Bird Talk » Dollars & Sense

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, Our friends got a U.S. Social Security number. When I asked them what the advantages of having a U.S. number were, they simply said they thought it was a good idea. Are there advantages of a Snowbird having a U.S. Social Security number? Do you recommend it? Thanks, Dave Michael Response: Canadians […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, In your last publication you published an article entitled “Changes in Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act” and stated that if a Canadian citizen is selling U.S. property over $300,000 U.S. they must get an ITIN from the IRS. Recently, a friend has decided to sell his U.S. property in Florida […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, I read your article about Ontario leading the way for TAX BREAKS FOR SENIORS. In fact BC HAS HAD THE SENIOR PROPERTY TAX BREAK ON EDUCATION FOR ABOUT 15 YRS OR MORE. In BC it’s called THE HOMEOWNERS GRANT, and as seniors you don’t pay the school tax portion on your taxes. […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, I’m finding out much to my chagrin, that it is illegal for Value Line, an arm of the RBC and with whom I have my portfolio, to allow me to trade whilst I am in Florida, which is for six months. Finding this out now after contributing to Value Line, a good […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, A SAFETY PRECAUTION Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each licence, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet, as well as all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk; RE: Bird Talk Follow-Up on the Florida 10% withholding tax on property sales. In reference to the letter from R.A. Jobber in Issue 35, we have been through this procedure, so we would like to offer the following information: You do not have to pay the 10 percent (withholding tax) if you […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Birdtalk, In our Park in Mesa, Arizona, there are several Canadians who do not complete form 8840, the “Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens” form. Please have someone research as to whether this form is mandatory. Please reply in the CSA news. D. Laidlaw Saskatoon, Sk. Response: My first thought was, “I wonder if […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Birdtalk, Do you have information regarding taxes (both U.S. & Canadian) when a Canadian sells a condo in Florida? Also, I heard there is a tax relief if you sell a Florida property to a Floridian. R. A. Jobber Response: When a foreign person (Canadian) sells a real estate property (condo) in the United […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, Ref: Fall 99, Issue 33, page 22. Dave Hunter says the Canadian dollar is valued between 65 and 68 cents U.S. – that surely is the value we see on TV. It is not the amount one gets offered at our local banks. If he can get between 65 and 68 cents, […]

Posted date : Nov 4, 2017.

Dear Bird Talk, Re: Summer 1999 issue, page 11. I also had the same problems as Kenneth Ramsay. A teller in St. Pete’s, Florida told me, a Canadian money order could bounce like a cheque. I explained that I’d paid cash at the bank for them. I had to use the machine for cash. Fortunately, […]