Category Archives: Legal Issues
How to receive emergency assistance from American Red Cross
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — American Red Cross assists military members, civilians and their families in the event of an emergency, unexpected illness or death in the family, via emergency communication. “The emergency communication process is certainly one of the most important and discernible services we provide, but there are…
Kinder surprise eggs still banned in U.S.
USEUCOM Customs Executive Agency News Release WIESBADEN, Germany — People who are thinking of sending chocolate eggs stateside this Easter should be aware of the U.S. Customs regulation banning Kinder Surprise eggs from import to the U.S. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will remove Kinder Surprise chocolate…
Schedule POV inspection appointments online
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — All CAC holders can sign up for a Privately Owned Vehicle inspection appointments at the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria transportation page at https://home.army.mil/bavaria/index.php/vehicleregistration. Vehicle Inspection Online Appointment Customers should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their appointment time and bring a copy…
All you need to know about the German ‘TV tax’ and how to avoid it
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — There are a few things you should know about the mandatory German radio, TV and internet fee, generally referred to as “TV tax,” and how to obtain a waiver for the payment if you are in Germany under the SOFA agreement. The Rundfunkbeitrag, or TV…
DFAS explains civilian relocation tax changes
By Mary Davis, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Public Affairs SEMBACH KASERNE, Germany — The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017 made the majority of government civilian employee relocation entitlements taxable, causing some concern and confusion over what elements would be taxed. The Defense Finance and Accounting…
Sell your car: A guide to POV disposal in USAG Bavaria
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria wants to help you, the community member, understand the proper process and procedures to dispose of your privately owned vehicles. To reduce the number of abandoned vehicles across USAG Bavaria, here’s how to conveniently and legally get rid of your POV.…
New guidance on taxable moving expenses for civilians
Courtesy Story by 21st Theater Sustainment Command KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Additional information on the taxation of moving expenses for civilian employees is now available that changes guidance issued last year. As previously reported, many moving benefits paid or reimbursed by an employer are now taxable to the relocating…
Tips for parents: Talk to your child about social media
StopBullying.gov news release Parents create trust with children by initiating open, honest discussions. These dialogues are an opportunity to communicate values and expectations about your family’s appropriate digital behavior, including viewing or sharing content, and apps they can and cannot use. Check in frequently with your children about their…
Official and tourist passports: Why the difference matters
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — A small, tightly-wound book with pages primed for international stamps and the promise of adventure, the passport is perhaps the single most important object for smooth and lawful travel across borders. Two types of passports are important for DOD personnel and families stationed in Germany:…
Expect longer wait times for birth abroad no-fee passports
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Expect longer processing times for no-fee passports processed with Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, according to the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Passport Office. The USAG Bavaria Passport Office reports that the State Department has changed the issuance facility for no-fee passports for newborns. Due…