So I'm going back home..

Arlene83
New Member



Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Austin, TX

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:20 am

 

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I moved to the US in Sept 06, went through the whole immigration process and is now a Permanent Resident of the US. (Via Marriage)

For matters I need not discuss, I will be moving back to Canada most likely early in the new year of 09. If I decide to keep my car, I will be driving back. I've done my homework on importing the car, the information is quite straight forward. My main concern is bringing back my belongings.

I'll be returning with very little (thanks to a very supportive family waiting for me to come home)for example, clothes, teddy bears, a computer and possibly another laptop and my cat. Will any of these things cause me a headache? Other than importing the car, and making sure my cat is healthy and upto date on shots, etc is there anything else I am completely forgetting?

My computers will be the most expensive thing (other than the car obviously) that I will be taking with me, I have no recipits to prove their purchase or their value.

I also have no passport, but I have my US green card, a valid Cdn Drivers license, SIN card, birth certificate. Friends tell me I'm fussing too much, but when I arrive at the border in the next few months I don't want to have missed a fine detail that might cause a snag in getting across.

Any information anyone can throw at me would be greatly appreciated!

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1306
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:03 am

 

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sounds like you're all set. Just make sure you have your cat's veterinary records, as well as a certificate of health from your vet.

You shouldn't need purchase records or receipts for the computer and stuff, its just personal belongings, and is duty free.
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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:35 am

 

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You need to abandon your LPR status in the US otherwise you will face dual taxation. All US citizens and LPRs have to file a tax return in the US regardless of where they live. There is a foreign tax credit in the US (read IRS Form 2555) but it has an upper limit of $80k and something.
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Steve.

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Arlene83
New Member



Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Austin, TX

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 12:20 pm

 

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Ty Steve, I will be abandoning it! However, I thank you both, you've made me feel a lot better about this whole thing.

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Reba
Moderator


Canuck in NC

Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 1306
Location: North Carolina

Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 3:11 am

 

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the US will consider her status abandoned anyhow, as she is taking up permanent residence in Canada anyhow.

She'd have to file a tax return in the US for the last year she lives there anyhow.
_________________
I miss Shreddies!

Are you in the US or Canada? Want to make some extra money? Check out My Watkins website for some awesom products and business opportunity.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:23 am

 

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But there is some procedure for doing it I thought, you have to hand in your PR card at the border to USCIS and fill in a form or something like that. And there's a special tax form, 1040-C.
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Steve.

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Arlene83
New Member



Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Austin, TX

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:44 am

 

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Good points to ponder, and I'll have to make a few phone calls to find out. You guys are great!

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:50 pm

 

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If you've been in PR status for six years, you do actually qualify for US citizenship. Might as well get something out of it!

It does mean you have to file a 1040 every year forever, but that's only a major problem if your income is over $85,700 as the foreign tax credit only goes up that far.

I guess it depends on whether you think you'll ever move to the US again.
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Steve.

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