Phil Hogan is a Canadian and US CPA working with clients throughout Canada and the US. Phil advises on cross border tax and financial planning matters. Phil can be reached at phil@beaconhillwm.ca or via telephone at 778.433.1314. You can also read more about Phil at www.Beaconhillwm.ca/team/about-phil/
Canadian company (BC) doing business in the US
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Answer
Dear XXXXXX
Under the US – Canada tax treaty you will not be required to pay tax in the US on your US source income as long as you do not have a “permanent establishment” in the US. A permanent establishment is defined in Article V of the treaty as:
2. The term “permanent establishment” shall include especially:
(a) a place of management;
(b) a branch;
(c) an office;
(d) a factory;
(e) a workshop; and
(f) a mine, an oil or gas well, a quarry or any other place of extraction of natural resources.
If you don’t have a place of business in the US that meets any of these definitions you’ll probably be ok. However I usually like to file a “protective return” with the IRS to ensure that the treaty disclosure has been filed. You would report your US source earnings on an 1120-F tax return and take a “treaty deduction” for the same amount using a form 8833. Also note that you’ll have to obtain a employer identification number from the IRS in order to file the appropriate returns.
You’ll also have to consider any possible State tax issues that may arise as a result of State nexus.
Hope that helps and feel free to give me a call if you have any further questions.
Regards
Phil
Phil Hogan, CA
250-661-9417
This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. partner providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. or performance returns of any Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any discussion about taxation is for educational purposes only and should not be viewed as professional advice. Consult your tax professional for tax advice on your particular situation.
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