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The Daily Insight

Do I have to pay taxes in the US and Canada?

Author

James Williams

Published Apr 17, 2026

Thanks to the tax treaty between the US and Canada, Americans living in Canada can avoid being double-taxed. The Canada-United States Tax Treaty ensures that a resident of Canada is not taxed by both countries, United States and Canada, on the same income in the same year.

Do non residents in Canada pay capital gains?

Distributions of capital gains, capital gains dividends or a return of capital from Canadian mutual funds are generally exempt from Canadian non-resident withholding tax. However, in some circumstances, Canadian withholding tax can apply.

Do you have to pay US taxes if you are dual citizen of Canada?

Yes, if you are a citizen or resident alien of the United States, you have a U.S. tax obligation, even if you’re a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. is one of two countries in the world that taxes based on citizenship, not place of residency.

Can a dual resident claim benefits from an international tax treaty?

If you are a dual-resident taxpayer (a resident of both the United States and another country under each country’s tax laws), you can still claim the benefits under an income tax treaty. The income tax treaty between the two countries must contain a provision that provides for resolution of conflicting claims of residence (tie-breaker rule).

How are US citizens exempt from taxes in Canada?

A U.S. citizen or resident who is temporarily present in Canada during the tax year is exempt from Canadian income taxes on pay for services performed, or remittances received from the United States, if the citizen or resident qualifies under one of the treaty exemption provisions set out below. Income from employment (Article XV).

How does having dual citizenship affect your taxes?

They are taxed on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. In that case, the individual must file Canadian and U.S. tax returns. The two countries have a tax treaty with provisions and relief for these individuals so they do not pay double the tax.