To quote mike_hearn&#x27;s earlier comment &quot;You say this like other countries don&#x27;t also offer those services. Almost every western country does, and none of them tax their citizens abroad.&quot;<p>I think your argument is a post hoc justification.<p>Plus, &quot;access to US consulate services&quot; makes no sense. Many if not most Americans living overseas <i>pay no taxes</i> to the US. The complaint is the hassle and expense of filing the paperwork, and the likelihood or at least worry about exorbitant fines.<p>Finally, who do you think uses those services more - American tourists and business people, or those who live in the country?<p>Elsewhere leoedin points out that &#x27;The UK embeds the cost of consular protection and embassy services into the renewal cost of a passport - approximately £15 in 2010&#x27;. That sounds like it&#x27;s more equitable, and it shows that consulate services are not expensive. I pay 20x that amount for my accountant to deal with my US taxes, and would gladly play a flat $100 &quot;I live or travel overseas&quot; fee instead.