Americans with foreign assets are a serious concern for the Internal Revenue Service. This is especially true of Canadian bank accounts. Private citizens of Canada have filed legal action to block the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Shady citizens have long used offshore accounts to hide money and avoid taxation, causing the IRS to pursue tax evaders more aggressively in recent years. International accounts must be handled and reported differently than domestic ones in order to avoid fines. However, it is still possible for Americans to open a bank account in Canada.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. It succeeded in forcing international banks to adhere to its compliance standards. Non-U.S. institutions must report all American-held accounts above $50,000, or face severe withholding penalties and market exclusion. This has made some Canadian banks hesitate to accept American clients because of the additional risk and paperwork.
Each citizen must also electronically report their overseas assets to the U.S. Treasure Department. If the foreign accounts total more than $10,000 at any time in a calendar year, you must file a form known as FinCEN 114. It can be completed online and must be filed separately from income tax. This applies to both personal accounts and ‘signature authority accounts.’ Anyone who willfully fails to comply is subject to penalties up to 50% of the total assets.
Opening a Bank Account in Canada
Despite the American government’s attempts to discourage its citizens, many people successfully maintain overseas accounts. Foreign nationals can still open a bank account in Canada as long as they provide two pieces of proper identification including:
- Current foreign passport
- Employee ID card from a known employer
- Debit or bank card with name and signature
- Canadian credit card with name and signature
- Client card issued by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind
There are a number of places where you can open a bank account. You can choose from a variety of different checking and savings accounts at banks, credit unions, trust companies, and caisse union across the country.
Financial Implications of Foreign Accounts
The United States is among one of the only developed nations that levy taxes on its citizens outside their own country. U.S. expatriates receive double taxation on all foreign income, capital and trades. However, not all foreign workers pay taxes. The foreign earned income tax credit (FEIE) allows you to exclude up to $105,900 of your income for 2019, but fluctuates slightly from year to year. You should check with a financial adviser or tax preparation service to ensure that you are eligible to claim the exclusion.
If the IRS determines that you have willfully withheld reporting foreign income, there are severe penalties and fines. Under the new laws of FATCA, the IRS can also allow itself to access your foreign accounts to collect taxes. There are some relief provisions, but rarely enough to cover the penalties.
There are many reasons why foreigners need offshore accounts. It is possible and very simple to open an account if you have proper identification. Most banks or financial institutions require you to go in person to do so. You should contact any prospective bank to find other options for opening an account online. Opening an account abroad may seem overwhelming, but it is possible and usually simpler than you think. If you have any questions, most banks offer 24-hour support to help you with all your questions or concerns.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.