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This is a collection of links describing what resources are available
in Canada and on the Internet for US citizens who live north of the
border. It's by no means comprehensive; it's intended only as a
starting point, and nothing on it should be construed as official.
If there's anything you'd like to see here,
let me know.
US government services for citizens abroad
The United States government operates an automated,
toll-free telephone number that provides a fairly thorough recorded
description of the services available to US citizens in Canada.
+1 (800) 529 4410
When you call this number, you'll be connected to one of those
"For information about X, press 1. For information about
Y, press 2. For information about Z, press 3" etc. systems.
All the information is available in English or French. You can find
out about any of the following:
- American citizen emergency services
- Passport issuance and renewal
- Registration of births
- Claims to US citizenship
- Dual nationality
- Notarial services
- Tax information
- Voting procedures
- The US Selective Service system
- Social Security
- US Customs
- Travel advisories
The US maintains consulates ("consular sections") in the following
cities:
- Calgary
- Halifax
- Montréal
- Ottawa
- Québec
- Toronto
- Vancouver
The information line can tell you the hours, addresses, and procedures
for reporting emergencies for all of them.
Finances
Disclaimer: the following information is strictly my understanding
of IRS requirements for US citizens living abroad. It is in no
circumstances to be construed as official. See the IRS link below
for definitive information.
As a US citizen, you are required to file an income tax return every
year, even if your entire income for the year comes from sources outside
the US. In most cases, you do not have to pay taxes on non-US income if
you make less than $70,000 USD in one year, but you do still have to
file. I'm not sure why the IRS is interested, but they are, and failure
to file can get you arrested if you return to the States.
You have to pay taxes on non-US income in the following circumstances:
- You make more than $70,000 USD in one year, or
- You work as an independent contractor outside the US.
The Internal
Revenue Service WWW site
is an invaluable resource, containing a guide to the tax responsibilities
of US citizens living abroad, downloadable tax forms, and contact
information. You'll need the
Adobe Acrobat software, downloadble for free, to use this site to
its fullest.
In many Canadian cities, representatives from the IRS are available
on certain dates before April 15 to help you with your taxes. The 800
number above can tell you more about this, including where you can call
to make an appointment.
Voting
You are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in your state of last
residence. Again, the above 800 number can give you more information,
including how to register (your best bet is probably to go visit the
consulate nearest you).
Here are some links you can use to keep yourself informed:
Here are some links to information about Congress:
And of course, there's always the
White House site.
Other helpful resources
--Emily
Way (emily_@_americansguide.ca)
Last updated September 12, 2005
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