Canadian with IRA : Required to file tax return?

[ignacvucko]

A very quick question:

I'm a Canadian who moved back to Canada on Jan 1, 2004.
For 2004, I filed a T1 with Revenue Canada.

While in the US, I was deemed to be a non-resident of Canada.
I have no sources of US income, but still own a Fidelity IRA
in the US ($30G) that earns interest, but i have not and will
not be withdrawing its funds until age 65.

My question:
Do I have to file a US Tax return for year 2004?

I would assume no since I have $0 income
and 0 days presence...but does holding of
the IRA force me to file for 2004..and every
year thereafter?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Ignac Vucko

[nelsona]

No need to file anything in US until you withdraw funds from IRA (and no need to report anything in Canada about the IRA either until you withdraw).

Since it is unusual to move back exactly on Jan 01, and thus have no days of residence following a years of full residence, some suggest sending a 1040NR, with zero income, just as a means of notifying IRS that your status has changed.

<i>nelsona non grata... and non pro</i>

[ignacvucko]

Thanks very much for the concise reponse!

Sincerely appreciated,
Ignac