US Tax Filing for Americans Living in Canada: IRS and CRA Handled Together
Coquitlam CPA Specializing in US Tax Returns for Canadians
Cross-Border CPA in Coquitlam for Dual Citizens, Expats and Snowbirds
US Tax Filing Services in Coquitlam and Across Canada
Are you an American living in Canada or a Canadian with US income? Filing both IRS and CRA tax returns doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At CNC in Coquitlam, we specialize in US tax filing for cross-border situations: dual citizens, green card holders, Canadians with US rental properties, snowbirds, and anyone caught between two tax systems.
We handle both your US and Canadian tax returns, ensuring you claim maximum foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation. Whether you need to file Form 1040, report rental income, submit FBAR for foreign accounts, or deal with complex forms like 5471 and 8938, we’ve been helping Americans in Canada navigate IRS requirements for over 23 years.
Most clients save money by having us file both their US and Canadian returns together. We coordinate the two filings to maximize your foreign tax credits and avoid common mistakes that trigger IRS audits. Based in Coquitlam with clients throughout BC and across Canada, we offer virtual consultations and e-filing for your convenience.
The US Tax Problems Americans in Canada Run Into
Navigating the intricacies of U.S. tax obligations while residing in Canada can be overwhelming. Taxpayers often face a myriad of challenges, including
Dual Taxation Risks
Without expert help with US tax filing, you could pay tax on the same income twice: once to the IRS and again to CRA. We ensure you claim all available foreign tax credits.
Complex Tax Treaties
The US-Canada tax treaty is complex. Most Americans in Canada don't know which country gets to tax their retirement income, capital gains, or self-employment earnings. We apply treaty rules correctly so you pay the minimum legal amount.
Rental Income Reporting
Own rental property in the US while living in Canada? You need to file US tax returns reporting that rental income, claim proper deductions, and coordinate with your Canadian return. We handle both sides and maximize your deductions on mortgages, property taxes, and repairs.
Cross-Border Business Operations
Running a business or corporation that operates in both countries? You may need Form 5471 (for controlled foreign corporations) or deal with GILTI tax rules. We specialize in cross-border business tax compliance and planning.
FBAR Compliance
If you're a US citizen with Canadian bank accounts totaling over $10,000 USD, you must file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) annually. The penalty for not filing? Up to $10,000 per year, per account. We make sure you're compliant and help with streamlined filing if you've missed past years.
Do You Need to File US Taxes While Living in Canada?
We’ve been filing US and Canadian tax returns for dual citizens and cross-border clients for over 23 years. Here’s how we help:
US Rental Property Tax Services
We file your US Schedule E (rental income) and coordinate with your Canadian tax return. We claim all deductions: mortgage interest, property tax, depreciation, repairs, management fees, and travel expenses. Many clients are surprised how much they can legally deduct.
Foreign Tax Credit Maximization
We apply the US-Canada tax treaty to eliminate or reduce double taxation on your employment income, pensions, social security, investments, and capital gains. File both returns with us and we coordinate everything to get you maximum credits.
Cross-Border Business Tax Filing
Own a Canadian corporation with US operations? We handle Form 5471 reporting, GILTI calculations, Form 8992, transfer pricing documentation, and state tax returns. We also help structure your business to minimize total tax in both countries.
FBAR & Form 8938 Compliance
We file your FBAR (foreign bank account report) and Form 8938 (foreign asset reporting) to keep you compliant with IRS rules. Behind on FBAR filings? We can help you catch up through the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures to avoid penalties.
Why Americans in Canada Choose CNCPA for US Tax Filing
Expert in Both IRS and CRA Rules
We're one of the few Canadian accounting firms that specializes in US tax filing. Our CPAs understand both IRS and CRA requirements, tax treaty rules, and how to coordinate your filings to minimize your total tax bill.
Customized Cross-Border Tax Planning
Every situation is different. Whether you're a snowbird, dual citizen, green card holder, or Canadian with US investments, we create a tax strategy specific to your situation. We don't use cookie-cutter approaches.
No Surprise Fees, No IRS Problems
We quote upfront pricing before starting work. We e-file your returns, handle IRS correspondence if issues arise, and keep you compliant year after year. Based in Coquitlam and serving clients across Canada through secure virtual meetings.
Don’t let the complexities of U.S. tax filing overwhelm you. Contact CNC today and let us help you navigate your cross-border tax challenges with confidence.
US Tax Forms We Prepare and File
Individual Tax Returns:
- Form 1040 (US Citizen/Resident tax return)
- Form 1040-NR (Non-resident tax return)
- Schedule E (Rental property income)
- Schedule C (Self-employment income)
- State tax returns (all 50 states)
Foreign Reporting Forms:
- FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign bank accounts
- Form 8938 (Foreign asset reporting)
- Form 5471 (Controlled foreign corporation)
- Form 8992 (GILTI tax calculations)
- Form 3520 (Foreign gift/inheritance reporting)
Special Situations:
- Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures (catching up on missed returns)
- First-time filer assistance
- Expatriation tax (giving up US citizenship)
- Casino and gambling winnings
US Tax Deadlines Americans in Canada Need to Know
You need US tax filing services if you are:
US Citizens Living in Canada All US citizens must file US tax returns every year, regardless of where you live. Even if you owe no tax due to foreign tax credits, you still must file. Green card holders have the same requirement.
Canadians with US Income If you own US rental property, receive US employment or business income, or have US investments generating dividends or interest, you likely need to file US tax returns.
Dual Citizens Born in the US but living in Canada your whole life? The IRS still considers you a US taxpayer. We help many dual citizens get compliant, often through streamlined filing procedures.
Snowbirds Spending several months in the US each year? You might need to file US tax returns if you meet the substantial presence test (183 days over 3 years). We help you track your days and file if required.
Former Green Card Holders Gave up your green card but never filed Form I-407? The IRS might still consider you a US taxpayer. We can help you clean this up.
US Tax Filing Deadlines
Important US Tax Deadlines for Americans in Canada
April 15: Standard deadline for US tax returns (Form 1040)
June 15: Automatic extension deadline if you live outside the US (no extension form needed, but interest accrues on any tax owed from April 15)
October 15: Final extension deadline if you file Form 4868
April 15: FBAR (foreign bank account) filing deadline, with automatic extension to June 15
April 15: FBAR extension deadline (with Form 4868)
Note: We recommend filing by April 15 even if you’re living abroad to avoid potential interest charges. We e-file most returns in February or March to get you maximum time for tax planning.
US Tax Filing Questions From Canadians and Expats
If you’re a US citizen or green card holder, yes. The US taxes worldwide income regardless of where you live. Most Americans in Canada owe little or no US tax due to foreign tax credits, but you still must file.
You can catch up through the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. This allows you to file the last 3 years of tax returns and 6 years of FBAR without penalties, as long as your failure to file wasn’t willful. We help many clients get compliant through this program.
Yes, but you need to file Form 8891 or make a treaty election. RRSPs are tax-deferred in Canada but the IRS wants to tax them unless you make the proper election. We handle this for all our clients.
Our fees for basic US/Canadian filing start at $600 for both returns together. Complex situations (rental properties, business income, Form 5471) cost more. We quote upfront before starting work.
Yes, we file state tax returns for all 50 states. If you own rental property or have business in a US state, you likely need a state return in addition to your federal filing.
FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) is required if your Canadian bank accounts total over $10,000 USD at any time during the year. This includes checking, savings, TFSAs, RRSPs, and investment accounts. The penalty for not filing can be $10,000 per yea
Contact Our Professionals
When we founded CNCPA Accounting firm, our mission was simple: to empower individuals and businesses to achieve lasting financial success. With a passionate team of experienced CPAs, we offer personalized services that align perfectly with your unique financial goals.
Let’s work together to build the financial future you deserve.