are lawyer's bills taxable income when paid by a

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Subject: are lawyer's bills taxable income when paid by a relative
If you are a canadian with a green card in the US and you have legal bills
(significant dollar amount) paid for by a relative in canada to a lawyer in
the US..is that reportable as income on your US tax return?
Thanks
SXXXXXXXXX
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david ingram replies:
The payment of the legal bills was a gift to you and is not taxable to you if paid by a Canadian Citizen who is not living in the United States.
However, if the giver was an American citizen in Canada (or any other country for that matter) or an American resident AND the amount was over $11,000 in one year, the giver might have to pay gift tax.  It would be calculated on form 709. 
And, if the amount came to light in future years and the giver had not paid the gift tax, you, as the recipient could be held liable for their tax.
David Ingram's US/Canada Services
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