Working in US under TN, taxes/investments/accounts/etc help!

Hey guys,

In 3 weeks I'm going to be working in the USA under the TN work status. I have a bunch of investment, savings, and chequings accounts, including both RRSP and TFSA.

I'm a little confused on the whole 'residence' thing for income tax purposes. According to the CRA, I am only a non-resident if I completely severe ties to Canada. My spouse will still be in Canada, as is my lease to my apartment, and all my bank accounts etc., so as far as CRA is concerned, I'm still a resident, I think...

But I also believe that I will be considered a resident for USA income tax purposes...

Is there anything I should be doing with all my accounts before I leave? I read elsewhere that I should close my TFSA account while I'm away from Canada, and reopen it when I return. But since I'm still technically a resident, I should leave it open, right?

Confused...

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I answer these types of questions at forums.serbinski.com

If you are merely going down to work and coming home to canada on week-ends, you are not becoming a Cdn non-resident, but if you stay in US and your spouse visits you, you will be considered US resident, by tax treaty. In your case its up to you.

In US you can choose how you want to file, since you likley will be there sufficient days in the year to have to file a 1040, but again, you will hve choice, in your specific case.

Further at serbinski, not here.