Canadians who worked in the US and have a 401k

[us2ca]

Here is my background:

- Canadian citizen
- moved to US to work for a few years, started 401k, Roth IRA, and plain investment - - account all with Vanguard
- temporary visa, so I'm no longer a US resident of any kind
- also have a couple CDs (like Canadian GIC)


Now here are my questions:

- from what I've read so far, I have seen that I can leave my 401k and Roth IRA alone, and do not have to file taxes in the USA (but I think something specific has to be done so that I also don't have to pay taxes on those gains in Canada). Does anyone have experience with this?

- What can I do with my non-retirement investments? Can I leave those also?

- I spoke to the bank where I have my savings/CDs, they said I could leave the account as it is as long as my "main" address is a US address (I can still have my mailing address be my Canadian address)

- I do freelancing and e-commerce, so money often flows through my US bank accounts. I have read that this is ok, but just want to see if anyone here is doing the same.

- What other possible tax complications am I missing?

Thanks!

[nelsona]

You should have spoke to Vanguard before leaving to see how they woukd treat you as a CDn resident, so that you could find a willing brokerage if they refuse.

I never encourage anyone to fake an address for tax or investment purposes.
You will have to close your non-retirement investment account, and transfer any stocks you might have to a CDn broker.

There is a form to file with your first Cdn return after leaving US that covers your Roth or Roth401(K). You can search for this in many threads here. Nothing needs to be done for your IRAs or 401(k). It is sheltered until you take out funds.

There is a "newcomer" guide for CRA, assuming you left at some point, that has other tips.