Where am I a tax resident?

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
Plasmoid
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 12:57 am

Where am I a tax resident?

Post by Plasmoid »

I was reading the [url=http://www.fin.gc.ca/treaties-conventio ... is-eng.asp] Canada-US Tax [/url] treaty and I was trying to sort things out.

I plan to be in the US 183+ days this year, so US Tax resident
but,
I have a permanent residence available to me in Canada
I vote in Canada
I have a Canadian DL
I have significant Canadian financial instruments/accounts in Canada
I have my Canadian health insurance
My family lives in Canada (Parents, siblings, extended relatives, friends)

If I read "Residence -2(b)" correctly, my centre of vital interests is in Canada and therefor, I am a tax resident of Canada and not of the US.

Is my interpretation wildly incorrect?

Reposted from immigration forum since I misposted there originally.
nelsona
Posts: 18675
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

From what you post, wjhile you will meet US residency test (by days), you also meet Cdn residency test (by ties).

This, as you concluded, the tie-breakers would apply, and you would remain a Cdn tax resident.

In your list, your voting and family don't matter as much as the other things. You also did not say what your living arrangements were in US.

To simplify your US tax obligations, you would file a 1040NR, and attach an 8833 stating that you are Cdn resident by treaty article IV, and thus only report US-sourced income (wages or rent).

As to healthcare, be proactive in asking that your province keep you on their books even though you may exceed the maximum days outside province
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
Plasmoid
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 12:57 am

Post by Plasmoid »

As for living space, I'm renting an apartment in the US.
nelsona
Posts: 18675
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

You are a Cdn tax resident.
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
Post Reply