Cost of Living for 25k plus all benifits
By PMCanadian •
Hi all,
I live in USA and I have been offered basic salary of 25k QR plus the below:
- Accommodation 14k/mo
- School education for 3 children (in American school)
- Annual family tickets to USA (paid cash)
- family medical insurance
- escalation allowances 3k/mo
- Interest free car loan upto 10x basic salary.
- Probably annual bonus 1 or 2 times monthly salary
we are family of 2 plus 3 kids out of which 2 at school age.
I am already getting $10k/mo before taxes in USA but would prefer to go back to the gulf for social and religious reasons as I worked in UAE for 10 yrs before.
So, based on the above do you think I got a fair deal? what other allowances I should ask for?
Leo, sorry to be so late answering. Yes, the IRS requires that you report the fair market value of housing, transportation and certain other benefits as part of your salary and compensation package. In certain cases such as if you are required to live in housing owned by the company you MAY be exempt. You must also follow all the requirements for the "foreign income tax exemption." You will need to consult a tax professional - probably before you leave the US - to make sure you don't get a nasty surprise later!
Mandi
is QR4000 enough to live in qatar? Benefits extra.
Mandi,
Could you please elaborate bit more what you stated above, or anyone esle regarding paying taxes on benefits, housing and airfare? Because we are relocating to Doha and I was not aware of it. Please! Thanks!
"If you are a US citizen you will owe taxes on the fair market value of all your benefits, including housing, education and airfare.
Mandi"
for a starting salary..
just be thankful on what you had..and if you think its unfair then seek another job and compare your previous and present job. tell me then the difference....God bless!
Why an indefinite position will have further benefits?
No, I do not agree because the standard for professionals coming from Canada and the US is what I stated above. If you want to accept what is less than standard that is certainly your choice. But I get a little tired of some nationalities claiming that they get paid less when in actuality they settled for less! Qatarisun and UKEng also say this offer is low and that you should re-negotiate. I respect their opinions, having known them for many years now.
Mandi
Thank you all for coming back to me.
to Mandilulur it seems you r the only who one who is discouring me to accept the offer. I apprecite your reply and think comparing my salary here with the salary in qatar is unfair when i get all the benifits dont you agree?
I think it's a little low. Normally a highly recruited expat gets his/her comparable salary plus 25% and plus housing, education, etc. I am baffled as to why someone would come for the same salary when there is no job security, retirement benefits, transferrable health care, etc. If you are Canadian you will have to divest yourself of any property, bank accounts, etc to be tax-free. If you are a US citizen you will owe taxes on the fair market value of all your benefits, including housing, education and airfare.
Mandi
Agree with UkEngQatar. Don't forget that you have end of service gratuity and annual salary increase if it's the company that UkEngQatar think it is.
You should go for it.....Also, you don't have to pay much/nothing to the IRS for overseas exemption. However, keep in mind that you won't get that exemption if not staying out of the country for 11 months out of a year.
Good Luck!
Go go go.....its a wonderful package..especially kids education which is quite costly here in Qatar.....
Cheers !
You Package with the flight included and the education of three children plus the Bonus comes to around 60K per month according to my calculations. I kind of got a feeling that I know the company that has offered you that package.
I would push for more Basic if I was you, also ask for an indefinite position as it will have further benefits.
Agree with qatarisun, depends on your position and the industry you are in. I know of PM's getting packages of 55 per month...
A good villa will set you back 15k per month (check out the property websites) and cost of living 5k per month (if you can keep your wife out of the shops!)
Schooling is expensive here, so make sure your contract covers all fees.
its totally fair...go ahead and invite us to dinner on ur first payment
it depends on the position. For instance, some project managers are getting around 50-60K in total.. your package is about 40K a month. Its not too bad, but again as I said, depends on the position and the company. Try to negotaite a bit more..
oh yes, its quite a fair deal. Good Luck
you are the luckiest guy on earth
do not be greedy!!!!!! Thank God and go ahead. There is nothing more you can ask for.