Not filing for US purposes…in Canada for 48 years.

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

Newsglobal, CA

250-661-9417