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/
Not filing for US purposes…in Canada for 48 years.
06 November 10 
Cross Border Tax Q&A Question
Just had a call from my father about filing US tax returns. I am a US citizen who has lived in Canada for 48 years. I want to contact the IRS, as I just learned that I should have been filing tax returns in the states for all these years. What do I do? Do I phone? E-mail? Snail mail? Please help and advise and give me any info you have. I appreciate it.
XXXXXX
Answer
Hi XXXXXX
As a US citizen you are required to file 1040 income tax returns for every year you maintain your US citizenship. The good news is you won’t have to file 48 years of tax returns. As long as you anticipate not having any taxes owing to the US (we will have to discuss your particular tax situation) you are only required to file the last 6 years of US tax returns.
You will also have to file form TDF 90-22.1 for foreign accounts over $10,000 in aggregate and forms 8891 for any RRSPs or RRIFs held throughout those years.
Give me a call and I can help assess your particular situation.
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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