MOVING TO CANADA FROM THE U.S.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen moving to Canada or a Canadian expat moving back home, important tax and financial planning considerations must be examined well before becoming a Canadian tax resident. With a Cardinal Point cross-border advisor, we assist U.S. citizens whom are moving to Canada in through a variety of solutions.
MOVING TO CANADA FROM THE U.S.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen moving to Canada or a Canadian expat moving back home, important tax and financial planning considerations must be examined well before becoming a Canadian tax resident. With a Cardinal Point cross-border advisor, we assist U.S. citizens whom are moving to Canada in through a variety of solutions.
Unfortunately, and all too often, people make the mistake of moving to Canada first and then trying to address their financial affairs. This oversight can lead to lost tax planning opportunities and in some cases double taxation. With a Cardinal Point cross-border advisor, we assist our clients in the following areas:
- Customs and immigration guidance
- Pre-immigration tax planning strategies to reduce the risk of double taxation
- Incorporated exit strategy to prevent residency questions or issues
- Personal and corporate Canada and U.S. tax preparation including annual foreign account disclosure filings
- Advice on specific assets that should transfer to Canada or remain in the United States
- Selection and transition of specific U.S. investment accounts to Canada
- Canadian investment and retirement account creation
- Coordinated investment management services for U.S. and Canadian accounts
- Assistance with currency conversion strategies
- Canada-U.S. cross-border financial and retirement planning
- Advice on U.S. retirement distribution strategies while residing in Canada
- Holistic advice on cross-border financial and estate planning
- Assistance with ongoing cross-border tax planning strategies
- Ongoing “Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty” advice to avoid double taxation
- Guidance on retirement benefits, such as CPP, OAS, Social Security and Medicare
- U.S. stock option and company bonus plan advice before exiting the United States
- Residential and commercial real estate advice
- Assistance with the facilitation of exit tax returns
- Health, life, disability, long-term care, business and property insurance review
- Guidance on the unique economic and regulatory environment in Canada
Speak with a cross-border financial planner
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OUR RECENT PUBLICATIONS
EBook: The Health Savings Account in a Canada-U.S. Context
A good savings or investment account allows you to avoid tax on contributions, income, and distribution. Not all available options meet these goals. For Americans living in the U.S., the Health Savings Account (HSA) does, in certain circumstances. For Americans living in Canada, though, the HSA’s benefits disappear as contributions cannot continue and tax liability opens up in Canada for income in the plan. Similarly for Canadians living in the U.S., benefits cease for Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). Take a look at this e-book for more detail on the savings and investment plans available and see how they compare.
Infographic: Can A Foreign Spouse Claim U.S. Social Security?
US Taxation of Your Canadian Rental Home
For Canadians moving to the U.S., the options for their home are to sell it, to keep it as a secondary residence, or to rent it. Each has its pros and cons.
Choosing to rent creates tax and capital gains issues in Canada and in the U.S., ongoing tax filing requirements, and the need for a dependable local property manager. Decisions need to be made in a timely way to maximize available tax exemptions. It is complicated, but it may be a wise choice. Cardinal Point’s cross-border specialists can help you decide if it is right for your specific situation and then show you how to use the Canada/U.S. Tax Treaty provisions to your advantage.