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CanadaConvention 1980 · IRS × CRA

Snowbird, dual citizen, or just paying tax in both places?
We thread the 1040 needle so the CRA refund doesn't double-tax.

Canada-US Convention 1980 (and the five subsequent protocols) is the most-amended US treaty in force. RRSPs no longer need Form 8891 — but TFSAs are still a trap. We handle both.

Free PFIC scan · Pay to generate the draft package · Mapped Forms 8621 / 8938 / FBAR / 1116 / 8833

What we handle for Canada residents

The three things that bite Canada-based US citizens.

01

RRSP & RRIF

Article XVIII deferral is automatic since 2014 — but Form 8938 reporting still applies. We prepare the disclosure without electing.

02

TFSA pitfall

Treated as a foreign grantor trust by the IRS — Form 3520 / 3520-A. We flag this before you contribute, and prepare the filing when you have.

03

Article XXIV credit

Federal + provincial tax (Ontario, BC, Quebec abattement) all roll into Form 1116. Quebec residents get the abatement reconciled separately.

Canada treaty · FAQ

What US citizens in Canada ask us most.

Do I still report my RRSP to the IRS?
Yes. Tax deferral on an RRSP/RRIF has been automatic under Article XVIII since 2014, so Form 8891 is no longer needed — but the account is still reportable on Form 8938 and the FBAR. We prepare the disclosure without making an election.
Is my TFSA a problem for US taxes?
It can be. The IRS generally treats a TFSA as a foreign grantor trust, which can trigger Form 3520 / 3520-A — and a TFSA is not tax-free on the US side. We flag this before you contribute and prepare the filings when you already have one.
Can I credit both federal and provincial Canadian tax?
Yes. Under Article XXIV, federal plus provincial tax (Ontario, BC, and the Quebec abatement) all roll into Form 1116. Quebec residents get the abatement reconciled separately.

Atamatax · run your Canada return

Free on-screen draft. Pay to generate the PDF package.

Scan your brokerage, see your PFIC count, review the forms with the right Canada treaty positions attached. You pay when you generate the draft PDF package. It maps supported figures to IRS forms and identifies items you or your CPA still need to complete.

What you walk out with

  • · Form 1040 + schedules B, D, 1, 2, 3
  • · One Form 8621 per PFIC (up to 25 per return)
  • · Form 8938 (FATCA) when thresholds hit
  • · FinCEN 114 (FBAR) threshold check and separate-filing guidance
  • · Form 1116 with Canada tax credit allocated
  • · Form 8833 when you take a treaty position