Frequently asked questions
What is Being Canadian?
A digital service for Canadians who live, work, retire, or winter in the United States, and for dual citizens. It pairs free cross-border tax tools with The Loonie Briefing, a daily newsletter that finds the quiet comedy in cross-border life. Built by a dual citizen who got tired of guessing.
What is free?
The daily briefing stories, the trivia, the translator, and the core cross-border tools: a substantial-presence day counter, a TFSA US-tax checker, and an FBAR checker. No account required to try them.
What is Full Citizen, and what does it cost?
Full Citizen is the paid tier, $79 a year (the same number in USD and CAD), with a 7-day free trial. It unlocks the full tool set and the complete archive.
What is the day counter for?
The US counts the days you spend there to decide whether you are a resident for tax purposes (the substantial presence test). Spend too many days across a rolling three-year window and the US can treat you as a resident, even on a tourist visa. The day counter tracks your days so you see where you stand before it becomes a problem.
I am a snowbird. Will the US tax me if I stay too long?
It can. If you cross the substantial-presence threshold, the US may consider you a resident for tax purposes. There are exceptions, like the Closer Connection exception, that can protect you if you file the right form on time. The tools show you the lines. A cross-border accountant helps you file.
What happens to my TFSA in the US?
The US does not treat the TFSA as tax-free. The IRS can tax the income inside it, and it can carry extra reporting. The TFSA checker flags whether yours is likely to create a US headache.
Do I need to file an FBAR?
If your non-US accounts add up to more than US$10,000 at any point in the year, the US generally requires an FBAR. The FBAR checker gives you a quick read on whether you likely need to file.
Is this tax advice?
No. Being Canadian gives you general information and tools to understand your situation. It is not legal or tax advice and it is not a substitute for a qualified cross-border accountant or lawyer.
Is it available in French?
Yes. The tools and the briefing are available in English and Quebec French.
What is Covert Mode?
A bit of fun. Tap the maple leaf and it becomes an American eagle, for the moments a Canadian wants to blend in down south. Tap it again to come home.
What is The Loonie Briefing?
A daily newsletter with three short, satirical stories about cross-border life, plus the useful stuff. Free to read. Full Citizen unlocks the archive.
Is it on iPhone and Android?
Yes, both, plus the web.