MOVING TO THE U.S. FROM CANADA
Coordinating a move to the U.S. from Canada without a financial transition plan can lead to adverse tax consequences and missed financial planning opportunities.
MOVING TO THE U.S. FROM CANADA
Coordinating a move to the U.S. from Canada without a financial transition plan can lead to adverse tax consequences and missed financial planning opportunities.
Moving to the U.S. from Canada requires thoughtful financial planning strategies that address departure taxes, transitioning assets and investment interests across the border, managing Canadian dollar investment accounts while tax managing them based on the U.S. tax rules, as well as creating a cross-border estate plan. Cardinal Point helps coordinate the financial transition across the border and then continues to oversee the relationship when the move is complete. We focus on assisting clients in the following areas:
- Exit and departure planning strategies to minimize tax and prevent residency questions or issues
- Preparation of Canadian departure tax returns
- Determine best approach to wind up Canadian corporations
- Advice on specific assets that should transfer to the United States or remain in Canada
- Transition of specific Canadian investment accounts to the United States
- Coordinated investment management services for U.S. and Canadian accounts
- Advice on Canadian retirement distribution strategies while residing in the United States
- Holistic advice on cross-border financial and estate planning
- Incorporation of U.S. gift and estate strategies within the financial plan
- U.S. investment and retirement account creation
- Assistance with ongoing cross-border tax planning strategies
- “Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty” advice to avoid double taxation
- Guidance on retirement benefits, such as CPP, OAS, Social Security and Medicare
- Assistance with currency conversion strategies
- Canadian stock option and company bonus plan advice before exiting Canada
- Residential and commercial real estate advice
- Health, life, disability, long-term care, business and property insurance review
- Guidance on the unique economic and regulatory environment in the United States
- Personal and corporate Canada and U.S. tax preparation including annual foreign account disclosure filings
Speak with a cross-border financial planner
We handle all your cross-border tax & financial planning needs
OUR RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Probate Fee Planning: Understanding the Pros and Cons
There are fees or taxes associated with probate, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and can be quite high. Failing to plan carefully can result in greater tax liability and assets not being distributed among beneficiaries as intended. Fortunately, strategies to reduce those fees can have a significant impact on the distribution of wealth upon death. But while some strategies work in certain jurisdictions, they may not be applicable elsewhere. There are also special ways to reduce fees for those over the age of 65. While probate fee planning is a complex process, it’s valuable – and worthy of guidance from a qualified professional advisor.
Pension Options for the Canadian Business Owner-Managers Retirement
Planning for retirement is an important objective for owner-managers operating businesses in Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPC). Their options include Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Canada Pension Plans, Quebec Pension Plans, or Individual Pension Plans. Generally, these are funded by the employer for the benefit of employees once they retire. They can either be funded only by the employer or may by the employer and the employee. Each plan has its own rules and timelines regarding contributions, contribution limits, and withdrawals – and there may be penalties for not adhering to the rules. Planning ahead with strategies based on your particular situation can help boost retirement savings. Learn more by reading our article devoted to this topic.
Canadian Business Owner-Manager Remuneration Planning
If you are an incorporated Canadian entrepreneur or business owner, there are two general ways to pay yourself from your corporation. You can use a salary or bonus, and that’s a deductible business expense but is fully taxable as your personal employment income. Or the company can pay a dividend that isn’t a deductible business expense but is taxed at a lower rate to you as personal income. Each option has different personal and corporate tax implications. There may also be some different tax rate advantages or disadvantages, depending on the province. Our article covers the details to provide understanding and strategic tax planning insights.