Moving to Canada with a large IRA

09 March 26
Crossing the 49th Podcast

Crossing the 49th — Cross-Border Tax & Financial Planning Podcast

Moving to Canada with a large IRA? If you have a low-income year before your move, there’s a powerful opportunity to convert traditional IRA funds into a Roth IRA — potentially saving hundreds of thousands in taxes over your lifetime.

In this episode, Phil Hogan walks through a real client example: a woman relocating from California with a significant IRA and projected RMDs of $250K–$300K/year. By converting before becoming a Canadian tax resident, those future distributions could be completely tax-free on both sides of the border.

What We Cover

  • Why a low-income year before your move is a golden conversion window
  • How to convert traditional IRA funds to a Roth before becoming a Canadian tax resident
  • How Canada-U.S. treaty rules can protect Roth distributions from Canadian tax
  • Real client example: $250K–$300K/year in projected RMDs eliminated

Get in Touch

Have questions about your IRA, Roth conversion strategy, or upcoming cross-border move? Contact Phil directly at phil@beaconhillwm.ca or call 778-405-4453.

You can also book a complimentary consultation here (limitations apply).

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Tax and financial planning rules change frequently and some information may be outdated. The views expressed are those of Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. and may change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Please consult a qualified cross-border tax and financial planning professional for advice specific to your situation.

Phil Hogan, CPA, CA, CPA (Colorado)

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/

To book a complementary cross-border consultation with our team (limitations apply), please click here: https://beaconhillwm.ca/get-started-now/

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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