Immigration Tax Accountant Immigration Tax Accountant

Immigration and Emigration Tax Services

Jay P. Trudell is a seasoned immigration tax accountant helping individuals navigate immigration and emigration tax in Canada & the USA. He offers clarity on reporting rules, filing deadlines, and cross-border tax coordination for new arrivals and departing residents.

Work with an Experienced Immigration Tax Accountant for Cross-Border Moves

Whether moving to Canada or the U.S. (immigration), or leaving either country (emigration), your tax situation changes the moment your residency status does. This change can affect what income you report, how your assets are taxed, and what forms you need to file—both before and after your move.

As an immigration tax accountant who has worked with individuals on both sides of the border for many years, I’ve supported clients through a wide range of immigration and emigration tax situations in Canada & the USA. My role as an immigration tax accountant is to help you understand what’s required, file properly, and avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Immigration Tax in Canada

When you move to Canada, you become subject to Canadian tax laws based on your residency status. As an immigration tax accountant, I guide new residents through the initial filing, foreign asset reporting, and income declarations. Immigration tax in Canada requires clarity, precision, and awareness of how your global finances are affected. The goal is to ensure you remain compliant while avoiding common errors most new arrivals often face.

Determining Canadian Tax Residency

The CRA considers several factors—such as your permanent home, spouse, dependents, and personal ties—when deciding if you’re a tax resident. This forms the basis of immigration tax in Canada.

Global Income Reporting Starts Immediately

Canadian tax residents must report all worldwide income from the date of entry. As your immigration tax accountant, I help ensure you meet these obligations without overreporting or missing key deductions.

Disclosure of Foreign Property (Form T1135)

If you hold over CAD $100,000 in foreign property, you must file Form T1135. This is a key requirement under immigration tax in Canada, and failing to file may trigger penalties.

Asset Valuation on Arrival

Assets brought into Canada are treated as newly acquired at fair market value. As your immigration tax accountant, I help you record and classify these values correctly.

Understanding RRSP and TFSA Eligibility

New tax residents gain RRSP room only after earning Canadian income. Proper planning helps align your contributions with your filing year and supports long-term compliance.

Emigration Tax in Canada

If you’re ceasing residency in Canada, there are rules that may trigger a deemed disposition of your assets, even if no actual sale occurs. As an immigration tax accountant, I assist with departure filings, required forms, and potential tax liabilities. Emigration tax in Canada is complex but manageable with proper planning and attention to cross-border coordination, especially if you continue to own property or earn income from Canadian sources.

Confirming Date of Departure

The CRA uses residential ties to determine your exit date. Getting this right is foundational for emigration tax in Canada and affects the entire departure year’s return.

Deemed Disposition of Worldwide Assets

Upon exit, Canada treats certain assets as if they were sold. This may result in capital gains. As your immigration tax accountant, I help you calculate potential departure taxes accurately.

Filing Requirements: T1243 and T1161

These forms are required to report the deemed disposition and list properties owned. Emigration tax in Canada includes strict disclosure obligations, even if no taxes are owed.

Continued Canadian Income

If you earn rental income or sell Canadian real estate post-departure, non-resident tax rules apply. Planning ahead ensures you don’t face unexpected filings later.

Use of Tax Treaties to Prevent Double Taxation

Canada’s treaties with other countries can reduce departure tax burdens. As your immigration tax accountant, I coordinate this to help you avoid unnecessary taxes during emigration.

Immigration Tax in the USA

The U.S. tax system determines residency based on visa type, green card status, or substantial presence. When these criteria are met, you become liable for U.S. tax on worldwide income. As an immigration tax accountant, I help new U.S. residents manage tax filings, bank account disclosures, and dual-status return issues. Immigration tax in the USA requires a clear strategy from day one to avoid missteps and stay compliant.

Immigration Tax Canada
  • Becoming a U.S. Tax Resident
    Whether through physical presence or a green card, immigration tax in the USA begins when residency rules are met.
  • Dual-Status Return Complexities
    Individuals arriving mid-year may need to file part-year and full-year forms. As your immigration tax accountant, I prepare both sides of the return to reflect your residency shift.
  • FBAR and FATCA Compliance
    New residents must report foreign financial accounts once certain thresholds are crossed. This is a key component of immigration tax in the USA and is often overlooked by newcomers.
  • Worldwide Income Obligations
    U.S. tax residents must report and often pay tax on global income. Proper planning helps prevent double taxation and ensures required foreign credits are claimed.
  • Using Tax Treaties to Reduce Tax
    The U.S. has treaties with Canada and many other countries. As an immigration tax accountant, I help clients apply these correctly to optimize their filings.

Emigration Tax in the USA

Leaving the U.S. for good doesn’t automatically end your tax obligations. Depending on your status and net worth, you may face an exit tax or continued filing requirements. As an immigration tax accountant, I assist clients in completing Form 8854, confirming expatriation status, and planning for cross-border income post-departure. Emigration tax in the USA requires precision and planning, especially for citizens or long-term green card holders.

  • Determining "Covered Expatriate" Status
    High-net-worth individuals and long-term green card holders may face exit tax obligations. Confirming this status is the starting point for emigration tax in the USA.
  • Form 8854: Expatriation Statement
    This form documents your assets and compliance history. As your immigration tax accountant, I guide you through the disclosures needed to avoid penalties.
  • Exit Tax on Worldwide Assets
    Certain individuals must pay a mark-to-market tax on appreciated global assets. Emigration tax in the USA includes this calculation, which is complex and highly scrutinized.
  • Income from U.S. Sources After Departure
    Even after you leave, U.S.-source income such as pensions, investments, or real estate may still be taxed. Planning for this in advance helps reduce future complications.
  • Coordination with Canadian Tax Rules
    Proper alignment between jurisdictions avoids overlapping obligations for those returning to Canada or relocating elsewhere. As your immigration tax accountant, I ensure full compliance in both directions.
Immigration Tax Canada

Jay P. Trudell, CPA, is an accountant who serves clients across Canada and the USA.