This is our annual reminder to Canadians who spend significant amounts of time in the US each winter.
Snowbirds have an obligation to file a Form 8840 with the US government, if they have established a “substantial presence” in the US. The filing deadline is June 15.
Most folks don’t realize it, but all Canadians who visit [...]

It’s likely a bit risky for me to suggest that now is the time to start planning your winter vacation or your sojourn to warmer climates. Summer is short enough…
But the mailers I have received from Snowbird Medi-Quote and Medi-Pac Insurance this week have reminded me that there are early bird specials available, with deadlines [...]

This column is of special interest to snowbirds, but also to Americans who have moved to Canada.  There is a positive change to Canada Revenue policy on transfers of 401k or IRA plans to Canada.
First, though, let’s remind snowbirds about their obligation to the US government, and the IRS.�
All Canadians who visit the US do [...]

Snowbirds, it’s that time again!
The IRS (the American Internal Revenue Service) is lonely and wants to hear from you, by the June 15 filing deadline.�
If you spent 31 days or more in the US in 2010, then the IRS filing requirements MAY apply to you, depending on how much time you spent there in 2008 [...]

If I offered you a beautiful three-bedroom house in an attractive neighbourhood in your city for $100,000, would that grab your attention?
Now, what if I said the house cost $300,000 to build just four years ago, it is in perfect condition and the landscaping is complete?
One of two reactions is likely – either you would [...]

Stop me if I’ve told you this one…
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but any Canadian resident who is a US citizen or who holds a green card or other type of work permit for the US is required to file a US tax return each year.
This is true even if you [...]

The geese gathering in the pond tell me it will soon be time for them – and for human snowbirds – to flock together and head south.
Human snowbirds need to remember that anytime they travel outside of Canada, they need to have comprehensive medical emergency travel health insurance. An illness or accident in the United [...]

Read this column if you or someone you know was born in the US, holds a green card (work permit), travel to the US for an extended period in the winter, or have another close connection to America.
The American Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is more interested in you than ever.
We have written in the past [...]

Canadian citizens who are Canadian residents for tax purposes, but spend a portion of their winter in the south, need to be alert to the filing requirements of the IRS.  If a person spends more than three months in the U.S. for three years or more in a row, then that person needs to do [...]