Canadian on TN Visa with Canadian and US Income and RRSP

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adf428
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:22 am

Canadian on TN Visa with Canadian and US Income and RRSP

Post by adf428 »

Hello,

This question has likely been asked many times before so I apologize in advance as I was unable to find the relevant information with limited time I had available.

I am a Canadian citizen living in US and working on TN Visa since April 16th, 2012. Prior to moving to US, I was employed in Canada and received income from multiple sources.

While I do not have house or any dependents living in Canada, I continue to maintain my bank accounts (for now) in Canada.

I have a few questions.

1. I have 1 T4, 1 T5, and 2 NR4s from Canada for year 2012. Do I need to file Canadian tax returns with CRA? It appears I am set to receive a tax refund if I file.

2. I would also like to purchase RRSPs to lower my last year's Canadian income for tax purposes and maximize my return. Based on the answer of 1 above, I will know if this is possible.

3. If I cannot file Canadian tax returns, how can I take advantage of the tax refund owed to me by CRA and potential benefits of purchasing RRSPs?

Thanks.
nelsona
Posts: 18686
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

1. You need to file a deaprture return for your province of residence, following the rules outlined in the Emigrants guide from CRA.

2. You leaglly can, but most brokers will not deal with US residents in their RRSPs, and almost none will accept new money. I'm sure you have told your brfoekr that your are US residnet, right?

You have several months to figure this out, and search the website. Nothing you;ve asked is very unusual.
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
adf428
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:22 am

Post by adf428 »

Thanks nelsona!

I will check out the details on departure return.

I am not sure how you mean that brokers will not deal with US residents in their RRSPs. Nonetheless, I am waiting to hear back from my financial advisor/broker.

Best regards.
nelsona
Posts: 18686
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 2:33 pm
Location: Nowhere, man

Post by nelsona »

None of the banks, and none of the mutail fund companies are licensed to deal with US residents. If you have not told them that you moved, prepare for some agittated response from them.
TD waterhouse, and a couple of other brokerages are licensed, and you will have to transfer your portfolio(s) to one of these.

It is unlikley that they would accept contributions, even for 2012 tax year, but you would need to check, but probably too late.
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
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