401(k) vs IRA — how to save for retirement in the USA
A comparison of retirement accounts: employee 401(k), Traditional/Roth IRA, limits for 2026, employer match, and how to choose.
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Transporting Medications to the USA — TSA, FDA, Polish Medications, Prescriptions (2026)
Polish medications for personal use can be legally brought into the USA if certain conditions are met: the medication is prescribed to the patient, in its original packaging, the quantity does not exceed ~90 days of use, and the medication is not prohibited in the USA (e.g., some codeine syrups, modafinil without a prescription). TSA allows medications in carry-on luggage WITHOUT the 100ml liquid limit — just inform the officer during screening. The FDA applies a 'personal use' policy — generally does not inspect individual travelers with medications for personal use. Medical marijuana, GHB, and certain psychotropics are federally prohibited even with a Polish prescription.
What Happens If You Don't Declare Money When Entering the USA?
Failing to declare money when entering the USA can lead to serious consequences, including cash confiscation by CBP and potential criminal charges. Learn about the real implications for travelers.
Profil zaufany z zagranicy — jak założyć z USA (mObywatel, bank, konsulat)
Profil zaufany (epuap) to cyfrowy klucz do polskich e-usług państwowych — wymagany do większości online spraw urzędowych (US-Skarbowy, ZUS, Urząd Gminy, sądy, NFZ). Z zagranicy 3 główne metody założenia: (1) przez polski bank online jeśli masz konto (najszybsza, 5-10 min), (2) przez aplikację mObywatel z polskim dowodem osobistym (online, ~15 min), (3) osobiście w polskim konsulacie w USA (wizyta, free). Wymagania: PESEL, polski paszport lub dowód osobisty, polski numer telefonu lub adres email. Po założeniu — ważny bezterminowo (with periodic security extension). Daje dostęp do: ePUAP, IKP (zdrowotne), e-Urząd Skarbowy, ZUS PUE, Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa, Urząd Stanu Cywilnego online, eRecepta. Kluczowe dla polskiego biznesu z USA — bez profilu zaufanego prawie nic online nie zrobisz.
Food stamps (SNAP) in the USA — who qualifies, how to apply
SNAP / food stamps: income criteria, immigration status, EBT card, how to apply in the state. For a family of 4, up to $1,200/month.
FinCEN Form 105 — Step by Step: How to Complete the Report on Currency and Monetary Instruments
Learn how to correctly fill out FinCEN Form 105 to avoid mistakes and penalties; our step-by-step guide will help you understand each element of the form and who needs to submit it.
How to Recover Money Taken by CBP: A Guide to the Process
Recovering money taken by CBP can be complicated; learn how to effectively file for remission and the steps to take to increase your chances of success.
How Much Cash Can You Bring Across the U.S. Border? A Guide to Regulations
Planning a trip to the U.S. and wondering how much cash you can take with you? Learn about the rules regarding cash transportation and the potential consequences of improper reporting.
Civil Asset Forfeiture in the USA — What You Need to Know
Learn how civil asset forfeiture laws work in the USA, the differences between civil and criminal forfeiture, and how you can defend against unjust property seizure.
Do children have a separate $10,000 limit at the U.S. border? NO — explanation
The most common myth in the Polish community: each child has their own $10,000 limit. FALSE — the limit applies to the entire family collectively. What CBP says, why splitting is structuring (up to 5 years in prison).
Renewing a Polish Passport in the USA — Consulate, Costs, Timelines, mObywatel (2026)
A Polish passport can only be renewed in the USA through the consulate — NOT through the embassy in Warsaw or online.
Uber/Lyft/DoorDash — rozliczenie podatków w USA (1099, Schedule C, mileage)
Praca jako kierowca Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, GrubHub itd. to klasyczny 1099 gig economy — sam płacisz pełne self-employment tax 15.3% PLUS income tax. Kluczowa dla zysku: dokładne śledzenie mileage. IRS stawka 2025: 70 cents/mile = 700 USD odliczenia za każde 1000 mil służbowych. Dla typowego full-time kierowcy 30-50k mil rocznie = 21-35k USD deductions. Plus other expenses: telefon, ubezpieczenie, parking, opłaty platformy. 1099-K wystawiana jeśli >5 000 USD na platformę (od 2024). Quarterly estimated tax payments by uniknąć underpayment penalty. Strategia: SEP-IRA może oszczędzić 25% net income na podatkach. AB5 w CA i podobne ustawy stanowe próbują rekwalifikować gig workers jako employee, ale Prop 22 odwrócił to w CA.
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