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Ok, so this question goes out to those Canadians living and working or attending school in the US. So far, i'm finding how to file our income taxes especially confusing. I seem to have to file in both countries? Does NAFTA come into play at all here? Any recommendations for tax software or companies that can handle these kind of personal income tax situations?
Is it worth considering H&R Block types or specialist accountant? Help!
I am a Canadian living in the US, and have been for 6 years. Before I left Canada, I was told to claim non-residency status in Canada so that I could avoid having to pay income tax in both countries. I did this, and haven't had any problems whatsoever. I can't remember how I did this, but I know it was pretty simple, just a form of some sort. Of course, if you have ties to Canada like a home or you have some sort of income there, then you can't do this and would have to file in both countries.
I am sure you can google to find out more about non-resident status.
Thanks Moesgirl for the reply. I actually googled it before posting, and the problem isn't a lack of results, but in fact too many, and the majority are in accountant-speak and pertain primarily to snowbirds.
So far I have discovered that Canada and the US do have a tax agreement where if you pay it in one, you don't have to pay it's equivalent in the other, so you don't get double taxed, which is nice.
My real problem is figuring out how, and finding a program for the computer that will allows us to file, or a place that can do it for us. I do find it to be a lot of "new ground" for me, as supposedly we can claim our moving and education expenses, as well as a few other things while we are here due to the conditions and type of our visas. I'm pretty confused...
The Canada Revenue Agency has several different classifications of residency and nonresidency for income tax purposes. Different criteria apply to each.
What might be best is to contact the CRA's International Tax Services Office and explain your exact situation. They have a toll free number good for Canada and the US.
1-800-267-5177
The number is manned from 8:15 am to 9:00 pm Eastern time.
Once you speak to a CRA representative, they can advise which forms you'll need to file. You have plenty of time to file a paper return.
As far as e-file goes, CRA is currently experiencing technical difficulties with their computer system and e-file is not available.
Enquiries for the IRS can be directed to 1-800-829-1040. The number is manned from 7 am to 10 pm local time.
I think I am in a similar situation. Are you working in the US? Do you work for a Canadian company?
I work for a Canadian company which further complicates things, I think. I don't think I can get away with becoming a non-resident of Canada because of my Canadian employment and the fact that I am currently collecting Canadian benefits. My big issue, though, whether I file as a resident of the US or Canada, is which do you file with first?! I know you can claim a "foreign tax credit" for the amount of tax you pay to the other country, but I don't know which country to pay and which to claim the credit with. Also, I don't know if that's only in certain situations. The IRS website has a lot of good info, but the Canada side seeems to be lacking. If you file as a non-resident of the US and a "deemed resident" of Canada, you still have to claim any income you earn while working on US soil.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I've got a ton of information, but I'm still extremely confused! If you have similar questions maybe we can get this straightened out...
Oops I just noticed that your post was 2007, not 2008. I thought I was reading a recent one! In that case, maybe you can help me out if you are still checking the forum. How did you end up resolving your tax issues?
I'm a Canadian who lived and worked in the US for 4 years. You don't have to pay Cdn taxes while living in the US as long as you're there for 2 years or more. Also, make sure you cut financial ties with Cda (no provincial healthcare card, no Cdn properties or bank accounts). When I came back I just started filing taxes here again from the year I returned and there were no problems.
I'm a Canadian who lived and worked in the US for 4 years. You don't have to pay Cdn taxes while living in the US as long as you're there for 2 years or more. Also, make sure you cut financial ties with Cda (no provincial healthcare card, no Cdn properties or bank accounts). When I came back I just started filing taxes here again from the year I returned and there were no problems.
Hi, I am a Canadian who moved to the US in Aug 2006. Because of family reason, we don't plan to go back to Canada in a short time (Actually, we just got our US green card). While we left Canada, we didn't close our bank account (I still have checking, saving and RRSP). Does it mean we will need to file Canada tax report? If so, how? Is there a tool that can help me?
Also because usually Canada tax is higher than US one, does it mean we will need to pay the rest (what we've paid to the US gov) to Canada gov? Thanks a lot!
Hi, I am a Canadian who moved to the US in Aug 2006. Because of family reason, we don't plan to go back to Canada in a short time (Actually, we just got our US green card). While we left Canada, we didn't close our bank account (I still have checking, saving and RRSP). Does it mean we will need to file Canada tax report? If so, how? Is there a tool that can help me?
Also because usually Canada tax is higher than US one, does it mean we will need to pay the rest (what we've paid to the US gov) to Canada gov? Thanks a lot!
As mentioned higher in the thread, contact the Canada Revenue Agency International Tax Office:
Quote:
1-800-267-5177
The number is manned from 8:15 am to 9:00 pm Eastern time.
Nothing better than talking to a live person, asking your specific questions and getting definitive answers.
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Help! 
Non-residency
