Back to Canada - Can I file 1040?

jeffwa · Post by **jeffwa** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:11 pm

Hi,

I've been in the US for 2 years now. I'll be leaving the US in mid-september 2007. I don't have a green card and neither I am a US citizen. I am a CND citizen.

I will have minimal CND income from mid-september to end of december 2007 because I'm taking a long break. Worst case, I will work 1 month in December...

I cannot get the standard deduction if I file form 1040-NR... That deduction is important because it is mainly the only thing I can use... (no mortgage, sales tax, etc.)

Can I file a form 1040 for 2007 and report my canadian income of mid-september to end december on it? That would allow me to get the standard deduction right? How can I notify the IRS that I left the US if I file that form? Any other considerations?

Thx,

jeff

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:11 pm

First, a Cdn can ALWAYS file a 1040, even if he has never set foot in US, as long as he is willing to report ALL world income.

But, additionally, anyone who was US resident in one tax year can always file a full 1040 the next year, regardless of where he moves to. You would even be entitled to use the foreign earned income exclusion on any Cdn wages you earn after leaving US.

Nothing to notify, the address on the return will say plenty.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:09 am

As an added tip, be sure to get all your US income before you go back to canada. If you receive a paycheck after going back, you are technically supposed to report this on your Cdn return.