Purchasing a vacation property in the US

Many Canadians are thinking about buying vacation homes in the USA. If you're one of them, would you be interested in knowing what a Canadian accountant with 25 years of experience might say about it? If so, click here to read this article by Mark Goodfield, an accountant who blogs at http://www.thebluntbeancounter.com/ . Photo from http://www.dreamstime.com/ .

How long can snowbirds avoid US tax?

Do you spend time in the US, either for  business or for pleasure? Many of my clients spend quite a bit of time at their recreational properties in Arizona and other sunny American places. If you're one of them, you should read this article from Terry F. Ritchie at http://www.capitalmagazine.ca/ . Click here to read it.

Is a US tax return due?

This link leads to a very useful and straightforward article from All About Estates that will be very helpful if you are the executor of an estate with  a US property. Click here to read it.

If you own a vacation home in the USA, read this

You may or may not know that the estate tax in the US has been in limbo this last year due to a re-vamping of their tax system. It has caused uncertainty for advisors and consumers alike, but now the Americans have got their new system in place for 2011. This column in today's Financial Post talks about how the new estate tax will affect Canadians who own property in the US when they pass away. Click here to read it.

All Canadians with US property, read this!

This article from All About Estates gives detailed information about what happens tax-wise when a Canadian resident dies owning US property. This is relevant for so many readers, as they own condos in Florida or Arizona or other nice warm places. This is information you need to know as you think about your estate planning. Click here to read the article.

Snowbirds beware! Canadians and the American IRS

Attached is a very good article for Canadians who own property in the US and spend considerable time there to escape our snowy winters. Ever think about whether using that property will get you into trouble with American tax authorities? Read this article from Moodys LLP Tax Advisors for some very good information.