Hello, We are considering moving to Vancouver or Toronto from the United States and would like to understand how the tax situation works. If we just live there and don't work do have to pay taxes to Canada. If we live there and do work do we pay what to Canada. We would most porbably purchase a home. We are both in the entertainment fields and we were wondering if we would be able to work there. One of us is a known celebrity in Canada the other is not known but would like to continue performing. Also, we are under the Screen Actors Guild and Aftra Medical Plan...and one of us has Medicare as well. How do you see doctors in Canada since that is a whole different system. If there is a person you might recommend we could speak to about this it would be greatly appreciated. Regards, ====================== david ingram replies: The tough part is that Canada is a separate country and Americans can NOT just move here anymore than a Canadian can just move to the US. Without a job offer, the two of you would have to immigrate. To find out if you qualify, you can self-assess yourself at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/assess/index.html You and your husband certainly have enough North American Recognition. The problem is that I would not qualify to immigrate to Canada right now, the premier of our province would not qualify to immigrate to Canada right now. There is a business immigration which would require the investment of $400,000 Canadian (about $275,000 US) for a period of 5 years after which you get it back. If you are in Canada for more than 183 days in the year you become taxable on your world income meaning any US income becomes taxable. As US citizens, you are also taxable on your world income and would pay tax to the US first if the money all comes from the US. You would then report the income again to Canada and calculate Canadian tax. You could then apply the tax paid to the Canadian Bill. Depending upon your income, you could owe more tax to Canada (likely) or not own anything more to Canada. For instance, Canada's highest tax rate and California's highest tax rate are not that different now when social security taxes are taken into account. I suggest that you go to www.centa.com and read the US/Canada Taxation section. This gives you some of the tax rules. I have helped more well - known Canadians go south to work in the US than US Actors to Canada. I did however help Bill Bixby as one recognizable name. Your medical plan is fine for a visit but will likely not cover you once you move here. A solution would be to get yourself a "summer house" in the Vancouver area and maintain your US residence. Spend 5 months in Canada and 7 months in the states and you are home free. Everything works. Call me at (604) 657-8451 from 9 AM to 11 PM LA time. I will be glad to discuss it with you. I could type for five hours and just be surmising. david ingram david ingram - [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> 108-100 Park Royal South West Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V7T 1A2 (604) 913-9133 - (604) 913-9123 www.centa.com <http://www.centa.com> Cell is (604) 657-8451 (10 AM to 10 PM seven days a week) US/Canada Real Estate Taxation Specialists US / CANADA / MEXICO Working Visa and Income Tax Specialists Disclaimer: This question has been answered without detailed information or consultation and is to be regarded only as general comment. Nothing in this message is or should be construed as advice in any particular circumstances. No contract exists between the reader and the author and any and all non-contractual duties are expressly denied. All readers should obtain formal advice from a competent and appropriately qualified legal practitioner or tax specialist in connection with personal or business affairs such as at www.centa.com <http://www.centa.com> . If you forward this message, this disclaimer must be included." Be ALERT, the world needs more "lerts" --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.509 / Virus Database: 306 - Release Date: 8/12/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.509 / Virus Database: 306 - Release Date: 8/12/03 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.509 / Virus Database: 306 - Release Date: 8/12/03
