I had been working in the US 5 years ago. My earnings are still in a US checking account. I want to transfer my money back to Germany. Unfortunately the bank canceled the wire transfer by phone. This means I would have to fly to the US. Another option would be that a write a cheque to an US person, which then tranfers my funds to Germany. What should I consider to avoid paying any taxes, e. g. gift tax. The amount is around 20K.

What was the reason for the bank cancelling the transfer 'by phone'? I think this highly unusual. I have transferred money back and forth from Canada to UK for many years without problem.

Aside from extenuating circumstances, there should be no problem to do what you want. All transactions, i.e. gift tax, extra tax will appear on the other end and be dealt with at the time.

My feeling is, you are holding your transfer up because of the tax issues, which you probably haven't really got into yet.

Tell us more because it is entirely unreasonable under any circumstance to spend the money to come over here to transfer just 20K to Germany. I mean, how much is it going to cost you, in all, plane fare, transportation two and from the airport, etc.?

Tick

Yes, what was the issue with the transfer, I transfer money internationally all the time.

Also if you can "write a check" you merely write a check to deposit money into your new bank in Germany.

Using a another person makes no sense at all

I wonder if perhaps the reason the US bank wouldn't allow a transfer is that the account is considered dormant, due to lack of activity over 5 years and no contact from the account owner? It's quite possible that they may have turned the money over to the state because the account owner was "lost." If this is the case you should be able to get your money, but it will take some paperwork with the sate - post back and I can help you figure out how to proceed.

When I left the US I set up the paper work for a wire transfer by phone. Meanwhile I was told the process has changed and I have renew the paper work. Therefore I have to go to the US-branch personally.

mh459 - OK, if the bank can't do a wire transfer without seeing you first face-to-face, can they instead mail a check to you in Germany?