What happens if you're a Canadian and get into a car accident in the U.S.? This episode is a must-listen for snowbirds, part-time residents, and anyone who drives across the border. Gerry Scott is joined again by personal injury lawyer Andrew Iacobelli, whose cross-border legal expertise helps Canadians navigate the often-confusing world of U.S. auto accidents, insurance claims, and litigation.

From the importance of underinsured motorist coverage to how fast U.S. litigation can move compared to Canada, Andrew breaks down what to do immediately after a crash, what evidence to collect, and why you should never sign a release form without legal advice. He also explains why Americans injured in Canada may have the advantage—and what every Canadian traveler should keep in their glovebox (spoiler: it’s his book!).

Whether you're road-tripping through Florida, spending your winters in Arizona, or just curious about what your insurance actually covers—you’ll want to take notes.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• The #1 most important step to take after a U.S. car accident (hint: it’s not calling your insurer).

• Why travel insurance is critical, especially for snowbirds.

• How U.S. adjusters evaluate claims—and why Canadian medical records can be a disadvantage.

• What to know about settlement offers, release forms, and preserving your right to sue.

• The difference between no-fault benefits and underinsured motorist claims—and how to choose the right one for your case.

• When to involve lawyers on both sides of the border (and when you might not need to).

• Why American citizens injured in Canada may actually have stronger negotiating leverage.

• What Canadians should never do before consulting with a lawyer.

If you’re a U.S. citizen living in Canada—or a Canadian with U.S. ties—are you clear on your tax obligations? The answer could be more complicated than you think.

Gerry Scott sits down with cross-border tax attorney Alexey Manasuev from U.S. Tax IQ, to unpack what you really need to know about U.S. and Canadian tax obligations. From foreign retirement accounts to FBAR requirements and residency status, this conversation is packed with insights that could save you thousands—and a major compliance headache.

Key Takeaways:

• U.S. citizens must file U.S. tax returns—even when living abroad

• Canadian residents with U.S. ties face unique filing considerations

• Retirement accounts are not treated equally in both countries

• FBAR filing is mandatory if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000

• Non-compliance comes with steep financial penalties

• The U.S.-Canada tax treaty doesn’t override filing responsibilities

• Residency status plays a central role in determining obligations

• Business owners can use strategic planning to manage cross-border tariffs

• Decision trees can help clarify complex filing questions

• A qualified tax advisor can make all the difference

Whether you're spending a few months in the U.S., managing dual citizenship, or running a cross-border business, this episode offers clarity in a complicated space.

🎧 Tune in now at snowbirdsusdaytracker.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Snowbirds #CrossBorderTax #USCanadaTax #ExpatPlanning #RetirementTaxes #GerryScott #AlexeyManasuev #SnowbirdsExpatRadio #FBAR #TaxResidency #RaymondJamesCanada #SnowbirdsUSDayTracker

What really happens when a Canadian sells property in the U.S.—and how do you avoid unexpected tax surprises?

In this episode of Snowbirds Expat Radio, host Gerry Scott welcomes cross-border tax professional Steven Flynn to discuss the growing trend of Canadians selling real estate in the U.S., particularly in sunny destinations like Florida and Arizona.

They break down the key tax implications, from federal withholding rules to state-specific obligations, and explain why Canadians need to file U.S. tax returns to reclaim overpaid taxes. The conversation also highlights the importance of foreign tax credits, how estate sales are handled, and why pre-sale planning can make all the difference.

Whether you're actively selling or just starting to explore the process, this episode offers practical insight to help you prepare and protect your financial interests.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Growing Trend: More Canadians are choosing to sell their U.S. properties due to lifestyle and financial changes.

✅ Federal Withholding Applies: The IRS withholds a portion of the sale price from non-resident sellers.

✅ State Tax Rules Vary: Tax responsibilities can differ significantly from state to state.

✅ Tax Filing Required: Canadians must file a U.S. tax return to report the sale and request refunds.

✅ Foreign Tax Credits Help: These credits can reduce or eliminate double taxation between Canada and the U.S.

✅ Estate Sales Follow Similar Rules: Estates must also comply with U.S. tax filing and withholding requirements.

✅ Plan Before You Sell: Early tax planning can help avoid surprises and maximize your net proceeds.

✅ IRS ID Requirements: Sellers may need to obtain a U.S. tax identification number.

✅ Refunds Can Be Lost: Missing tax filing deadlines may result in forfeiting refunds.

✅ Professional Help Makes a Difference: Having the right guidance can simplify a complex process.

🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform for an informative look at cross-border property sales.

🔗 Subscribe to Snowbirds Expat Radio for more conversations on real estate, taxes, and expat living.

📢 Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you!#Snowbirds #CanadianInUSA #USTaxForCanadians #CrossBorderLiving #RealEstateAbroad

How do rising tariffs between the U.S. and Canada really impact your wallet—and your winter lifestyle?

In this episode, host Gerry Scott welcomes international trade and tax professional, Dan Kiselbach of Miller Thomson to break down what snowbirds and Canadian retirees need to know about the shifting trade landscape. From the price of beer to cross-border legal protections, this conversation unpacks the real-life implications of tariffs, currency instability, and political shifts.

Whether you winter in Florida or invest across borders, this episode offers valuable insight on protecting your financial future.

Key Takeaways:

• Tariffs are driving up consumer prices—especially in everyday goods.

• Canadian retirees could feel the pinch on both sides of the border.

• Canada’s retaliatory moves are precise and strategic.

• Legal protections for Canadians exist under trade agreements.

• Currency fluctuations may weaken spending power in the U.S.

• Investment opportunities may shift with trade uncertainty.

• Political predictions lean toward continued liberal leadership.

• Historical tariffs continue to shape today’s economy.

• Delaware remains a popular business base thanks to its legal structure.

🎧 Tune in now to stay informed—and stay prepared.

#SnowbirdExpatRadio #TariffTalk #CrossBorderLiving #SmartSnowbirding

Gerry Scott and Toronto Mike discuss the 2025 Canadian federal election, how the country came to be so divided, and what should be done to unite the true north strong and free.

How does the Windfall Elimination Provision affect Canadians collecting both CPP and U.S. Social Security—and what’s changing?

In this episode of Snowbirds Expat Radio, host Gerry Scott is joined by guest Sharon Conrod, CPA of Hanson Cross-border Tax Professional Corporation for an in-depth conversation about the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and its implications for cross-border retirees. Together, they explore the history of WEP, recent updates, and how these changes may benefit Canadians who have worked in both countries.

The discussion also touches on the Government Pension Offset (GPO), the differences between U.S. and Canadian retirement systems, and the importance of understanding how these policies intersect.

If you're planning your retirement across borders—or already collecting benefits—this episode provides timely insight into how these evolving rules may impact your financial planning.

Key Takeaways:

• WEP was designed to adjust U.S. Social Security benefits for individuals receiving non-covered pensions, like Canada’s CPP.

• Recent changes may help reduce the impact of WEP for many Canadian retirees.

• The Government Pension Offset (GPO) affects spousal benefits and operates separately from WEP.

• Understanding the WEP calculation formula is essential to estimate your actual benefits.

• Political developments may influence the future of WEP and Social Security rules.

• Comparing CPP and U.S. Social Security isn’t always straightforward due to structural and tax differences.

• Canadian residents can now apply for CPP without worrying about automatic reductions to U.S. benefits.

In this episode, host Gerry Scott is joined once again by Aaron Dawes, a cross-border tax specialist with Smythe LLP, for Part 2 of their discussion on estate planning across the U.S.-Canada border.

This conversation dives into the complexities that arise when Canadian children inherit assets from American parents—a growing issue in cross-border wealth management. Aaron breaks down the tax implications, planning considerations, and often-overlooked pitfalls families face when navigating real estate, IRAs, cash inheritances, and U.S. estate tax rules. He also emphasizes the critical role of cross-border tax advisors and estate lawyers in avoiding delays, penalties, or double taxation.

👉 If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 for the U.S. perspective on cross-border inheritance and key foundational insights.

What You’ll Learn in Part 2:

• How U.S. estate tax applies to high-net-worth individuals

• The benefits of inherited IRAs vs. lump-sum distributions

• When and how cross-border tax treaties come into play

• Why cash is easy but real estate can be tricky to inherit across borders

• How late filings can result in steep penalties

• The importance of having cross-border professionals on your estate planning team

• How family dynamics can complicate even the best-laid plans

This is an essential listen for anyone managing assets across borders, navigating family inheritance, or helping clients prepare for a smooth generational transfer.

Ever wondered what really happens when a U.S. citizen inherits assets from their Canadian parents?

Spoiler: it's not as simple as you’d think.

In today’s episode, host Gerry Scott sits down with Aaron Dawes, cross-border tax expert from Smythe LLP, to unpack the increasingly common—but often misunderstood—scenario of U.S. individuals inheriting Canadian assets. With more families living cross-border lifestyles and adult children relocating south, questions around tax, compliance, and estate planning have taken on a whole new level of complexity.

Aaron breaks down what Americans need to know when it comes to Canadian inheritances—covering everything from brokerage accounts and real estate to RRSPs and even mutual funds (hello, PFIC reporting!). He also shares important guidance for Canadian parents who want to ensure their U.S.-based children don’t end up tangled in unnecessary tax trouble.

Plus, they touch on the rise of dual-country living, why California residents often get the short end of the treaty stick, and what both sides of the border can do to minimize the risk of double taxation.

Whether you're the beneficiary, the planner, or somewhere in between, this episode will give you a better understanding of the tax landscape and how to protect your assets—and your sanity.

Key Takeaways:

• What U.S. beneficiaries need to report when inheriting Canadian assets

• Why Canadian mutual funds can trigger complicated (and costly) U.S. tax filings

• How the Canada–U.S. tax treaty works—and when it doesn’t

• The role of executors and why residency matters

• Steps Canadian parents can take now to ease the future burden on their U.S. children

About the Guest:

Aaron Dawes, CPA, is a partner at Smythe LLP, a British Columbia-based accounting firm with offices in Vancouver, Langley, and Nanaimo. Specializing in U.S.-Canada cross-border taxation, Aaron works closely with families and business owners navigating complex estate, income, and compliance matters across borders.

Next Episode Teaser:

Stay tuned for part two, where we flip the script: What Canadian beneficiaries need to know when inheriting from U.S. parents—especially when irrevocable trusts come into play.🔗

Helpful Links:

• Smythe LLP: https://www.smythecpa.com