Taxes don’t stop when you move abroad; they just get more interesting. As a Canadian expat, keeping track of deadlines, forms, and reporting requirements can be tricky, especially when you’re juggling life in a new country.
That’s why we’ve created this Canadian Expat Annual Tax Checklist, a step-by-step guide to help you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and maximize your tax savings.
At Accounting Montreal, we use this exact process when working with our expat clients. Now, you can use it too, and if you’d like, we’ll take care of every step for you.
Step 1: Confirm Your Residency Status
- Determine if you’re a resident, non-resident, or deemed resident.
- Review any changes in ties to Canada that may affect your status.
- Check tax treaties with your country of residence.
Step 2: Gather Your Canadian Tax Documents
- T4, T5, T3 slips for income and investments
- RRSP and TFSA contribution/withdrawal statements
- Property rental income statements
- Capital gains/loss reports for investments or property sales
Step 3: Collect Your Foreign Income Records
- Employment income slips or contracts
- Business income statements
- Foreign tax paid documentation
- Currency exchange rate information from the Bank of Canada
Step 4: Review Departure or Arrival Year Rules
- File any required departure tax forms (T1243, T1161) if you became a non-resident
- Apply newcomer rules if you returned to Canada mid-year
Step 5: Claim Applicable Credits and Deductions
- Foreign tax credits
- Moving expenses (if applicable)
- Tuition or education credits for yourself or dependents
- Medical expenses paid in Canada or abroad
Step 6: File Your Return On Time
- April 30: General filing deadline
- June 15: Self-employed deadline (tax still due April 30)
- File online through CRA My Account or by mail to the International Tax Office
Step 7: Plan for the Year Ahead
- Adjust RRSP/TFSA strategy for non-resident rules
- Review pension and benefit eligibility
- Prepare for potential currency fluctuations affecting next year’s return
Why Use Accounting Montreal’s Checklist Service
We:
- Keep track of deadlines for you
- Ensure all CRA forms are filed correctly
- Apply treaty benefits to reduce your tax bill
- Provide year-round advice so you’re always prepared
Filing taxes from abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear checklist and expert help when you need it, you can stay compliant and confident year after year.
Contact Accounting Montreal today to schedule your annual expat tax review.
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