RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, and RESPs on a US return, IRAs and 401(k)s in Canada, CPP, OAS, and Social Security across the border, the totalization agreement, and treaty withholding rates.
29 guides, each written by a CPA licensed in the US and Canada.
You can hold US stocks in a TFSA, but the 15% US withholding tax on dividends is trapped inside the account. There is no foreign tax credit to recover it.
Cross-BorderIf you worked for a Canadian employer and earned a pension (defined benefit or defined contribution), and you now live in the US.
Cross-BorderTaking the commuted value of a Canadian employer pension when leaving for the US creates tax in both countries. Covers treaty provisions, foreign tax.
Cross-BorderThe US defers tax on growth inside a Canadian RRSP for most US citizens and residents under Rev. Proc. 2014-55, then taxes withdrawals. No Form 8891 or 3520; FBAR and 8938 apply.
Cross-BorderUS Social Security paid to a Canadian resident is taxed only in Canada: the full benefit is included and 15% deducted (50% for some pre-1996 recipients). How it works.
Cross-BorderHow RESPs work across the US-Canada border: trust reporting, PFIC exposure, CESG grants, withdrawal tax, and planning strategies for cross-border families.
Cross-BorderUS self-employment tax is a US-person exposure: it generally reaches US citizens and US residents wherever they live. Covers key rules, filing.
Cross-BorderYes, in two parts: the CPP (QPP in Quebec), paid from work contributions, and OAS, paid on years lived in Canada. How each is taxed when you cross the border, and the treaty rule.
Cross-BorderUnder Article XVIII(1) of the Canada-US treaty, OAS paid to a US resident is taxable only in the US. The 15% withholding applies.
Canadian TaxForm NR5 asks the CRA to cut non-resident tax on your Canadian pension, RRIF or RRSP payments because you'll file a section 217 return. Approval usually covers five tax years.
Cross-BorderThe US then treats them as if they were US Social Security, so at most 85% of the total lands in your US income. Covers key rules, filing requirements,.
Cross-BorderFor a Canadian resident who isn't a US citizen or green-card holder, 15% applies only where the payment is periodic; a pre-tax lump sum stays at 30%.
Cross-BorderUnder 4 U.S.C. 114, no state may tax the retirement income of someone who is neither its resident nor its domiciliary. Which plans count, and what your old state can still tax.
Cross-BorderOld Age Security (OAS) is a monthly pension paid by the Canadian government to most Canadians aged 65 and older, regardless of work history.
Cross-BorderThe higher-income spouse can allocate up to 50% of qualifying pension income to the lower-income spouse, reducing the family's combined tax.
Cross-BorderHow an RESP educational assistance payment (EAP) is taxed in Canada and the US when the subscriber or the student is a US person, plus FBAR and Form 3520 reporting.
Canadian TaxAn RCA is employer-funded retirement savings taxed through a 50% refundable tax. Leave for the US and payouts face 25% Part XIII tax; a US citizen faces open 409A questions.
Cross-BorderUsually, yes. A Roth IRA stays tax-free in Canada if you file the one-time treaty election with the CRA and put no new money in while you live here. Here's how each piece works.
Cross-BorderThe RRIF minimum is the January 1 value times a factor: 1/(90 minus age) before 71, then a table up to 20%. How RRIF withdrawals are taxed in Canada and if you live in the US.
Cross-BorderAn RRSP and a 401(k) both defer tax until you withdraw. Compare 2026 limits, early withdrawal rules, forced withdrawals, and what happens to each when you cross the border.
Canadian TaxRRSP withholding is 10%, 20% or 30% for Canadian residents (different in Quebec) and 25% for non-residents. For residents it's a prepayment. Here's the final tax on each side.
Cross-BorderRSP and RRSP both refer to Canada's registered retirement savings plan. The difference in naming, the US tax treatment, and the cross-border complications.
Cross-BorderWithout the Totalization Agreement, a worker who crosses the Canada-US border could owe social security contributions in both countries.
Cross-BorderThe Roth IRA is the closest US equivalent of a TFSA: after-tax money in, tax-free growth and withdrawals. 2026 limits, withdrawal rules, and why neither crosses the border cleanly.
Cross-BorderThe WEP reduced your Social Security benefit if you received a pension from employment not covered by Social Security (including CPP).
Cross-BorderUS Social Security paid to a Canadian resident is taxable only in Canada under the treaty. Canada includes it all, then allows a 15% deduction (50% for some pre-1996 recipients).
Cross-BorderHow the totalization agreement prevents double FICA and CPP contributions, assigns coverage to one country, and lets you combine work credits for benefits.
Canadian TaxAn RRSP is a tax-deferred retirement account in Canada. Contributions are deductible, growth is sheltered, and withdrawals are taxed as income.
Cross-BorderIf you worked in both Canada and the US, you may be entitled to benefits from both CPP and Social Security. your health.