Tax Returns for Ex-Pats in England and Canada

[Forensicacctnt]

I am exploring doing returns for ex-pats in England and Canada. I would appreciate any advice on this subject in particular what it's like to prepare the returns. Also, any comments about learning the tax law in both countries. I do primarily personal returns. Thank you. Carl

[Roland Slugg]

I've been a regular visitor to this forum for about ten years, and yours is the first post I've seen about ex-pats. (There may have been some that I missed.)

An expatriate may be subject to an "alternative" tax on his U.S. income, but other than that, I can't offer any help or advice. All I can suggest is that you become familiar with IRS F-8854 and especially the instructions for that form. They are lengthy (10 pages) and may be as good a place as any to educate yourself. You should also become familiar with Code §877 ... among others.

[Lion]

Take some classes. Network with other preparers, especially along our Canadian border and in major metropolitan cities such as NY that have multi-national businesses. Work for a season or more with a large CPA firm that has a division that prepares ex-pat tax returns. Read the appropriate sections in the tax code. Start with your current research subscription to lead you to the code sections. Read the corresponding tax treaties.

[TaxGuyBill]

I am exploring doing returns for ex-pats in England and Canada.

You need to clarify what you mean by "ex-pats".


In the general definition of the word, most people often use "expatriate" to mean a US Citizen that has moved to another country.

In the tax definition of the word, it means a person that has renounced their US Citizenship.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/expatriation-tax

[mactoolsix]

Purchase this book

https://www.amazon.com/1040NR-1040-Income-Returns-Holders/dp/1543050948/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487123923&sr=1-3&keywords=1040NR%3F+or+1040%3F

Best $25 you'll ever spend for doing 1040NR taxes.

Be sure you are ordering the 6th edition (just out) "6th Edition" is on the cover top left corner.

[Burke]

You need to clarify what you mean by "ex-pats".
In the general definition of the word, most people often use "expatriate" to mean a US Citizen that has moved to another country.
In the tax definition of the word, it means a person that has renounced their US Citizenship.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/inte...patriation-tax

That has been my experience also; i.e, term is used to describe a US citizen living in another country. Whether preparer is doing the foreign return and/or the US 1040 for such persons, he/she must look to the tax treaty for that particular country as well. They are usually easy to locate online, some produced by the IRS and on their website.

[Forensicacctnt]

Preparing tax returns for ex-pats (US citizens living in England or Canada)

Thank you for the replies and information you have provided. I did not know the tax definition of ex-pat; my plan is to work with US citizens living and working abroad in England and Canada. I will pursue the resources that have been suggested as I explore this subject further.
Thanks again for your help!

[Burke]

Both of those countries have tax treaties with the US. You can Google both of them. I know the IRS puts out a Pub 597 for Canada as I use that one.

[Forensicacctnt]

Both of those countries have tax treaties with the US. You can Google both of them. I know the IRS puts out a Pub 597 for Canada as I use that one.

Thank you!
Carl