Filing 2010 Taxes

[hheaven67 2]

Hi all, I received a 2010 tax book in the mail this weekend. If I don't have any CDN income, do I file at all? I heard somewhere that no matter what, you still have to file...not sure if that's right. Thanks a bunch!

jen

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

If you had zero income, you only file if you ever plan on becoming a US citizen. Why? To avoid headaches when answering the question on the N-400: "Have you ever failed to file an income tax return since becoming a Green Card holder?"

It's so nice to be able to answer "no" this!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Are you talking about filing a Cdn return or a US return?

Looks like you've been in the US since '08 judging by your timeline - did you file your exit return for Cdn taxes back then? Help us understand why you're concerned about Cdn income 3 yrs later?

[hheaven67 2]

Are you talking about filing a Cdn return or a US return?

Looks like you've been in the US since '08 judging by your timeline - did you file your exit return for Cdn taxes back then? Help us understand why you're concerned about Cdn income 3 yrs later?

Thank you Bob...I'm talking about CDN tax return and yes, most definitely have filed both returns every year till now, not sure what to do as I read that even if you have $0 CDN income, no matter what, you're still supposed to file. Just wondering if everyone else is doing the same... btw, they are completely messing with my 2008 & 2009 CDN tax returns, have been waiting since last May for them to fix the 2008 as I appealed both. They messed with my 2009 which screwed up my 2008, they approved my appeal on the 2009 and I'm still waiting to hear on the 2008 - they owe me over $3,000 but not being in Canada anymore, they don't care. Not like I can just take an hour out of my work day to reach someone and have them explain it to me, it's supposedly "complicated"! ugh!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Thank you Bob...I'm talking about CDN tax return and yes, most definitely have filed both returns every year till now, not sure what to do as I read that even if you have $0 CDN income, no matter what, you're still supposed to file. Just wondering if everyone else is doing the same... btw, they are completely messing with my 2008 & 2009 CDN tax returns, have been waiting since last May for them to fix the 2008 as I appealed both. They messed with my 2009 which screwed up my 2008, they approved my appeal on the 2009 and I'm still waiting to hear on the 2008 - they owe me over $3,000 but not being in Canada anymore, they don't care. Not like I can just take an hour out of my work day to reach someone and have them explain it to me, it's supposedly "complicated"! ugh!

Ahh, gotcha - so in past years you have had Cdn income and that's why you've filed? No - once you file your exit return (meaning you won't have any Cdn $$ to report anymore)you don't have to file Cdn taxes every year.

I love how you put that they owe you $$ for not being in Canada anymore - wish it worked for me that way

Just Bob - would Immigration really care whether you've defaulted on filing your taxes in a foreign country? Aren't they asking that question regarding US taxes only?

[July09Bride 1]

Ahh, gotcha - so in past years you have had Cdn income and that's why you've filed? No - once you file your exit return (meaning you won't have any Cdn $$ to report anymore)you don't have to file Cdn taxes every year.

Hey there! I know, longgggg time, no post. So, there's an EXIT return? I'm not sure my Canadian knows what or how to file an exit return. We're going for ROC in July of this year with Citizenship in 2012. Just trying to understand the next steps.

[OBX 51]

Hey there! I know, longgggg time, no post. So, there's an EXIT return? I'm not sure my Canadian knows what or how to file an exit return. We're going for ROC in July of this year with Citizenship in 2012. Just trying to understand the next steps.

Your exit return is just the last return you file in Canada covering the final year of your residency. There is a line on the return where you note the date you ceased to be a resident and if I remember correctly it is mailed and process by the International Tax Services Office of Canada Revenue.

[Colleens 40]

I am somewhat confused by the exit return. I ceased being a resident in 2010, but I will still be receiving canadian income from my maternity benefits in 2011. Will I have to file another return for 2011 or do I just claim my canadian income on my US taxes next year. What if I cash in RRSP's in 2011? Also does anyone know if you can claim US medical expenses on your Canadian taxes? I know that you can claim excess medical expenses on a canadian return, but just not sure if those expenses have to occur in Canada.

Sorry for the thread hijack, but I didn't want to start another tax thread....I think we need to get a pinned topic for tax questions.

[OBX 51]

I am somewhat confused by the exit return. I ceased being a resident in 2010, but I will still be receiving canadian income from my maternity benefits in 2011. Will I have to file another return for 2011 or do I just claim my canadian income on my US taxes next year. What if I cash in RRSP's in 2011? Also does anyone know if you can claim US medical expenses on your Canadian taxes? I know that you can claim excess medical expenses on a canadian return, but just not sure if expenses have to occur in Canada.

Sorry for the thread hijack, but I didn't want to start another tax thread....I think we need to get a pinned topic for tax questions.

This link might help. Canadian taxes for non-residents

I may be wrong but I believe as a non-resident you should have the taxes withheld at source and should not have to file a Canadian return.

Same would apply if you cash in your RSP, as long as you are registered as a non-resident I believe the appropriate amount of tax will be withheld at source.

As far as the medical expenses go this link might help. Claiming Medical Expenses

It states" ¶ 12. An individual's qualifying medical expenses are not restricted to those incurred or paid in Canada but they must have been paid on behalf of the individual, the individual's spouse or a dependant ."

If anyone knows any thing different please correct me.

Taxes make my head spin.