Cross Border Tax Q&A – Giving up a Green Card and US/Canada Taxes

Posted on 22. Jun, 2010 by Phil Hogan, CA in Cross Border Tax Q&A

Question

Hello there

My husband and I are planning on moving to Vancouver next year between October and December. My husband is a Citizen of the US and I am a Green Card holder. I’ll be receiving Social Security payment while in Canada and some investment income. I understand (from reading your website) that green card holders are also required to file a US tax return. I’m considering giving up my green card to avoid having to file both a Canadian and US tax return.

If I do give up my green card will I have to file a US return still for my social security?

Hope you can help with my tax questions.

Thanks

XXXXXX

Answer

Hi XXXXXX

The short answer to your question is no. You won’t have to file a US tax return if you relinquish your US green card. In fact, your social security income would only be taxable in Canada even if you were a US citizen or green card holder.

I would suggest that you consider keeping your green card and the possibility of naturalizing into Citizenship before entering Canada. In most cases filing a dual Canadian/US return (especially in your situation) is not terribly complicated or expensive. Considering that your husband is a citizen it would be a shame to lose your citizenship opportunity while you had it. Once you give up your green card there’s no way of getting it back.

Hope that helps

Regards

Phil Hogan, CA
250-661-9417

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Tags: green card holder, IRs, move to canada, US tax