IRA Transfer to RRSP - CRA Help line is No Help

[AuntiD]

Preparing to complete Foreign IRA Lump Sum transfer to RRSP, on tax neutral basis using Schedule 7. IRS 1040NR completed.

Called CRA 2x, each with completely different guidance and interpretation.

IRA was set up as annual "employer matching" contributions. (50-50). Lump sum withdrawal after 10 years of growth.
My question to CRA:
1) Can I transfer the entire lump sum received from SCHWAB to my RRSP, on a tax neutral basis using Schedule 7, without using RRSP room. OR am I limited to only 50% of the lump sum, due to employer contribution limitation.

First CRA call said , I can transfer both EE and ER contributions - the entire amount received plus the tax withholding amount by IRS, and to report the income on line 13000, rather than11500 on T1

Second CRA call said NO. I can only transfer the employee's portion.
So, I asked If I would divide the lump sum by 50%.
She advised that only the ORIGINAL amount contributed could be claimed on Schedule 7 for RRSP transfer.
and not the growth of the IRA. She also said to claim income on line 13000.
My tax software does not allow this. It is allocating foreign Pension income to 15000.

Is there advice on how to reach someone at CRA qualified to clarify my questions ( time is short for RRSP arrangements).
OR, perhaps there is a member who has been through the paces. to advise.

[nelsona]

I think you can forget about getting a good answer from CRA telephlunkies.

Yes, you can transfer ALL the IRA (gross amount before tax), and yes, you will treat all of it as a transfer, not affecting your RRSP contribution room.
However, you do need to report the income on the pension line, and then deduct it from your income on the RRSP contribution line through schedule 7.

Of course, in order for this to be truly tax neutral, you need to recoup the US tax by having sufficient OTHER Cdn-sourced income to write off the US tax as a foreign tax credit.

[nelsona]

The above are the rules for those worked AND Lived in US.

I see by another post that you may have been a commuter, in which case the rules are indeed different.

You might be stuck with what CRA dictates to you, but realize you will get a third -- different -- answer the next time you call.

A better bet would be to consult with an actual cross border accounting firm based in Canada, like Pacifica or Beacon Hill (or Serbinki of course).

[AuntiD]

Much appreciate your comments on this.
Yes, cross border commuter.

Some amusement with your reference to CRA telephlunkies.
I may try one more time, with specifics on rule difference for cross border commuters.
Thanks for the tip.