Question 1

What is a T1 Canadian tax return?

Accepted Answer

The T1 General is Canada's individual income tax return, filed annually with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Similar to the US Form 1040, it reports all worldwide income for Canadian residents. If you lived in Canada during the year, you likely need to file a T1.

Question 2

Do US citizens living in Canada need to file both a T1 and a US return?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. If you are a US citizen or Green Card holder living in Canada, you must file both a T1 with the CRA and a Form 1040 with the IRS every year. The US-Canada Tax Treaty and foreign tax credits help prevent double taxation, but both returns are required.

Question 3

What is a Canadian departure return?

Accepted Answer

When you permanently leave Canada (e.g., to move to the US), you must file a "departure return" for the year you left. This return covers the period from January 1 to your date of departure. It also triggers deemed disposition rules, which treat certain Canadian assets as if they were sold on your departure date — potentially creating a taxable gain.

Question 4

When is the T1 filing deadline?

Accepted Answer

For most Canadians, the T1 deadline is April 30. If you or your spouse are self-employed, the deadline is June 15 (though any taxes owed are still due April 30). Deceased persons have different rules. We ensure your filings are coordinated with your US tax deadlines to avoid any gaps.

Question 5

How are RRSPs treated for US tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

Canadian RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) must be reported on the US FBAR and possibly on Form 8938 (FATCA). Under the US-Canada Tax Treaty, RRSP growth can be deferred for US tax purposes if you make a treaty election on your US return. Without this election, you may owe US tax on annual RRSP growth. We ensure the correct treaty elections are made.

Question 6

Do TFSAs need to be reported to the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TFSAs (Tax-Free Savings Accounts) must be reported on the FBAR and Form 8938. Additionally, TFSAs do not receive tax-free treatment for US tax purposes — US citizens with Canadian TFSAs owe US tax on income earned inside the TFSA each year, and the TFSA may be treated as a foreign grantor trust requiring Form 3520. This is a complex and frequently missed issue.

Question 7

Can you file both my T1 and my US return?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is our specialty. Coordinating Canadian and US filings is complex, and having one advisor handle both eliminates errors and optimizes foreign tax credits between the two returns. Our Enrolled Agents and Canadian tax specialists work together on cross-border returns.

T1 Canada Tax Return Filing for US-Canada Cross-Border Clients

Who Needs a Canadian T1 Return?

T1 Filing Situations We Handle

TFSA Warning for US Citizens

RRSP Treaty Elections

Departure Returns

How We Handle Your US-Canada Filing

Cross-Border Review

Document Collection

Coordinated Filing

Filing & Confirmation

T1 Canada Return FAQs

Related Cross-Border Services