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/
How do I file my late US tax returns as a Canadian resident?
01 February 11 
Cross Border Tax Q&A Question
Hello,
I’ve lived in Canada for over 22 years and I haven’t filed a US tax return since I moved here (Ontario). Is the IRS going to want 22 years of tax returns filed? I don’t think I could even find any information more than 10 years back.
I’ll take any help you can offer, thanks.
XXXXX
Answer
Hi XXXX
No, you won’t have to file 22 years of tax returns with the IRS. You should however catch up on your returns by filing the last 6 years of US tax returns under the IRS’s amnesty provisions.
In most cases (as long as all your income is Canadian source) you won’t pay any additional US tax. You will simply have to file the last 6 years of tax returns.
Also note that if you had signing authority on any accounts in aggregate $10,000 for any of the last 6 years you’ll have to file forms TDF 90-22.1.
Also, if you held any RRSPs or RRIFs during these years you’ll also have to file forms 8891 and form 3520 for any TSFA accounts.
Hope that helps and give me a call if you need me to prepare the late US tax returns and all related schedules.
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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