I am a Mexican citizen. Can I open US bank account and transfer money to it if I won US poweball lottery?

[Anonymous]

Updates

1 y

If I win, I want to avoid taxes in my country and I want to pay taxes only in US. Also, I want US citizenship. Is it possible to get it quickly or it is a long process?

[WindAtMyBack]

I'm not aware of a reason why you couldn't open an account. But you will probably need a US Social Security number. I don't know if they will accept the equivalent in your country, but my guess is that they won't. Interest on a bank account is taxable income, and I'm pretty sure it will be US income. If you are putting a large lottery winning in the account, the tax will be significant.

As for citizenship, it is a long process. You usually start by getting a green card first. Then I think you are required to live in the US for several years before you can become a citizen. There may be some short cuts, but I'm not aware of them. Contrary to what a lot of people think, marrying an American won't get you a citizenship. It won't even automatically get you a green card.

[WindAtMyBack]

I did a bit of research on this, but not enough to know all the details.

There is no law against a foreigner opening a bank account, and I didn't expect there to be. However a lot of banks won't do it, even though it's legal.

You do not need a Social Security number, but you will probably need some other type of identification for tax purposes. Some banks will accept an ITIN ( Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ). They may accept some other identification.

Most banks will also require you to go in person. So most will not allow you to open an account online.

Bottom line is that you need to contact several banks to find out their policy. Some will be more strict than others.

As far as lottery winnings, there is a HUGE tax on it in the US. That tax is taken out before you get the money. So the amount of money you get is only a fraction of what you won.

[Asker]

Thanks for the information!

[NostalgiaSenpi]

You can't. Regardless of their residency, every winner is required to disclose the winnings to their respective government and face the legal implications associated with it.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Foreign citizens can open bank accounts in the U. S.

[Asker]

How? Explain?

[Opinion Owner]

Call and talk to any US bank and ask what identification you need to open an account as a non-citizen. Lots of foreigners have bank accounts here, just as US citizens have accounts in foreign countries. Now whether or not a U. S. bank will shield you from Mexican taxes is another matter. You will want to consult a tax expert on that. I’m going to guess it doesn’t.

[Asker]

Thanks for the info!

[CandyRat]

If you enter America illegally, you can do whatever you want to do. You can stay in five star hotels with room service.

[gorydetails]

You can not. It would be best if you let me help you. I'll deposit the money in my account and then transfer it to you.