Easy Q - worked in US 10 weeks, file in US?

layeredpartydip · Post by **layeredpartydip** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 2:11 pm

Hi,

I'm pretty sure someone should be able to easily answer this question. I looked through the forum, but all the other cases seemed to be more complicated than my own.

I am a Canadian citizen and resident. Last summer I worked in the US at a law firm on a J-1 visa for 10 weeks. I also worked in Canada at a Canadian law firm for 5 weeks.

Do I need to file in both the US and Canada? Or does the tax treaty mean that I only need file with the CRA, but obtain foreign income tax credits?

I am confused because I just read some documentation I got last summer explaining that I need to file a 1040 with the IRS - but this documentation wasn't directed at Canadians specifically.

Thanks in advance!

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 3:51 pm

If you worked as an employee in US. you have to report that income in US on a 1040nr

you also have to report it in canada.

layeredpartydip · Post by **layeredpartydip** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 6:23 pm

thanks. I think I would be considered an employee as I got a social security number and my firm sent me a W2. i am looking at the forms on the IRS website and am not sure what the difference is between a 1040NR and a 1040NR-EZ?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 6:24 pm

EZ means easy.

layeredpartydip · Post by **layeredpartydip** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 6:29 pm

I think EZ actually means no dependents (well there is a list of requirements, and i think i meet them). but i am wondering is there is any advantage to using the 1040NR-EZ over 1040NR?

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:24 am

There is NEVER a tax advantage to filing the easy returns.

Its for simple -- easy -- returns.