As a snowbird, it seems that I am required to have two Amazon Prime accounts, one in each country. I cannot get through the Amazon maze to confirm this; can you with your resources obtain an answer? Jim Anderson Castleford, ON Response : Ed.: Another surprise for me. Amazon has charged me twice – once […]

I will be spending the winter in Arizona and would like to know if I need to provide the Lyme vaccine to my dog before crossing the U.S. border? He has all of his other vaccines (basic + rabies) already. Christine Choquette Waltham, QC Response : Ed.: I love learning new things. I did not […]

A friend of mine just sent me an e-mail stating that U.S. border guards now have the authority to request your cellphone and its password. If you refuse, the border guards can confiscate the phone for up to five days. Is there any truth to this? Ian Walker Ottawa, ON Response : Ed.: Yes! Actually, […]

A question about line 1 in the form 8840, what to enter as a snowbird going for 150 days? What type of U.S. visa (for example, F, J, M, etc.) and date you entered the United States…. Mike Mares Ottawa, ON Response : Ed.: As a snowbird, with no intention of working in the U.S., […]

If I flew back to Canada after three months in the U.S., then boarded a plane the following day to return for another two months, would I run into any problem with CBP? Helen Morgan Fort Macleod, AB Response : Ed.: This is a great question and the answer is “No”, everything would be fine. […]

Can I do repairs to my own property in California (non-permit-required work)? Thanks. John Bastone Cobble Hill, BC Response : Ed.: Yes, of course. I would be very cautious if it is a rental property, however, and would visit the county office for advice.

We are considering purchasing a trailer from another couple in Alberta. The trailer remains year-round in a California RV park. Is there anything to be cautious or aware of with regard to insurance and registration of the unit? I will be going to California to view the unit in person before purchase. Bruce Andrusiak Edmonton, […]

Is the border data-sharing between Canada and the U.S. fully implemented, or have there been further delays? And just what data is being shared anyway? Rick Moly Calgary AB Response : Ed.: In order for the border data-sharing between Canada and the United States (known as the Entry/Exit Initiative) to become fully operational, Bill C-21 […]

In the spring CSANews, you published a letter in which the writer indicates that a U.S. TIN will expire in three years if the holder has not filed a U.S. tax return. As you did not comment on this statement, it implies that you agree. I secured a U.S. TIN 20 years ago in reporting the […]

My friend claims that she was told by her accountant that on the Form 8840 – part 1 question 5 – she should fill in the number of days for the past three years as: Current year – the full number of days spent in the U.S. One year past – 1/3 of the number […]