Episode 80: Working for a U.S. Employer While Living in Canada Retirement Plans Taxes and Cross Border Pitfalls

In this episode of the Snowbirds Expat Radio, host Gerry Scott welcomes back cross border tax specialist Sharon Conrod of Hanson Tax LLC for a timely conversation on one of the most misunderstood cross border situations today Canadians living in Canada while working for U.S. employers.

As more professionals take U.S. roles while residing north of the border questions around 401k plans IRAs RRSP room and treaty relief are becoming increasingly common and increasingly complex. Sharon explains how U.S. retirement plans are treated in Canada when deductions are available why tracking basis matters and where many people unknowingly create future tax issues.

The discussion also explores remote work considerations employer matching crystallization strategies state level tax risks and why there is truly no one size fits all solution when families live and work across borders.

What You Will Learn

• How 401k and IRA contributions are treated when you live in Canada

• When U.S. retirement contributions may or may not be deductible in Canada

• Why RRSP room limits matter for cross border commuters

• The role of Form RC268 and why it is critical for Canadians with U.S. plans

• How employer matching works and when it still makes sense to participate

• Why tracking non deductible contributions over time is important

• How crystallizing RRSPs before moving to the U.S. can reduce future taxes

• Why certain U.S. states can complicate otherwise treaty protected plans

• Common mistakes remote workers and employers make

• Why residency and family dynamics matter in cross border planning

Why This Episode MattersCross border work arrangements have grown significantly but the tax rules have not become any simpler. This episode highlights why working with experienced cross border professionals can help prevent costly mistakes both now and in the future.