How can I buy property in the United States?

Every state has its own rules as to who may or may not purchase property. Some states may have laws restricting purchases by non-U.S. persons/entities of some kinds of real estate, for example agricultural or other rural land. As we may not advise on legal, business or commercial matters, we suggest you consult an appropriate professional (such as a lawyer/solicitor) with experience in this area.

Some websites you may find useful:

• Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate
• Realtor associations by state
• State & local realtor boards

How do I borrow or buy an American flag?

We may be able to lend you an American flag for your event; however, we regret we are unable to donate a fabric flag to any organization or individual. Paper flags may be available.

Please contact one of the following depending on your location:

Western Australia

Perth Consulate-General

Debbie Crook: (08) 9202-1224

New South Wales and Queensland

Sydney Consulate-General

Barry Scott: (02) 9373-9227

Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania

Melbourne Consulate-General

Travis Jackson: (03) 9526-5957

Australian Capital Territory and surrounds

U.S. Embassy

Librarian: (02) 6214-5874 (option 4)

If you wish to purchase an American flag please contact:

Eastern Australia area

Mail

Australian Flag Company
218 Gladstone St.
Fyshwick ACT 2609

Telephone

(02) 6280-4166

Fax

(02) 6280-4178

Web

http://www.australianflag.biz/index.asp

Western Australia area

Mail

WA General Distributor
Importers & Wholesalers
PO Box 141
Inglewood WA 6052

Telephone

(08) 9272-7182

How do I get help with my U.S. federal income tax return?

The federal tax agency in the United States is called the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS website includes copies of all forms and publications. We regret Embassy and Consulate staff may not advise on legal matters such as IRS tax returns.

If you have specific questions, you may either contact the IRS directly or engage the services of a commercial tax consultant here in Australia.

How do I participate in the diversity visa (green card) lottery?

The green card lottery is officially known as the diversity visa lottery. This lottery is usually held on an annual basis with an announcement being made during the second half of the year.

• Diversity visa program (U.S. Dept. of State)

How do I register to vote in the United States?

You must be an American citizen and be at least 18 years of age on or before election day. Your registration form must be received by the electoral office in the state where you last resided at least 30 days before the election.

Complete the on-line version of the federal post card application by following the instructions provided by your state on the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website. Return the form to the address specified by your state in the instructions.

What is an ITIN?

The Internal Revenue Service, the federal tax agency of the United States, issues the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What time is it in the United States?

The continental United States is divided into four times zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. Alaska and Hawaii are each in their own time zone. The continental states observe daylight savings time during the summer months.

Some websites you may find useful:

• Official U.S. time
• Time & Date
• Time & Temperature
• Time Zone Converter
• World Time Server