Any suggestions on taxes?

[Tithen 4]

I worked (and received unemployment benefits) from January March in Canada before I came down to visit my fiance. At this point I have 0 idea how to file my taxes (besides the fact that the papers were mailed to me weeks ago and I STILL haven't gotten them- they're coming from family).

My husband is filing for an extension as he's working 12 hours a day 7 days a week and doesn't have the time right now to deal with his taxes and I have no idea how to file American taxes, especially since he both got divorced AND married in 2011. We've also been waiting on my SSN in case we need to file together, since I'm pretty sure we'll need it (it's been applied for)

Does anyone have any good, easy to understand resources how we are supposed to file? Do I file my taxes in both countries?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Simplest explanation: Yes, file tax in both countries. You wont pay double tax though - you just need to report your foreign income and the tax you paid to Canada. Your husband's taxes are going to be tricky this year You probably want to file joint taxes with your husband.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[Tithen 4]

They are tricky EVERY year. He works in multiple states every year. This year he has to file for Wi (where we live), Indiana (where he worked) and and Ohio (where he worked again).

So I guess I should apply for an extension myself once my ssn arrives?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If they are that confusing hopefully he has a good CPA! I have never filed an extension - I am not sure how that works. I don't know if you are included in his extension or what, since your tax return will be combined.

[Darnell 8,478]

when you wrote 'fiance', did you mean 'husband'?

Since you have EAD in hand, please go get a SSN tomorrow at the local SSA office. Since you applied for it already, you should be able to walk into the SSA office and they will give you the NUMBER (without the card) or you'll learn of additional foolishness where they can't verify who you are, and some silly USCIS verification is in progress. Don't bother to call, just go in person.

re: your timeframe of January-March in Canada - was that 2011, for TaxYear 2011 ?

Study up a bit on using the IRS Form 2555, for any monies you were paid in 2011.

Then - file a paper return (no electronic filing this year)

as married filing jointly...

include a letter stating you and your husband elect for you to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes for Tax Year 2011 (both of you must sign this) ..

If you need pointers for where to download forms from the IRS website, please mention that, soonish. You could study up a bit, fill out all the forms, let yer husband review on a weekend when he has a moment. It's fun, this learning about USA Tax Forms, you betcha !

[Tithen 4]

No, when I entered the US we were not married and had not intended to marry when we did... so at the time he was my fiance. He became my husband a few months later.

My husband doesn't get weekends. he works 7 days a week from January until June. He gets two days off this job, one day to spend with his son, and one for our interview.

I have applied for the SSN, I was told the number will arrive in the mail by next Friday (the 6th of April). I can't just go to the Social Security office, we have one vehicle. I use the car one day a week to run daytime errands as needed, always on Friday's. It hasn't even been a week since I applied for it.

Yes, I worked in Canada from January to March 2011, technically I think it will be until April as I was off work for an injury (non compensation, got hurt at home) and then a funeral and then left the job to come here (with open employment for when/if I wanted it back. So I guess it will be January to April.

He has always used a tax preparation company to do his taxes(like hr block), will he be unable to do that this year? I know I have to paper file my Canadian Taxes because I'm out of country, but I hadn't realized that he had to as well.

Edited March 29, 2012 by Tithen

[Tithen 4]

knowing that we can file in both counties was my biggest confusion...

Do I file as single in Canada? I will be prepping my taxes online, and printing them to file via mail.. the programs will not let me add in my husband as he doesn't have a Canadian Social.

Please, be gentle. I've never done my taxes on my own, I've always had a tax prep company do them for me. I'm trying to reach a CPA friend of ours who is Canadian, but he's in the middle of his no sleep season so I'm not sure if he'll be able to answer my questions.

I'm just hoping my papers arrive in the mail soon... it's been weeks since she mailed it... I could be in big trouble if it doesn't arrive this week.

[Darnell 8,478]

ya, sorry, mostly I forgot about you being a single person in Canada and 'how to file' there. I'm out, alas - I not know much about Canada except for really yummy poutine gravy recipes...

[Tithen 4]

ya, sorry, mostly I forgot about you being a single person in Canada and 'how to file' there. I'm out, alas - I not know much about Canada except for really yummy poutine gravy recipes...

every non Canadian I've ever met thinks they're disgusting.. so you thinking the gravy is yummy

[Darnell 8,478]

thinking? I'm way past thinking - I experiment in my kitchen twice a month.

[ceadsearc 515]

You might ask your question regarding how to file in Canada in the regional forum for Canada - you'll probably get better (and more) answers that way.

[SunnySanDiego 17]

Hey Tithen,

I myself just filed my 2011 Canadian taxes and I called these guys who helped me a lot. It is the CRA for international and they are not usually very busy at all.

CRA 1-855-284-5942

International Tax Services

102A - 2204 Walkley Road

Ottawa ON K1A 1A8

Canada

You must file as married for your Canadian taxes and your American ones as well.

For the US one you can either file married filing separate and do not require SSN or ITIN. Also you, yourself won't need to file your own tax return in the US this year if you go this route. However your husband probably won't get big refund or will have a bigger amount due if you owe this way. This way is easy enough comparatively.

The other option is married filing jointly. You will need either and ITIN or SSN, you will file together and you will need to report your Canadian income (you won't pay American taxes no worries). This way will net you a bigger refund or smaller balance owing depending again on which side you fall. A little bit for work but I think worth the effort.

Here is a link from the IRS website to show you those options http://www.irs.gov/help/article/0,,id=143687,00.html?portlet=105 and chose the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) and then the What is My Filing Status? link. It is an interactive tool to help you chose.

I hope this helped you! Cheers and much luck.

Edited link

Edited March 29, 2012 by SunnySanDiego

[SunnySanDiego 17]

Oh and make sure you get your T4E from EI!

You put US Citizen in the SSN box on the Canadian tax return you file. The tax office you will mail it to as it's the international office will know that he is not tied to Canada this way. I posted the address and phone number of this office in my last post.

Good luck .

Edited March 29, 2012 by SunnySanDiego

[Tithen 4]

Thanks Sunny...

I talked to two CPA's last night, both told me that you file the status you were when you left the country, which wouldn't be married.... I guess I will call that number just to double check.

I'm trying to talk him into filing jointly. He could really use a lesser owing amount this year! My baby attempt at running his taxes through a program nearly made me cry

[SunnySanDiego 17]

Thanks Sunny...

I talked to two CPA's last night, both told me that you file the status you were when you left the country, which wouldn't be married.... I guess I will call that number just to double check.

I'm trying to talk him into filing jointly. He could really use a lesser owing amount this year! My baby attempt at running his taxes through a program nearly made me cry

If he owes it might be worth it to take it to an H&R block type service to have them do it if as it seems him taxes are a little complicated, especially if you file jointly this year.