in multiple countries last year during covid, how to file tax return

[ilysm]

Hi I am a newbie here. First want to thank nelsona in advance for all the valuable info you give on this board! Hope everyone safe and healthy.

I got my Canadian PR and landed by the end of 2018 but only stay in Canada from time to time. I work in a US company. Last year my physical location changed several times due to covid. I was in my home country for nearly 4 months after covid started and we were told to work remotely. I also took this remote work opportunity to stay in Canada for 4 months last year to fulfill residence requirement as a Canadian PR, also we bought a home in Canada by the end of last year. I stayed in US in total around 4 months last year.

I did not formally inform my employer about my location, however, so in each paycheck they still withhold my taxes and social securities. Now I am filing my US tax return, and also plan to file Canada tax return for the first time as a residence. From what I read in other posts here, I understand that rigorously I should be taxed by Canada while I stayed in Canada but working for my US company, and should get the credit from the taxes withheld by my US paycheck. My question is, when I file US tax, may I simply assume that I stay in US physically last year without mentioning that I stayed in Canada and my home country? Any consequences? I do not want to risk my US job and Canada PR.

I know it is complicated scenario but thanks very much for your advices!

[ilysm]

Any recommendations on my case? I know it is complicated... Anyone has similar experiences to live in Canada for a short period of time but keep working for a US company by earning USD?

[nelsona]

CRA issued direction on those "trapped" in Canada due to covid. Please consult the CRA website, and other posts here on that matter.

[ilysm]

Thanks very much nelsona!