In this episode of the Snowbirds Ex Pats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott speaks with Kirill Chistyakov, Director, Private Client Individual Tax Services at Trowbridge Professional Corporation, and Logan Cerelli-Lough, Senior Manager, Private Client Individual Tax Services at Trowbridge Professional Corporation, about 12-month and 183-day rules.

In this episode, Gerry Scott is joined by tax expert Steven Flynn to break down Donald Trump’s recent campaign pledge to eliminate double taxation on U.S. citizens living abroad. Together, they explore how campaign promises, especially on tax reform, are often ambitious but face significant legislative hurdles. They provide an in-depth look at the impact of these promises on expatriates and the broader investment landscape. Steven and Gerry also shed light on the intricacies of U.S. tax policies, especially in the context of global income, and why the U.S. approach to taxation often leaves American expats frustrated.

Steven explains why these promises, while appealing, often don’t have the political or economic support needed to succeed. From the procedural steps of passing tax reform in the U.S. Senate to the impact of policy changes on citizens abroad, Steven outlines what’s at stake. The discussion also touches on the historical roots of U.S. tax policies, comparing them with Canada’s approach, and highlights the reasons behind certain complex provisions. Whether you’re an expat, investor, or just interested in understanding U.S. tax policy, this episode dives into the realities behind campaign rhetoric and the likely outcomes for taxpayers.

Key Topics

1. Campaign Promises and Tax Policy

• Trump's pledge on double taxation and legislative challenges.

2. Double Taxation on U.S. Expats

• Impact of global income tax on U.S. citizens abroad.

3. U.S. vs. Canadian Tax Systems

• Key differences in policy and legislative processes.

4. Flat Tax Feasibility

• Pros and cons of a flat tax in the U.S.

Resources: Connect with Steven Flynn on LinkedIn

Gerry talks with Dr. Jason K. Rivers, a clinical professor of dermatology and a past director of the dermatology residency training program at the University of British Columbia, about what Snowbirds need to know about their skin and the sun. Currently he practices medical and cosmetic dermatology at Pacific Derm in Vancouver, BC, and is the developer and founder of Riversol Skin Care. Dr. Rivers’ dedication to excellence in patient care and clinical skills has earned him recognition by being the recipient of Canada’s “Best Doctors” award for a number of years. He is the current vice president/incoming president of the Canadian Dermatology Association and president of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. A former national director of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Sun Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Program, Dr. Rivers continues to serve as Regional Director. These campaigns, which reach millions of Canadians each year through the media and distribution of educational materials, involves working in tandem with groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the BC Ministry of Health. Dr. Rivers was one of the principal investigators of the first national study on the sun protection habits of Canadians. He presented a report on the findings to the House of Commons Hearing Committee on the Environment (effects of ozone depletion on human skin) and was involved in a forum to create the UV Index. Dr. Rivers’ experience in aesthetic medicine spans more than 25 years and he has been invited as a key speaker to present on both medical and cosmetic dermatology topics at national and international symposia. He is the immediate past president of the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery, an organization whose membership is comprised of dermatologists with dual expertise in skin disorders and aesthetic medicine. He is the current President of the Board of Directors for the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.

In this episode, Gerry Scott speaks with Steven Flynn, CPA, CA, CPA (Washington) Partner about US and Canadian tax issues impacting Canadians buying US real estate.

In this episode, Gerry Scott speaks with Sid RAO, TAX Lawyer and Partner with MNP’s International Tax Services Group about Canadians doing business in the United States.

This conversation is focused on Canadians / Americans that live on one side of the border while working on the other side. Our guest expert is Frank Casciaro, Senior Manager at RSM Canada based in Toronto Canada.

Guests: Julia Herzog Immigration Lawyer, based in Victoria BC and Robert Clegg, Cross-Border Tax Accountant, based in Surrey BC Topics Federal and State tax compliance Business visitors and treaty-based legal status

Guest Mary Beth Lougen, President and Founder of “American Expat Tax Services. American Expat Tax Services is an income tax preparation firm that specializes in all areas of US Income Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Advice, Compliance, and IRS Problem Resolution for American Expats living or working outside of the United States.

We are talking about Canadians that have spent the last 20/30 + years working and living in the US, are now considering moving back and retiring in Canada.

Gerry Scott chats with Ryan Sirovyak, CPA, CA, CPA and Davis Griscowsky, CPA with EBT Chartered Professional Accountants about what you need to know about inheriting a Roth IRA.

Gerry Scott chats with Trent Robinson, CPA, CA with Buckberger Baerg & Partners LLP about the US taxation of Canadian tax deferred plans for residents or citizens of the US (i.e. RRSP, RRIFs, and RPP).

In this episode of the Snowbirds Ex Pats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott speaks with Greenback’s CEO Mike Wallace about the psychological aspects of financial decision-making for expats, common tax-related challenges, such as understanding the complexities of FATCA, FBAR, as it applies to overseas Americans, and how to manage complex tax situations.

Gerry Scott chats with Steven Sherman from Cross Border Tax about whether you should transfer your US Qualified Plan to an RRSP.

Gerry Scott chats with Gordon Dale about Roth IRAs fs. Traditional IRAs and whether a backdoor IRA makes sense for Expats and Snowbirds.

Gerry Scott chats with David Luzon, Partner at Barclay Damon LLP. David is a trust and estate and wealth planning attorney with over 25 years of experience. David advises on asset-protection planning, dynasty-trust planning, and elder law. He counsels clients in estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer, income-tax, and Medicaid- and retirement-benefits planning; charitable-giving techniques; and guardianship matters.

Gerry Scott chats with Sharon Conrad from Hanson Crossborder Tax about Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Crossing Borders and Maximizing Investments: Navigating Your Finances.

Gerry Scott chats with Karlene Mulraine from Cross-Border Financial Professional Corporation about why you should work with a cross-border accountant and cross border financial advisor and mistakes to avoid when moving to Canada.

Gerry Scott chats with Heather Sanders from Tax Junction about how bringing together your accounts, including TIAA, TSP, Roth IRA, IRA, 401(k) & Investment Account under one firm isn't just about numbers; it's about creating a harmonious financial landscape. Learn how streamlining your financial picture will help pave the way for a more cohesive and effective strategy.

Gerry Scott chats with Tony Batti and Cindy Jay from CompassTAX about taxation implications for Americans moving to Canada and the importance of having a financial adviser that can administer your investments on both sides of the border.

Gerry Scott chats with Michael Shomali MJS CPA about a recent blog post on snowbirdswealthmanagement.com about The Top 5 Reasons to Keep Your IRA Instead of Transferring to an RRSP.

Gerry Scott chats with Emma Raivio, Tax Manager at VSH, about helping international and cross-border businesses address their intricate accounting, taxation, and business planning requirements.

In this episode of the Snowbirds Ex Pats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott speaks with Robert Clegg from CanadAmerican Tax Services about what Canadians need to know when they sell their property in the United States.

Gerry Scott chats with the 30th premier of British Columbia, Mike Harcourt, about his time as mayor of Vancouver, and Premier of British Columbia.

Debra Callicutt is an international tax partner with Baker Tilly US, LLP with more than 25 years of experience consulting with clients regarding their international operations such as setting up foreign subsidiaries, investing or selling overseas, sending employees overseas and reviewing treaties. In this episode, she chats with Gerry Scott about Snowbirds buying property in the United States.

Gerry Scott chats with Andersen's Steven Flynn about the new Canadian Federal Vacancy Tax, the British Columbia Speculation and Vacancy Tax, the various city vacancy taxes, and how home owners should navigate.

Tired of the government taxing all of your hard-earned money? Looking for legal methods that allow you to keep your money in your hands at all times? Then Alex Doulis’s Take Your Money And Run! is the book for you. In this episode, Gerry Chats with Alex about what he's learned.

Toronto Mike makes his Snowbirds Expats Radio Podcast debut as he chats with Gerry Scott about the new site, the Snowbirds US Day Tracker app, the podcast, and what he's listening to these days.

Adam Horodnyk, Vice-President at TFX International, chats with Gerry Scott about shipping vehicles down south and home. How does TFX service the market for vehicle transport for snowbirds across Canada? What differentiates TFX from other providers? How can TFX help with cars purchased in the USA? What car events are there for snowbirds in USA? The answers to these questions and more in this episode of the Snowbirds US Expats Radio Podcast.

John Demetri joined Baker Tilly WM LLP in August 2018 as a Senior Manager in the Tax Group and in January 2023 became Partner. John specializes in providing cross-border tax planning and tax compliance service to both individuals and businesses doing business in Canada and the U.S. In this episode, Gerry Scott and John discuss what you need to know when you decide to leave Canada, and what you need to know when leaving the US and heading to Canada, from an employment, permanent residence view point.

Jonathan Liang is the Manulife Affinity Sales Manager for Western Canada. He joined Manulife in 2019, specializing in assisting advisors with Travel and other individual insurance products. He recently became a Vancouverite in 2023, but prior to that, he was a wholesaler for the Toronto region. With a diversified background in other related roles such as Property & Casualty (Home and Auto) and Actuarial Pricing, Jonathan is a reliable individual insurance expert and you'll learn a great deal in this conversation with Gerry Scott.

In this episode of the Snowbirds Ex Pats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott speaks with Kevyn Nightingale from Levy Salis, LLP about why more Canadians than ever are moving to the United States, what they should know, the tax implication and what you can do about it.

Gordon Dale has over 14 years of experience with the Big 4 accounting firms and a top 15 Regional accounting firm and he's here to tell us everything we need to know about Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC).

With more than 15 years of experience playing key roles in some of the world’s leading immigration law firms and international global mobility consulting groups, Oliver Branch is uniquely qualified to provide US legal advice in all areas of US immigration law and related global mobility services. In this conversation with Gerry Scott, Oliver answers such questions as whether Canadians require a visa to enter the U.S. as a visitor, what is the difference between a visitor, visa, ESTA, and status? what are you permitted to be doing or prohibited from doing in the U.S. as a visitor and whether there is a 180 or 183 day rule for Canadian visitors in the U.S.

In this episode of the Snowbirds US Expats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott and returning Snowbirds real estate corespondent Miles Takacs dig deeper into the top 5 markets, as determined by the down loads of the Snowbirds US Day Tracker App. Gerry and Miles also discuss summarizing your home down south and what to do when it's time to sell or buy.

In this episode of the Snowbirds US Expats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott and immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah of Ackah Law, discuss “Canadians moving back to Canada from the US”. Evelyn Ackah is a Founder and Managing Lawyer of Ackah Business Immigration Law which was founded on December 1, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta. Her practice focuses exclusively in the area of Canadian and US Business immigration law. Evelyn’s parents’ journey to Vancouver is a very inspiring story.

This episode we look at the top 10 cites for snowbirds nesting down south. Our top 10 list is based on the downloads from our app, the Snowbirds US Day Tracker. We discuss the recent 12 month data that includes average price for listings, number of units sold in the previous 12 months and average time on the market. This will include the % increase or decreases. Miles Takacs is our real state guru providing a monthly Update on our top 10 list, as well as where Canadians are choosing to retire when the big Canadian cities become overwhelming. Miles Takacs is a Real State Agent with Re/Max Victoria.

In this episode, Gerry Scott speaks with Don Edwards about the “Friendship Cup”, a golf tournament that brings together Canadians and Americans living on both sides of the border. The golf tourney takes place June 26th – 29th at “Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Qualified cross-border advisory teams are not as common as you would think. Very few financial services firms provide the platform and the licensing capabilities to service assets on both sides of the border. In this conversation with Gerry Scott, Pat Fournier CPA CA, CPA (WA) and James Stewart CPA CA, CPA (WA) explain the importance of having a cross-border advisor who are licensed with regulators in both Canada and the United States and understand the intricacies of cross-border wealth management.

With more than 15 years of experience playing key roles in some of the world’s leading immigration law firms and international global mobility consulting groups, Oliver Branch is uniquely qualified to provide US legal advice in all areas of US immigration law and related global mobility services. In this conversation with Gerry Scott, Oliver dispels the myth of the "30 day rule" for Canadian Snowbirds, as well as the 12 month rolling calendar.

Steven concentrates in the area of Canadian and US cross-border tax. His practice includes US and Canadian income tax planning and compliance for both individuals and businesses. He provides income tax advice on US investment and operations in Canada, Canadian investment and operations in the US, investment in US and Canadian real property, employee or individual emigration and/or temporary relocation and the Canada-US Income Tax Treaty. He also represents clients before the Internal Revenue Service and Canada Revenue Agency.

In this episode of the Snowbirds Ex Pats Radio Podcast, Gerry Scott speaks with Robert Clegg from CanadAmerican Tax Services about filing US taxes, specificially SL / Relief Procedures, the difference between the two, the process involved and Form 8854.

Welcome to this Snowbirds US Day Tracker webinar. Today’s topic is your Welcome to Canada – US Snowbirds “What If” Checklist: Problems and Planning Solutions. Your esteemed hosts for this webinar are Gerry Scott, founder of the Snowbirds US Day Tracker and David Luzon, Partner at Barclay Damon. Gerry is an experienced advisor, specializing in cross-border solutions. He also hosts the Snowbirds US Expats Radio Podcast, and is a snowbird, just like you! David is a trust and estate and wealth planning attorney with over 25 years of experience and he’s based in Buffalo, New York.

Here are the answers to commonly asked FBAR questions from returning guest Robert Clegg "CanadAmerican Tax". Originally from Washington State but now based in Victoria, Robert graduated with a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from Gonzaga University and a Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM) degree from the University of Washington. Robert was admitted to law practice in the State of Washington in 1997 and remains an active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Based in Canada for over 15 years, including time in the tax departments of two Big 4 accounting firms, his extensive knowledge of U.S. federal and state personal taxation enables him to provide timely and effective compliance and planning services to you.

In today’s podcast, we will expanding on last week’s episode, where Dr Jason Rivers, discussed the “dangers of un protected exposure to the sun can lead to serious health issues. What I took away from my discussion with Dr Rivers, “Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett, both died of Melanoma, (Skin Cancer). Today, we will be discussing “Fitness Tips for Active Snowbirds” with Tommy Europe. Renowned as one of Canada’s top fitness trainers, Tommy Europe has made a significant impact in the health and wellness industry. With accolades such as being selected as one of Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers and being a National Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, Tommy has solidified his status as one of Canada’s most recognizable fitness personalities. Following his successful football career, Tommy founded Tommy Europe Fitness, where he developed “The SHRED Mentality” – a comprehensive training, performance, and success tool that he shares with audiences nationwide.

Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with complex financial and tax implications. In this episode, we sit down with Francheska Pimentel, an international tax expert and Partner at KLR, to explore the critical considerations for individuals relocating overseas.

From understanding double taxation to navigating exit taxes, Francheska provides a comprehensive look at the intricacies of international tax planning.Whether you’re contemplating expatriation or managing real estate income as an expat, this conversation offers practical advice and valuable insights for staying compliant and minimizing tax exposure. Francheska also highlights the growing trend of U.S. citizens renouncing their citizenship and how political changes can influence tax strategies.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Pre-Planning for International Moves: Why early preparation is essential for reducing tax exposure and avoiding surprises.

2. Renouncing Citizenship: Insights into the increasing trend of U.S. expatriates and its tax implications.

3. Double Taxation and Mitigation Strategies: How proper planning can help expats avoid paying taxes in two countries.

4. Real Estate Income Taxation: The rules around U.S. taxable income for expats with property back home.

5. Exit Taxes Explained: Understanding the costs associated with leaving certain countries and how to prepare.

6. Political Influence on Tax Planning: How changes in political environments can impact expatriation and international tax policies.

7. Cross-Border Filing Obligations: Staying compliant with filing requirements in both the U.S. and the destination country.

Takeaways:

• KLR offers tax assurance and advisory services internationally.

• Understanding your duration of stay in a new country is crucial for tax planning.

• Pre-planning can significantly reduce tax exposure and future complications.

• Double taxation can often be avoided with the right advice and strategies.

• Exit taxes and other financial considerations make consulting knowledgeable professionals a necessity.

Can living abroad come with unexpected tax consequences? Snowbirds Expat Radio host Gerry Scott sits down with Mike Wallace from Greenback Tax to tackle the complexities of U.S. expat taxes. Mike dives deep into tax treaties, highlighting the benefits and pitfalls that U.S. expats face when filing with the IRS. 

They discuss the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, which are transforming the expat lifestyle, along with the challenging decisions that lead some to consider renouncing U.S. citizenship. Through real-world examples, Mike shares how Greenback Tax helps clients worldwide navigate the IRS’s intricate requirements, empowering them to avoid costly mistakes and find peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Greenback Tax Expertise: Greenback Tax specializes in assisting U.S. citizens abroad with IRS compliance, offering crucial insights into navigating expat tax requirements.

• Mandatory U.S. Tax Filing: U.S. citizens are required to file taxes with the IRS, even while living overseas, which can come as a surprise to many new expats.

• Benefits of Tax Treaties: Tax treaties can help U.S. citizens reduce double taxation abroad, although understanding and applying them correctly is essential.

• Renouncing Citizenship: Increasingly, expats consider renouncing U.S. citizenship due to the burden of tax compliance, often driven by complex obligations and penalties.

• Common Filing Mistakes: Lack of awareness about required IRS forms and deadlines leads many expats to face unexpected tax challenges.

• Digital Nomad and Expat Taxes: The rise of remote work and digital nomadism is changing the way people handle taxes abroad, presenting both opportunities and new risks.

• IRS Tracking: The IRS is intensifying efforts to track U.S. expats to ensure compliance, making it even more essential to stay informed and file correctly.

• Canadian Expats in the U.S.: Canadians living in the U.S. must be aware of their unique tax responsibilities, both with the IRS and Canadian authorities.

• Greenback Tax’s Role: Greenback Tax guides clients through complex situations, from tax planning to compliance, helping them avoid costly pitfalls.

• Remote Work Freedom: Remote work is allowing more people to live abroad, but it also means keeping up with the tax requirements of multiple jurisdictions.

Resources: 

Micheal Wallace on LinkedIn
Greenback Tax Services Website

In this episode of the Snowbirds Expat Radio Podcast, hosts Gerry Scott chats with Terra Estep, and Ed Schmidt from PCB Freight to unpack the complexities of shipping pets and vehicles between Canada and the United States. Whether you're a seasoned snowbird or preparing for your first cross-border adventure, this episode is packed with practical advice to simplify the process.

From understanding quarantine regulations for pets (including service animals) to navigating customs and import duties for vehicles and household goods, this conversation covers everything you need to know. The hosts also discuss the critical role of customs brokers in ensuring compliance and how political changes can affect tariffs and customs processes.

Listen and Learn:

• The specific quarantine requirements for shipping pets to Hawaii.

• Why service animals may have different quarantine protocols.

• How customs brokers assist with paperwork and compliance for pet transportation.

• The six-month rule for Canadians bringing vehicles into the U.S. without import duties.

• Guidelines for importing household goods with the proper immigration status.

• How a tax ID can streamline the import of personal goods into the U.S.

• The importance of understanding regulations to avoid costly mistakes.

• How political changes can influence tariffs and customs procedures.

• Why customs brokers are essential for smooth cross-border transactions.

Tune in to gain the knowledge you need to navigate the intricacies of cross-border shipping with ease. Whether you're relocating, snowbirding, or planning a long-term stay, this episode has you covered!

In this episode of the Snowbirds Expat Radio Podcast, hosts Gerry Scott, Kirill Chistyakov, and Logan Cerelli-Lough dive deep into the intricacies of cross-border taxation for snowbirds. 

They cover essential topics like the 183-day rule, the Substantial Presence Test, and the importance of filing the 8840 form for U.S. tax compliance.

The hosts discuss the impact of exceeding the 183-day threshold, maintaining closer ties to Canada, and best practices for filing tax forms with the IRS. They also highlight the importance of tracking days, foreign asset disclosure, and the unique challenges Americans living in Canada face.

Key Takeaways:

- The 183-day rule is crucial for determining tax residency.

- Filing the 8840 form is a must for snowbirds to maintain tax status.

- The IRS does not notify receipt of forms, only issues. Keep records for peace of mind.

- Every state in the U.S. has its own tax rules—be sure to stay informed.

- I am professional help for complex tax issues.

- The 12-month rolling calendar is important for immigration status and tax implications.

- Foreign asset disclosure is a priority for the IRS.

- Track your days carefully to avoid unintended tax consequences.

- Understanding tax implications is key to a stress-free, compliant cross-border lifestyle.

Tune in for all the insights you need to navigate the complexities of cross-border taxation!

Can Canadian Shareholders in U.S. Corporations Avoid Costly Tax Pitfalls?In this episode, Gerry Scott is joined by Alessandro Setola of Baker Tilly GWD LLP to explore the complexities of cross-border taxation. The discussion centers on the unique challenges faced by Canadian shareholders with stakes in U.S. corporations, particularly the implications of Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs) and the severe penalties for non-compliance. Alessandro highlights how Baker Tilly GWD LLP helps clients successfully navigate these intricate tax regulations and avoid financial missteps.

The conversation also covers the impact of phantom income, the importance of understanding the Canada-U.S. tax treaty, and the critical role of professional guidance in managing cross-border tax obligations.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Cross-Border Taxation: Canadian shareholders must contend with U.S. tax regulations, particularly in relation to CFCs, which can be complex and carry significant implications.

• Mandatory U.S. Tax Filing: Shareholders of U.S. corporations are required to comply with IRS filing requirements to avoid substantial penalties.

• Tax Treaties in Action: The Canada-U.S. tax treaty is crucial for minimizing double taxation, but applying it correctly requires expertise.

• Costly Non-Compliance: Penalties for failing to adhere to U.S. tax laws start at $10,000, emphasizing the importance of compliance.

• Phantom Income Challenges: Shareholders can face tax liabilities even without receiving distributions, making proactive planning essential.

• Expert Support: Baker Tilly GWD LLP offers tailored guidance to help clients understand and manage their cross-border tax obligations.

• Planning for U.S. Relocation: Canadians planning to move to the U.S. must navigate dual tax systems and their associated complexities.

• Simplification Hopes: While the current regulatory environment is complex, there is optimism for streamlined U.S. tax rules in the future.

• Professional Guidance Matters: Leveraging the expertise of professionals like those at Baker Tilly GWD LLP is key to avoiding costly errors and ensuring compliance.

This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for Canadian shareholders looking to manage the complexities of U.S. taxation effectively.

In this episode, host Gerry Scott is joined by Carol Sadler, CPA from Achen Henderson CPAs to break down the complexities of estate and death taxes for Canadians with U.S. ties. They explore the differences between Canada’s death tax and the U.S. estate tax, the importance of final returns, and the role of trusts in estate planning. The discussion also covers the challenges of managing estates in blended families and why professional guidance is crucial for navigating cross-border tax implications.

Canada doesn’t have an estate tax, but a deemed disposition of assets at death may trigger capital gains taxes. All income up to the date of death must be included in the final tax return, and an estate tax return is required for any ongoing estate administration. U.S. individuals dealing with foreign trusts may face added tax complications, particularly with Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules affecting certain trusts and mutual funds. Estate distributions also require clearance certificates from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to ensure all taxes are settled before assets can be transferred to beneficiaries.

Carol explains how trusts can be powerful tools, especially for blended families, allowing for structured asset management while minimizing tax burdens. However, improper distributions can lead to unintended tax consequences, making professional advice essential for compliance and long-term planning.