US Tax Accountant in Canada: Cross-Border Tax Services
US tax preparation in Canada helps US citizens and green-card holders living in Canada, and Canadians with US rental or business income, identify and meet applicable US filing obligations. US persons may also have foreign-account reporting requirements such as FBAR. Accountants Online provides US and Canadian tax preparation and cross-border planning online across Canada, coordinating returns, foreign tax credits and applicable Canada–US treaty positions based on each client's circumstances. Our US tax work is led by an IRS Enrolled Agent who is also a CPA licensed in Ontario and British Columbia, so both sides of your cross-border filing are handled by the same professional.
Written by the Accountants Online Tax Team · Last reviewed: September 11, 2026 · Tax year: 2026
Who needs cross-border US tax help
- US citizens and green-card holders living in Canada — the US taxes its citizens on worldwide income no matter where they live.
- Canadians with US rental or business income, who may need to file a US 1040-NR return.
- US persons with a financial interest in, or signature authority over, foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value exceeded US$10,000 at any time during the year, subject to FBAR exceptions.
- Recipients of US-sourced income such as pensions, Social Security or investment income.
How our cross-border process works
- Free consultation to identify which US and Canadian obligations apply to you.
- You upload documents through a secure client portal.
- We prepare the required US returns and reports (1040, 1040-NR, FBAR, relevant treaty forms).
- We coordinate the filings with your Canadian return so foreign tax credits and treaty positions are claimed consistently.
Documents you'll need
- Social Security Number or ITIN
- US income slips: W-2, 1099, K-1, or rental income statements
- Bank and brokerage account statements (for FBAR reporting)
- Copies of prior US and Canadian tax returns
- Canadian income slips, for foreign tax credit coordination
US filing deadlines
Calendar-year Form 1040 returns are generally due April 15 of the following year. Qualifying US citizens and resident aliens abroad receive an automatic two-month extension to file and pay, generally to June 15, but interest runs from the regular payment deadline. Eligibility conditions and a statement attached to the return apply. Form 1040-NR deadlines depend on the situation. FBAR is due April 15 with an automatic extension to October 15; weekend and holiday rules can adjust dates.
How the Canada–US tax treaty helps
The Canada–US tax treaty coordinates taxing rights and can provide relief from double taxation, alongside domestic foreign tax credits. Eligibility, income type, credit limits and the treaty's saving clause affect the outcome; relief is not an unconditional guarantee that no double tax remains. Treaty benefits do not automatically remove filing or information-reporting obligations.
Pricing
Cross-border returns are quoted per engagement based on the forms your situation requires. Request a free consultation and you'll receive a flat-rate quote in writing before any work begins.
Common cross-border mistakes
- Missing the FBAR filing requirement for foreign financial accounts.
- Assuming the tax treaty removes the need to file a US return.
- Failing to coordinate foreign tax credits between the two returns, resulting in double taxation.
- Missing US reporting for Canadian registered accounts and investments.
Frequently asked questions
As a US citizen living in Canada, do I have to file both returns?
Often, yes. US citizens are generally subject to US tax on worldwide income, while Canadian tax residents generally report worldwide income in Canada. Whether each return is required depends on filing thresholds and personal circumstances. Treaty relief and foreign tax credits can reduce double taxation but have eligibility rules and limits.
Do Canadians with US rental property have to file US taxes?
Often, yes. Rental income from US real estate is US-sourced income and typically requires a US non-resident return (Form 1040-NR). Treaty positions and withholding elections can reduce US tax, and the income must also be reported in Canada.
What is FBAR and do I need to file it?
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) reports foreign financial accounts to FinCEN, separately from an IRS tax return. It generally applies to a US person with a financial interest in, or signature authority over, foreign accounts whose aggregate value exceeded US$10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Exceptions apply; Canadian citizenship alone does not create an FBAR obligation.
Can a Canadian accountant prepare my US tax return?
Yes — cross-border accountants routinely prepare both US filings (such as Form 1040, 1040-NR and FBAR) and the Canadian T1, and coordinate them so treaty positions and foreign tax credits are claimed consistently on both sides.
What is the Canada–US tax treaty?
A bilateral agreement coordinating Canadian and US taxing rights. Depending on eligibility, it can provide reduced withholding and relief from double taxation alongside foreign tax credits. Its saving clause preserves certain US taxing rights, and filing requirements must be assessed separately.
Do you prepare American tax returns for Canadians?
Yes. Canadians who receive US income — rental, employment or business income — often must file an American tax return, commonly Form 1040-NR, alongside their Canadian T1. Accountants Online prepares US returns for Canadians, claims treaty positions where eligible, and coordinates foreign tax credits between the two filings so income is not taxed twice.
What is an IRS Enrolled Agent?
An IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) is a tax practitioner federally licensed by the IRS to prepare US tax returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS. Our US tax work is led by an IRS Enrolled Agent who is also a CPA licensed in Ontario and British Columbia — one professional qualified on both sides of the border.
Sources & references
Related pages
- Canada–US Cross-Border Tax
- Personal Tax Return (T1) Canada
- Online Accountant Canada
- Book a Consultation