Dual Citizen - Lots of Questions

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.

Moderator: Mark T Serbinski CA CPA

Post Reply
RGRAY
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:52 am

Dual Citizen - Lots of Questions

Post by RGRAY »

Good morning,

I was hoping to get some advice. I am a dual American/Canadian citizen and have lived in Canada since I was 4 years old. I finally got my american social security number this year and I am assuming now that I have it I would have to file taxes in the US as well.

I'm a student working part time so no significant income.

My husband and I do intend to move to the US when I graduate. What issues should I expect? I really don't know how to go about finding answers on how to make the best out of my situation.
JGCA
Posts: 754
Joined: Thu Nov 18, 2010 3:05 pm
Location: Montreal, QC Canada

Post by JGCA »

As a US citizen you are suppose to file a 1040 annually the part time income you earn in Canada will be reported as work income in the US but there is an annual exemption of up to roughlly $80K that is excluded by means of a form that is filed with the 1040. You will not be able to claim your spouse as a dependent on the 1040 unless your spouse has a US social security number but it seem you will not need this since you indicate your income is limited to part time work.

On your Canadaian tax return you could claim your spouse as an exemption if their income is low or your could transfer up to $ 5000 in tuition fees to your spouse if they are taxable any unsused tuition fee4s not transfered can be carried forward on your Canadian tax return.
JG
nelsona
Posts: 18680
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

You have always been a US citizen, and always required to file a US tax return, reporting WORLD income, regardless of whether you had SSN or not.

As mentioned, you can claim an exemption for your Cdn earned income, but still need to report the income to claim the exemption, and still need to report interest, cap gains etc.

You must file as married, and if you need an ITIN for the spouse you can get one, or you can file married filing separately.
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
RGRAY
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:52 am

Post by RGRAY »

So when filing my taxes this year, how far back should I file?
Post Reply