I moved back to Canada in November 2012 after living in the US for the past five years. Last year I had a CPA prepare my 2011 US and Canada returns and was shocked when I was billed $2,200 for what I see as a relatively simple tax situation. (W2, 1099-INT from the bank, statements of 401K and RRSP contributions and charitable donations)
I still haven't recovered from paying so much last year and well, it's that time of year again.
What are my options of having my US and Canadian returns prepared for a more reasonable amount? Can I get a US tax preparer in the States and a different one in Canada or is there some sort of connection that's required? Can I do the taxes myself using a TurboTax package from the US and one from Canada? I have my 2011 returns to use as a guide. I'm scared I'll miss something or do something wrong, but it's awfully tempting under the circumstances.
posted by Babushka
on Feb 17, 2013 -
5 answers
My common-law partner and I are in the process of filing forms for her sponsorship of me to receive permanent resident status in Canada. She changed her marital status to common-law on her most recent tax forms (we have been living together since 2009). She is now being audited by Revenue Canada, since this reflects a change from her last tax return and how her GST/HST refunds are calculated.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 2, 2012 -
3 answers
Canadian tax question: I quoted a client for a job, and neglected to specify whether GST/HST is included. They think the price should be understood as including GST/HST. I think it should be understood as excluding GST/HST. Is there some external standard to resolve this?
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posted by PersonPerson
on Jan 27, 2012 -
23 answers
[Canada Tax Filter] If my parents loan me money to pay back a non-government student line of credit from a bank, and I pay them a portion of the principal each month, are there any negative tax implications?
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posted by dobie
on Dec 28, 2011 -
5 answers
As a US citizen, living and working abroad for many years, I recently heard of a new law that I must file tax returns on the US by Aug 31, 2011 or face a penalty. Anyone know about this? If US citizens live and pay taxes abroad, they generally are exempt up to $91,500.
posted by foxinsocks
on Aug 27, 2011 -
9 answers
I moved to Canada in 2008, but I haven't paid US taxes for the past three years. How much trouble am I in?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 16, 2011 -
9 answers
Canada Tax Filter: Since interest on investment loans is tax deductible, does that mean you could deduct the interest on an RRSP loan as well?
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posted by blue_beetle
on Mar 31, 2011 -
1 answer
I am filing tax returns for a number of prior years. One of those years was spent renting an apartment, but having almost no income whatsoever to claim. Rent was paid through a variety of means (read: help from parents). It was one of those years. Do I claim the rent paid?
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posted by tapesonthefloor
on Mar 26, 2011 -
10 answers
SweepstakesFilter: My wife (a Canadian like myself) recently won a large number of travel rewards points from an American chain of hotels. Help us determine if the prize is worth keeping considering what we'll have to pay in taxes to the IRS.
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posted by stungeye
on Sep 25, 2009 -
6 answers
Canadian finance minister, Jim Flaherty, is set to announce our government's plans to stimulate the economy. That plan is rumoured to contain some major tax cuts. Help me understand why every policy, in good times and bad, always calls for tax cuts.
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posted by Vindaloo
on Jan 12, 2009 -
18 answers
I've never been quite clear on Canadian common-law taxes. I'm wondering if I have to file with my girlfriend, and what the advantages are.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 4, 2008 -
4 answers
I'm Canadian. I was lazy, and forgot to file my tax returns for the three previous years. I also lost all of my T4 slips, and some of my work was done for companies that no longer exist. Am I up the creek without a paddle?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 17, 2008 -
7 answers
I have never filed my taxes in Ontario, Canada before. Are there any benefits to doing so even if I have no income to declare?
posted by alse
on Apr 30, 2008 -
8 answers
US citizen living in Canada, didn't file a US return in 2006 for my meager graduate student stipend. Should I file a late 2006 US return now, even though I know I don't owe anything?
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posted by Nelsormensch
on Jan 31, 2008 -
6 answers
Canadian tax question: After six years of university (undergrad and an M.Phil), I am about to start working. Will I need to pay taxes on income that I use immediately to pay off student loans?
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posted by sindark
on Apr 15, 2007 -
11 answers
I have a locked-in RRSP (well, at the moment a DCPP) in Ontario, Canada. Please please please help me unlock it!
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posted by loquax
on Aug 14, 2006 -
7 answers
Canadian TaxFilter: Does a US-based company have to withhold taxes for Canadian residents of Canadian nationality who are independent contractors to the company?
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posted by RikiTikiTavi
on Mar 22, 2006 -
8 answers
I'm a Canadian who has very recently bought a pre-owned computer for a business I'm starting. Can I claim it in the upcoming income tax? Should I have registered the business first, and then make the necessary purchases? What is the deadline for claiming small business expenses on income tax anyway?
posted by rinkjustice
on Jan 17, 2006 -
5 answers
I'm trying to assemble a document that outlines the various tax credits available for filming in Canada. Is there a comprehensive site (or doc) already in existence that breaks down credits nationally and by province?
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posted by johndavi
on May 19, 2005 -
5 answers
