a possible move to Vancouver or Toronto from Los

Hello,
We are considering  moving to Vancouver or Toronto from the United States
and would like to understand how the tax situation works.  If we just live
there and don't work do have to pay taxes to Canada.  If we live there and
do work do we pay what to Canada.
We would most porbably purchase a home.  We are both in the entertainment
fields and we were wondering if we would be able to work there.  One of us
is a known celebrity in Canada the other is not known but would like to
continue performing.
Also, we are under the Screen Actors Guild  and Aftra Medical Plan...and one
of us has Medicare as well.  How do you see doctors in Canada since that is
a whole different system.
If there is a person you might recommend we could speak to about this it
would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
======================
david ingram replies:
The tough part is that Canada is a separate country and Americans can NOT
just move here anymore than a Canadian can just move to the US.
Without a job offer, the two of you would have to immigrate.  To find out if
you qualify, you can self-assess yourself at
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/assess/index.html
You and your husband certainly have enough North American Recognition.  The
problem is that I would not qualify to immigrate to Canada right now, the
premier of our province would not qualify to immigrate to Canada right now.
There is a business immigration which would require the investment of
$400,000 Canadian (about $275,000 US) for a period of 5 years after which
you get it back.
If you are in Canada for more than 183 days in the year you become taxable
on your world income meaning any US income becomes taxable.  As US citizens,
you are also taxable on your world income and would pay tax to the US first
if the money all comes from the US.  You would then report the income again
to Canada and calculate Canadian tax.  You could then apply the tax paid to
the Canadian Bill.  Depending upon your income, you could owe more tax to
Canada (likely) or not own anything more to Canada.  For instance, Canada's
highest tax rate and California's highest tax rate are not that different
now when social security taxes are taken into account.
I suggest that you go to www.centa.com and read the US/Canada Taxation
section.
This gives you some of the tax rules.
I have helped more well - known Canadians go south to work in the US than US
Actors to Canada.  I did however help Bill Bixby as one recognizable name.
Your medical plan is fine for a visit but will likely not cover you once you
move here.
A solution would be to get yourself a "summer house" in the Vancouver area
and maintain your US residence.  Spend 5 months in Canada and 7 months in
the states and you are home free.  Everything works.
Call me at (604) 657-8451 from 9 AM to 11 PM LA time.  I will be glad to
discuss it with you.  I could type for five hours and just be surmising.
david ingram
david ingram - [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
108-100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V7T 1A2
(604) 913-9133 - (604) 913-9123 www.centa.com <http://www.centa.com>
Cell is (604) 657-8451 (10 AM to 10 PM seven days a week)
US/Canada Real Estate Taxation Specialists
US / CANADA / MEXICO
Working Visa and Income Tax Specialists
Disclaimer:  This question has been answered without detailed information or
consultation and is to be regarded only as general comment.   Nothing in
this message is or should be construed as advice in any particular
circumstances. No contract exists between the reader and the author and any
and all non-contractual duties are expressly denied. All readers should
obtain formal advice from a competent and appropriately qualified legal
practitioner or tax specialist in connection with personal or business
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Be ALERT,  the world needs more "lerts"
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