Bird Talk

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017.

Many in the snowbird community must be thinking about the use of medical marijuana. Please give us guidelines concerning Medipac and U.S. border regulations. James Butler Oakville, ON Response: Ed.: A great and timely question. DO NOT try to take marijuana into the United States, or anywhere else for that matter. Many countries have severe […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017.

Regarding the 30-day absence rule, I have recently had a fellow snowbird inform me that they have been told that you must actually return to Canada in order for those days not to be counted toward your U.S. time as opposed to travelling, for example, to Mexico for 30 days. Can you clarify this for […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017.

If my wife and I visit Arizona for five months every calendar year (say Nov. 1-March 31) and file an 8840 every year, will we be subject to U.S. taxes based on worldly income? Our U.S. tax accountant in Canada says that it is very possible and recommends to not spend more than 120 days […]

Posted date : Dec 15, 2017.

I enjoy reading the various questions and answers re: Dear Bird Talk. One answer caught my attention in the summer 2017 issue 103. It was mentioned that, sometimes, a border guard will only allow you a shorter period (for instance – only 90 days). In that case, you will have to comply with the shorter […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, We winter in Apache Junction, Arizona. Over the years, we have been driving back and forth. We want to start flying back and forth. We want to leave our Alberta car here and fly. Can we register our car in Arizona, or do we have to take it back to the Canada/U.S. […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, We crossed the border at Sarnia/Port Huron recently and encountered a very unusual procedure. At the U.S. CBP station, we were asked a few questions and then allowed to proceed. However, before we drove more than two car lengths, we were stopped by a very large white pickup truck which blocked our […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, I own a condo in Vero Beach Florida and for a few years, my son has driven us down, stayed for a week or so and then I have bought him a ticket to fly home. This worked well for me and he was happy to do it. In the spring, I […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, The vast majority of snowbirds are without a Canadian home address for the simple fact that they have sold their homes and are living full time in their RVs. Ever try to get into the U.S. with a title of homeless? Not only border crossing; try getting a licence for anything. My […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, I read an article online that was published by the Star which stated some information of which I was unaware and am wondering if you could clarify. We are aware that we can stay for up to 182 days out of a year. What I was unaware of is it also states […]

Posted date : Nov 13, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, We understand that there is a limit of 182 days for Ontario residents to be in the states per year. Does the year run from January to December (calendar year), or how do they estimate your stay in the states? Beth Duffield Point Edward, ON Response: Ed.: For clarity, a Canadian is […]