My_question_is: Applicable to both US and Canada Subject: US Citizen living in Canada - Didn't know I had to file a US tax return. What now? Expert: taxman at centa.com Date: Monday August 21, 2006 Time: 01:42 PM -0700 QUESTION: I am a US citizen who immigrated and was naturalized in Canada a number of years ago. I maintain dual citizenship, but have not lived in the US for any length of time since I emigrated. Very recently, I was surprised to learn that US citizens are required to file US tax returns every year, even while they are living overseas. Honestly, I had no idea, and stood absolutely nothing to gain by not filing (my yearly income has always been well below the $80,000 exemption). Moreover, the penalties sound absolutely bankrupting. My question is: what should I do now? Should I just start submitting my old tax forms, contact the IRS and beg for mercy, or what? Thanks for your help. ------------------------------------------ david ingram replies: You should file back 6 years. If you have Canadian RRSP accounts, you have to be sure to file form 8891 for each account - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8891.pdf And if all the accounts you have are over $10,000 combined, you have to fill out form TDF 90-22.1 for each and every Canadian or Ethiopian account including the RRSP accounts and any account you are a joint signer on such as an account with your mother, sister or Girl Guide leader account. Read the fine print at the bottom of form TD-F.90-22 for up tp $500,000 fine. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-fill/f9022-1.pdf So far, (knock on wood), I have not had a single client penalized when they came forward. I have seen people with tax bills in the $200,000 range when they have been "caught". I am available to do this for you. 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