US tax returns for Americans living in Canada
One team for both countries: your US and Canadian returns prepared together, so nothing is taxed twice.
Do US citizens living in Canada pay taxes to the US?
They must file, but many don’t pay. Canadian tax is usually higher than US tax on the same income, and the foreign tax credit offsets it. The risk is in skipping the filing: penalties for missing information forms can be large even when no tax is owed.
What we prepare
- Form 1040 with foreign tax credits (Form 1116) or the foreign earned income exclusion (Form 2555).
- FBAR (FinCEN 114) and Form 8938 when thresholds are met.
- PFIC reporting (Form 8621) for Canadian mutual funds and ETFs.
- The RRSP treaty election and TFSA or RESP reporting where needed.
- Catch-up filings for Americans who are behind, including the Streamlined procedures.
- Your Canadian T1 and Quebec TP-1, so both sides match.
Filing a US tax return from Canada
Americans abroad get an automatic extension to June 15 to file (interest still runs from April 15) and can extend to October 15. We file electronically and handle everything remotely.
Price
Priced per file after a quick review of your situation, with a fixed quote before we start. Request a quote.
Read the full guide: US citizens in Canada: filing US and Canadian returns.
FAQ
Do US citizens living in Canada have to file US taxes?
Yes. The US taxes citizens and green card holders on worldwide income wherever they live, so a US return is generally required every year.
Will I pay tax twice?
Usually not. Canadian tax paid generally offsets US tax on the same income through the foreign tax credit.
I have never filed a US return. What should I do?
Talk to us before the IRS contacts you. Programs such as the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures can reduce or remove penalties for non-willful filers.