Canadian non-resident - must I sever ALL ties?

canadianot · Post by **canadianot** » Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:42 pm

Hi there, I am about to move to the States on the TN Visa (likely will eventually return to Canada).

Information about me: New grad, single, no dependents, no assets whatsoever (maybe $2000 in my bank account).

From browsing this forum, I would be deemed a non-resident for tax purposes in Canada because of my lack of ties. Am I required to cancel my OHIP card and driver's license (I really would not like to do this...especially my DL).

I understand for future tax purposes, I am to file a departure return in Canada, and I could file a 1040 in the States (as well as Form 2555 - I only made $2000 in 2015 in Canada). Is this correct?

Thank you so much in advance for your input.

nelsona · Post by **nelsona** » Sun Mar 08, 2015 10:50 pm

Your DL is no good once you move. You must get one in your state of residence/employment, so it doesn't really matter what you want to do. The state will either ask for the Ontario DL in exchange or not.

OHIP allows you to keep it active for a period of time after you leave, but you need to ask them BEFORE moving to do this, and your OHIP will be of little value in US anyways.

Otherwise living and working in US makes you CDn non-resident, so file departure tax return accordingly next spring.