by I-5 » Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:05 pm
Well, since I'm still a US citizen, and I file a US tax return (which I will do for the rest of my life unless I renounce my citizenship), then of course I can vote, and I'm classified as an overseas voter with my last US address in Seattle.
FYI I'm a permanent resident of Canada, which means I enjoy all the rights of Canada except for voting (which I don't really care about much yet), and I only have healthcare coverage while I'm a PR (Canadian citizens have healthcare access for life). In a couple years, I could apply for Canadian citizenship if I want to, or renew my PR status.
Before anyone asks, I'm not sure about dual citizenship. I've heard the US doesn't support it, but I'm not worried about it for now. If I had to choose one, Canada would be the better passport to hold, but like I said, I haven't decided, and I don't really have to.
Oh, and yes, Mack you have it pretty accurate. I pay taxes to both the IRS and CRA (Canada Revenue Agency), but I DON'T pay double taxes...it's cruel enough I have to file 2 returns every year. This means I have an accountant in both Vancouver and Seattle who have to trade copies of my wife and I's returns with each other to make sure our numbers align. To put it simply, wherever I made an income is where I usually pay income taxes to. However, when it comes to income from the US, after I pay income tax to the IRS, CRA will also add a small tax (the margin of difference between the two tax percentages) to pay for the social services I enjoy in Canada. Do you have a headache yet? In the end, it's worth it. It better be!