Have never filed

[taxignorant]

Hello. My family and I became US citizens in 1986. We moved to Canada when I was in high school and became Canadian citizens in the late 90's.

I attended University in Canada and began working (only in Canada) from 2001 to present but have never filed a US tax return (Canadian taxes are up to date).

I was recently made aware of the requirement to file annually with the US and am wondering how to even get started. I have RRSPs, TFSAs, and a mortgage.

How much would it typically cost to get caught up in filing back US tax returns?

I am also getting married later this year to a (non-US) Canadian citizen. Are there tax implications that would impact her?

Will RESPs for future children be impacted as well?

Help!

[nelsona]

Lots of info here. happy browsing.

[DonMurphyCanada]

I would start by gathering what you know.

To start understanding your situation fill out 1040s for the years you have not filed to get an idea of where your at. You generally pay more tax in Canada than the US.

The TFSA income (interest) will need to be reported on 1040. You will also have to. Fill in 3520 and 3520a. Those forms simply track opening and closing balances of the TFSA.

There is a wealth of information here and lots of people here are very helpful.

I have recently discovered these rules too ( for mu us citizen wife living in canada) and we did her 1040s 3520s and 3520as for the past 6 years. We owe no tax though just simple RESP interest.

Explore and just stay calm and piece it together.

[DonMurphyCanada]

Taxignorant, I also highly recommend purchasing the last 6 years worth of TaxAct software. This will cost you less than $100 and it works very well. I think the 2008 version will be retired soon so you may not want to delay. All in the name of getting organized and finding out where you stand.