Canadian citizen/residents working overseas for US NGO

This is our main tax information forum which deals with topics concerning Canadians living and working in the U.S., U.S. citizens contemplating working in Canada, and all aspects of Canadian and U.S. income tax and related adminstrative issues.

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JackD
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:50 am

Canadian citizen/residents working overseas for US NGO

Post by JackD »

i am a Canadian citizen and resident working in Haiti for an American NGO. I am having difficult will my payroll payment methods. Currently, I am receiving payments via wire transfer which is rather costly once fees are applied by the various institutions involved. i set up an US account linked to my Canadian account for direct deposit but i denied this payment method because I did not have a US address. Apparently a W-4 is required from the US NGO to set up direct deposit to US Accounts in order for payments to be registered and approved by the IRS. I'm not an American citizen, but I do have a SSN (social security number). At the moment, I don't believe I am subject to US income tax because I'm not actually working in the US but would I have to file for a US tax return if I set up direct deposit to my US account?
On a more basis level, it is possible for an US company to do direct deposit into a US account owned by a Canadian citizen who is not a permanent US resident/citizen? I'm working to explore all my options to limit expensive wire transfer fees whilst avoiding double taxation by the US and Canada. I thought the US account would be the best solutions but again i was denied for lack of Us address and inability to complete a W-4.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Many thanks.
nelsona
Posts: 18685
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

"...but would I have to file for a US tax return if I set up direct deposit to my US account? "


This is not correct,. You would only file a US return (1040NR) if taxes were withheld form your pay, and you were requesting a refund.
After 20 years, I am severely cutting back on responses. Do not ask specifically for my help. There are a few others on this board that can answer most questions. All the best
JackD
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:50 am

W4

Post by JackD »

As a canadian, Can I submit a W-4 Form without a US address?
nelsona
Posts: 18685
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

A w-4 is fpr witholding IRS tax. Since you do not owe IRS tax, why would you need to submit this. other than to ensure no tax is withheld. Your NGO should know this and exempt you.
After 20 years, I am severely cutting back on responses. Do not ask specifically for my help. There are a few others on this board that can answer most questions. All the best
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