Single and living in BOTH countries

[indexer]

I'm in the early stages of transitioning my career (to freelance work) and am looking for advice from people who have, or who currently, split their time every year living in Canada and the US.

I have dual-citizenship and have lived (and paid taxes) in the US for 8 years and will continue to do so. In order to have Cdn health care I would spent at least six months in Canada per year which is fine but I'm more concerned with the logistics of things such as car insurance and registration, DL, etc. I don't have a spouse to consider (ergo "single" in the subject line).

At this point I do not own a house in the US or Canada so do not have a permanent address. I am a bit concerned about proof of residency should it ever come up, tax or otherwise-related. What actually constitutes "residency"? I definitely want to do everything above board.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Reba]

If you claim provincial healthcare benefits, then you would have to be a resident of, and pay taxes in Canada.

[indexer]

Thanks for the reply. I plan to file taxes in both Countries. I guess what I'm asking is perhaps more basic (and maybe obvious): What defines "permanent residency"? Thanks again.

[Reba]

Depends which government office you're asking really. The answer will be different if you ask an immigration official or a tax official or some other office.

I do think however you would need to pick just one country as your "permanent residency" and the other as non-resident. If you intend to be using provincial healthcare benefits, I'd suggest you use Canada as your permanent residency, and US as non-resident. Otherwise you're not eligible for Canadian healthcare benefits.