What a both-country return, an FBAR, an ITIN application, a streamlined catch-up, a dual-status return, and expatriation work cost, plus how to choose a cross-border accountant and whether a paid assessment is worth it.
28 guides, each written by a CPA licensed in the US and Canada.
Alberta's combined top marginal rate is 48%, compared to 53.5% in Ontario and BC, 53.3% in Quebec, and 54% in Nova Scotia.
Cross-BorderAn Edmonton cross-border tax accountant files both countries' returns and handles the Alberta pieces: 2026 rates, AHCIP when you leave, US rotational work and departure tax.
Cross-BorderFlorida is the single most common landing spot for Canadians leaving Canada, and the reason people give is almost always the same one: no state income tax.
Cross-BorderMontreal's cross-border tax picture includes Revenu Quebec's separate TP-1 return, QST instead of HST, QPP instead of CPP, and French-language filings.
Cross-BorderAn Ottawa cross-border tax accountant files both countries' returns and handles the local pieces: federal pensions in the US, Gatineau vs Ottawa residence, OHIP and probate.
Cross-BorderA Toronto cross-border tax accountant files both countries' returns and handles the Ontario pieces: 2026 rates, probate on a cross-border estate, OHIP and land transfer tax.
Cross-BorderA Vancouver cross-border tax accountant files both countries' returns and handles the BC pieces: 2026 rates, the 20% foreign buyer tax, the vacancy tax and the flipping tax.
Cross-BorderA good cross-border tax accountant files both countries' returns, can represent you before the IRS and CRA, and names your FBAR, T1135 and 5471 needs on the first call.
Cross-BorderCross-border tax planning is a short list of decisions with fixed dates: your departure date, the treaty step-up, your US start date and the first-year return choice.
Cross-BorderA 1040-NR has no IRS filing fee. Firm prices start at $525 for a simple return, ours is $600 on its own, and skipping it can leave US rent taxed at 30% of the gross.
Canadian TaxCRA lists no fee to file a departure return. One firm's emigrant return base rate is $325; a late Form T1161 alone can cost $2,500. What firms charge, what moves it, and ours.
Canadian TaxA Canadian non-resident return has no CRA filing fee, and some non-residents need no return at all. Firm prices we found start at $350; our section 216 return is $700.
Cross-BorderCross-border returns cost more than domestic ones. Here is what drives the price, what the ranges look like, and what you should ask before hiring.
Cross-BorderA dual-status return typically costs $1,500 to $2,500, several times a normal 1040. Two returns in one that can't be e-filed.
Canadian TaxA section 216 return costs nothing to file yourself. Firms list $350 and $750 to $950 CAD; ours is $700 USD. With real expenses, it can turn a 25% tax on gross rent into a refund.
Cross-BorderThe IRS charges nothing for the ITIN itself, but W-7 prep, CAA certification, and the tax return it goes with typically add up to $1,000 to $3,000+, and fees vary widely.
Cross-BorderCross-border bookkeeping for a Canadian with US income typically runs $300 to $2,000 a month, a rough estimate that varies widely with the entities and currencies involved.
Cross-BorderRenouncing US citizenship costs $450 at the State Department. The tax side, a final dual-status return and Form 8854, typically runs $3,500 to $7,500.
Cross-BorderFiling the FBAR yourself costs nothing. A preparer adds $85 to $150 a year. Late filings cost more, and skipping one risks a $16,536 penalty.
Cross-BorderForm 1120-F has no IRS fee, and one firm we found publishes a price: $1,100 at Taxes for Expats. Filing over 18 months late can cost a Canadian company its US deductions.
Cross-BorderForm 3520 has no IRS fee. Firms list $359 (MyExpatTaxes) to $500 (Greenback, Bright!Tax) to prepare one. A late gift report can cost up to 25% of the gift in penalties.
Cross-BorderForm 5471 has no IRS fee, but published firm prices run from $625 (Taxes for Expats) to $750 to $2,500 (WCG CPAs). Skipping it can cost $10,000 per corporation per year.
Cross-BorderForm 8621 has no IRS fee. Firms list $69 to $300 per fund, and Taxes for Expats bills the default section 1291 regime by the hour. Ours is $400 per fund per year.
Canadian TaxFiling a T1135 yourself costs nothing. Preparer prices we found start at $100 and $500 a form, and a late T1135 costs $25 a day up to $2,500 per year, before the bigger penalties.
Cross-BorderA paid assessment is worth it when your file holds an unknown that changes the price or the plan. If you already know which returns you need, skip it.
Cross-BorderMost Canadian streamlined files cost US$2,500 to $4,500 in CPA fees, and a typical employee file owes $0 US tax. TFSAs, RESPs and Canadian funds are what move the price.
Cross-BorderFiling your US return from Canada costs $115 and up in software, $259 to $1,200 at expat firms, or from $1,745 for both countries' returns with us. Late filing costs more.
Cross-BorderA $1,200 TFSA quote usually means protective Form 3520 and 3520-A filings for every account. Here's what that work involves and when the number is fair.