Canadian moved to USA

[NLR02]

I am a Canadian citizen who moved in June to the USA as a permanent resident.

I'm trying to figure out my taxes for 2013. My husband is a USC and would like to file Married Filing Jointly.

- worked in Canada until May 2013
- 2 savings accounts in Canada that do not make any interest
- no rrsps, property etc...

- used EI from July to Aug 2013 after moving

I know I have to file departure taxes from Canada for the period of time I worked there. I'm sure I can figure this out as it should be fairly straight forward minus some existing carry overs from tuition amounts provincially. I don't think it's complicated, but please correct me if I'm wrong!
- worked in USA from Sept 2013
- No savings accounts
- husband filed MFS in 2012

Is there something special we need to file MFJ on our US taxes or will it be straight forward. I see people needing a special form to exclude their Canadian income from their US taxes, will I need that as well? Would it be easier to file this year as MFS and then next year when I've been in the USA for a year as MFJ?

I tried to search out the answers on here, but as my taxes have always been rather simple, besides the tuition amounts, particularly since I never have enough money in a bank account to earn interest and do not own property, rrsps etc.

Thank you for any and all help!!! Even direction to a better way to search or some threads where I can read up on how to do this would be greatly appreciated!

[nelsona]

For 2013 US taxes, You can (and should) exclude your Cdn WAGES (nothing else) by using form 2555, presuming you meet the PPT test of that form. Your othe Cdn income is reported, and the Cdn tax related to it will be credited on form 1116.

[NLR02]

Thank you very much!! :D