If a U.S citizen spends an extensive amount of time outside the country, do they have to pay a penalty fee when they return ?

  A 10-year-old child who is a US citizen and has been abroad for five years plus should have no problems upon return as long he or she is properly documented with a US passport. There is no penalty fee that we know of. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.