Canadian on TN visa- CDN taxes??

[crowcaller]

Hi,

I've been living and working in the US (for a US company) on a TN visa for over 5 years. I have student loans in Canada, and therefore a bank account in Canada to pay this loan, but nothing else. I still have my ON drivers license.

All along I have been paying taxes only in the US as my employer is a US employer and I am paid in USD. But I have NOT been filing taxes in Canada, is this ok?

Most of the research I have done says I only have to file in US, but just want to confirm. I live down here all the time, only return for some vacations, holidays etc. (max. 3 weeks back in Can. per year).

any info would be great! thanks!

[nelsona]

Your fine.

You should have filed an "exit" return the year you left, but if you didn't I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

To be taxable in Canada on your US income, you would need to have a spouse in Canada and/or a home available all-year round.

[crowcaller]

thanks very much for the reply.

another 2 questions:

1- in the year that I left Canada for the US, I was freelancing from Canada and working abroad (in Europe) and didnt file a tax return... that was 5 years ago. is it too late to file now? I didnt make alot of money at all that year ...

2-what should I do if i move back to Canada permanently- just start filing as a Canadian resident I assume? do I have to notify income tax canada of all the years I was absent?

again, thanks so much for the info.

[nelsona]

You *should* review you tax situation back in the year you left, and detrermine what tax you do owe.

Since you did not file, CRA could come after you for that year.

But after that you are non-resident, as we discussed, and have no obligation to Canada.

When you return, you will file a "entry" return, with an arrival date on the tax return for that year, forllowing the rules set out in the "Newcomers" guide.

Ant non-resident who becomes aresident is considered a newcomer, regardless if he lived in Canada before or not.