
Cultural training?
Support for spouse?
Relocate you back? 1 year min?
Apartment allowance?
Tax benefits ( there are here in Spain)
Help with UK and US tax returns?

I am sure there are more, just tricky from airport lounge.
T-J-K

[jimmyjimjim]

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... you buy a car when you move to the US right away?

Get what you can out of your company in terms of relocation allowance, tax equalisation services, moving expenses, and get them to agree to pay to ship you back if they terminate your contract. There's a lot more info in the thread.