The implementation of FATCA and the ongoing efforts of the IRS and the Department of Justice to ensure compliance by those with U.S. tax obligations have raised awareness of U.S. tax and information reporting obligations with respect to non-U.S. investments.  Because the circumstances of taxpayers with non-U.S. investments vary widely, the IRS offers the following options for addressing previous failures to comply with U.S. tax and information return obligations with respect to those investments:

  1. Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program;
    Note: The Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) is closing. Refer to the OVDP FAQs for an outline of the sunset provisions.
  2. Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures;
  3. Delinquent FBAR submission procedures; and
  4. Delinquent international information return submission procedures.

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If you have accounts receivables from a US entity, you may get the request for a W8-BEN or a W8-Ben-E form. Without this form, the payor of your accounts receivable will withhold a non-resident tax. The only way to get the refund of the tax is to file a US non-resident return, either a 1040NR for  individuals or a 1120F for corporations. The waiver form indicates to the payor that you are exempt from US taxation under the Canada/U.S. tax treaty.

Note that if you are considered to be carrying on business in the United States, then the waiver may not apply if it is  considered that you also have a permanent establishment in the United States by virtue of Article V of the treaty. In this regard you should obtain professional advice on Read More