Moved to the US in August of 2009, but need tax help.

[ceroij]

Long story short, I graduated college and move to the United States in August of 2009 to start work. I am at a complete loss when it comes to filing my tax returns (even after reading the departure guide).

Essentially, do I need to include my US Income on my tax return? If so, do I list my gross income or my net income (after paying US taxes)?

What is 'section 217'? Can I leverage it?

In short, do I just file a Canadian tax return listing a departure date and leave out any of my US income? Or do I include my US income as part of my tax return?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!

[nelsona]

Your Cdn depsrture return should be straightforward and include only Cdn income.

Your US one will be more complex.

[ceroij]

Thanks!

Could you let me know how Section 217 works as well?

[nelsona]

217 applies only for those with pension income from Canada, and little other income.

I've described it in detail here, it doesn't apply to you.

[ceroij]

Thanks a lot. And at what point do I pay Canadian taxes on my US earnings in 2009, I was under the impression that I would owe money on them at some point given I likely won't qualify for non residency?

[nelsona]

You said you moved to US in August to work.

Why would this not classify you as resident of US. The treaty would certainly say you were.

[ceroij]

But I was still in Canada for 183 days or more, correct?

[nelsona]

Thata diesn't matter, you DEPARTED Canada. Your WERE resident until the day you left (be it january or December) ansd non-resident after.

The 183 day criterion applies to those whoa re NOT resident at all in canada, but stay there for more than 183 days. Doesn't apply to you.

You seem to be getting bogged down in things that don't apply to you.

File a departure return for canada using the return for you last province of residence and the instructions in the Emigrants guide.