Hey DIY’ers! If you’ve never done a US tax return, and you are keen to try, here’s a list of the most common forms US citizens living abroad need to do their own returns, and a few important tips… To get started, identify which forms you need from the list below. You can find fillable … [Read more…]
For US citizens exploring US taxes for the first time, or Canadians doing business south of the border, there are several key differences between our tax regimes to be aware of. Here are the most important 10 for individuals. The US taxes its CITIZENS, no matter where in the world they live. (Canada taxes its … [Read more…]
Similar to saving money by hiring a mediator before you hire a lawyer, choose US Tax Victoria before feeling the need to hire an accountant. Chances are good that I can take care of your needs. Finally, if an accountant is required for any reason, I offer to attend these meetings free of charge, working … [Read more…]
I live in the US and work in Canada and had left my Canadian taxes until 5 days before the deadline thinking I could do them myself. I was overwhelmed and my husband found Orion online for me. From our first meeting I felt relieved and confident that Orion completely understood my situation and he … [Read more…]
Back in the days when I knew virtually nothing about US tax and information reporting, I timidly called a chartered accountant in Victoria and asked if his firm prepared US tax returns. After a brief pause, he responded “Ahh… yep, I’ve done a couple” I was not reassured.
The FBAR (aka FinCEN Form 114) is a form that US citizens who hold “monetary” assets outside the US must submit each year. This form doesn’t go to the IRS, but to the Department of the Treasury. The deadline is April 15, though an extension is granted to everyone until October 15, without exception, essentially … [Read more…]
DIY’ers, use these forms under special circumstances. I do recommend getting help with some of them, at least the first time you do them. Important recommendations: If you are a DIY’er, save yourself a headache, and have someone look over your returns to find any glaring oversights. Let us do it at a fraction of the … [Read more…]
Which Exchange Rates to Use Converting Canadian dollar amounts to US dollars can be a pain in the left heel. Whether you use online software, or complete fillable PDF forms, it has to be done. Here are a few pointers to make the process as carefree as possible: For most values on tax returns (see … [Read more…]
I asked Orion for help when I was surprised by letters from the IRS over things I had no idea how to answer. As a dual citizen of Canada and the US, and with the recent passing of my husband, the closing or our Canadian corporation, and the sale of our property, many complex questions … [Read more…]
Orion, thank you so much for your assistance in crossing the hurdles of understanding and complying with US tax requirements. Your generosity in answering all my questions, asking the right ones, and helping me navigate the best path forward, was outstanding. Your service was highly personalized and tailored to my unique situation, with extra research and … [Read more…]
Orion helped me navigate a business agreement that turned nasty and ugly, and one where my company might lose thousands of dollars. The other party hired an accountant who struggled to understand the business and subsequently created incorrect accounting results. Their demand for thousands of dollars loomed. While my lawyer managed the legal end of … [Read more…]