Section 5 of 10
Taxes and admin
Filing US taxes and getting your driver's license.
Admin is nobody's favourite, but a little of it upfront saves headaches later.
This is not legal or tax advice. I just want to help Belgians and other Europeans get set up in San Francisco. Always check the official sources for your own situation.
US taxes
- You file your taxes yourself and how you do it depends on your visa.
- You need a few documents from your employer before you can file.
- It's easiest to file electronically through a filing website (for example Sprintax). You pay a small fee.
Driver's license
- Mandatory for most visas if you stay longer than 6 months.
- To take the driving test, you need someone with a Californian driver's license to come with you. You also need to pass it within your first year in California.
- Once you have it, it works as your ID for buying alcohol at stores and getting into bars.