which form to file to be US non-resident

[usa2canada]

Here are some of the facts:

1) I was holding a US Green Card starting 2004, living, working and paying taxes in US.

2) I was granted a Canadian PR in 2010 and permanently moved to Canada in mid 2010, and receive PR status on entry.

3) I bought house in Canada at end of 2010; and plan to live in Canada permanently.

4) I didn't realize that I should physically return my US GC to the embassy, I thought I would be deemed disposed of the GC when I received Canadian PR on the border. So, I went ahead and I filed the appropriate form and surrendered my GC to Ottawa US embassy in mid 2011.

5) I visited US once for a business convention (and to tie a few loose ends) since moving to Canada, stayed March 10, 2011 - April 10, 2011

6) In 2010, I filed 1040 with IRS and California NON-resident forms.

I don't want to be considered a long-term US resident (which has more form and filing requirements for 10 years blah-blah), and If I was to be considered US resident in 2011, that would be the 8th year of GC.

Can I file 1040NR for 2011 to avoid being considered resident in 2011?
Or maybe some sort of a dual status? to avoid being considered resident for the 8th year too?

Considering that my ties (home) are in Canada since 2010 and I'm planning not to file with IRS in 2012 and onwords.

Thank you.




P.S.: This is a great forum, there should be a PayPal donation button, to help pay for the costs of running this site.

[nelsona]

The person who runs this site is a businessman, why would you pay him for his site, or his office, or his plants. Its his choice to do this.

Hire him to do your taxes

[usa2canada]

oh ya indeed, i didn't realize that this forum is just one part of a large accounting business. In either case this forum is very valuable, and for people who come here and get free advice, I'm sure many would love to have a way to show gratitude.