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The Daily Insight

How are US investments taxed in Canada?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published May 13, 2026

For Canadian tax purposes, all U.S. ETF distributions are considered fully taxable foreign income and will be subject to tax at your marginal tax rate. The disposition of a U.S. ETF may trigger a capital gain or loss that will qualify for the 50% capital gains inclusion rate.

How do I claim my US pension in Canada?

Claims for benefits You can apply for Canadian benefits (OAS, CPP or QPP) at any U.S. Social Security office by completing application form CDN-USA 1 (for OAS and CPP benefits) or QUE/USA-1 (for QPP benefits).

Is there a way to avoid taxes on dividend paying stock?

Use tax-shielded accounts. If you’re saving money for retirement, and don’t want to pay taxes on dividends, consider opening a Roth IRA. You contribute already-taxed money to a Roth IRA. Once the money is in there, you don’t have to pay taxes as long as you take it out in accordance with the rules.

What kind of tax do you pay on US investments in Canada?

So if a Canadian like you, Peter, owns U.S. investments that have been subject to withholding tax of 15% (dividends) or 10% (interest), that income still needs to be declared on your Canadian tax return. However, you do get to claim the foreign tax already withheld.

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).

Can a US citizen invest in a Canadian mutual fund?

These funds are a go-to option for many investors, but U.S. citizens, beware: by investing in Canadian mutual funds, you fall into a trap with a deep hole. The IRS views Canadian mutual funds held in one’s non-registered account as Passive Foreign Investment Companies.

When do you deduct Part XIII tax in Canada?

If you receive Canadian income that is subject to Part XIII tax: Canadian payers, including financial institutions, must deduct Part XIII tax when the income is paid or credited to you The Part XIII tax deducted is your final tax obligation to Canada on this income (if the correct amount is deducted)