ADMISSION FEE $20 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED (to cover costs)
- Toronto, ON U.S. Citizenship & Young Adults: Navigating The Special Rules Imposed On U.S.Citizens Abroad Sat, June 7, 10 am to 12 noon, Univ of Toronto, St. Michael’s College, Carr Hall, 100 St. Joseph St, MAP NB: $20 individual or $40 for a family of up to four people
Vancouver notes (Feb 22) Updated on March 28 here
Toronto group Saturday, January 25, 2014, Carr Hall
I received the following announcement about information sessions, provided by Toronto based lawyer, for people affected by the USA’s extra-territorial tax overreach which violates Canada’s sovereignty. I think it is a good idea. If you are an alleged US person and you have become aware that the US claims that you should be filing your taxes, please do nothing, do not enter the OVDI program, and above all, do not call a US cross border tax specialist (neither a lawyer nor an accountant), but educate yourself first. The paid experts will scare the hell out of you. There are many options besides allowing a cross border specialist lead you as a lamb to the slaughter.
If you are a Canadian citizen or resident of Canada, you have specific rights and protections that even FATCA cannot revoke. This is why these informational sessions will be useful to you. They will lay out and explore all your options.
Sincerely, Petros
Please note that the speaker would like help finding venues that are inexpensive or free. Perhaps those living in the various cities could ask if a Church or other may be able to offer space. Please keep returning for updates.
Here is the announcement:
Recent CBC Coverage of FATCA and Citizenship-based taxation:
The recent CBC coverage of FATCA and U.S. extraterritorial taxation has raised awareness/concern over the plight of Canadian citizens of U.S. origin. Those who are learning about this for the first time (the OMG moment) will be experiencing a combination of shock, fear, betrayal and more. There will be lots of people interested in understanding the situation and determining whether and/or how to respond.
The following comment appeared on the blog:
Looks like the recent media coverage is creating mass panic in Canada. This might force the Canadian government to issue a statement sooner rather than later. This is good. But I feel bad for the people who are just having their OMG moment. They need some sound advice as to not to make bad decisions which would devastate them financially. While each situation is different, the Canadian government owes it to affected Canadians to provide some guidance and advice and fast. It needs to be official cannot just come from web sites like IBS or Maple Sandbox. Maybe the administrators should add some notes like they can’t be held responsible for actions that people take by following advice on these blogs. This is common sense, but might protect you from lawsuits.
We agree! The important thing it to stay calm! Do NOT panic! Do not react to this situation! Take your time to make the decisions that are appropriate to your situation! Above all else, do NOT even consider entering the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program or any other kind of disclosure program unless you are certain that it is right for you (which it almost certainly is NOT)!
Obviously NO blog or web site can provide reliable legal advice. No seminar for the general public can provide reliable legal advice! Your job is simply to begin gathering information and beginning to understand the new reality of U.S. citizenship.
What follows are a list of “Solving The Problems of U.S. Citizenship” information sessions that you can attend, for a nominal fee and anonymously! The sessions are NOT intended to provide legal advice. But, they are intended to help you identify the issues that may apply to your situation.
Do NOT engage the services of an accountant or lawyer before equipping yourself with some basic knowledge!
Solving The Problems of U.S. Citizenship – Exploratory Sessions
The topics covered are designed to alert you to issues and are NOT offered as legal or accounting advice specific to your situation.
They include:
Citizenship Issues:
– Are you STILL a U.S. citizen?
– Are your children U.S. citizens?
– What might FATCA mean for me?
Tax Issues
– Filing U.S. tax returns – what’s involved?
– Filing information returns (FBAR, Form 3520, 5471, etc.)
– Reasonable cause (avoiding penalties)
Financial Planning Issues
– investment products that are cancerous for U.S. citizens
Does it make sense to renounce U.S. citizenship?
– Renouncing U.S. citizenship
____________________________________________________________________
How To Attend …
Once a session has been marked “CONFIRMED” you are free to attend. Each session will have a $20 admission fee (to offset the cost of the room) which is payable in cash at the door. Neither taping nor video of any kind will be permitted.
first published 14 January 2014
Please notify place and time in Vancouver for FATCA forum Feb.22 and how to contact any Victorians carpooling. Suda
Good to hear Suda! The new (bigger) location is the Westin Grand Hotel, 433 Robson, Symphony Room. 1:30-4:30. There are others from the island car pooling, I believe. Hopefully someone will see your request here before tomorrow.
@Phil – Just wanted to say your letter is excellent. What you wrote about being a child in QC was a nice touch and certainly tugged at my heart. I spent my first 7 years in Canada up north in the Yukon (I also arrived when I was 3) and will be sure to mention that when I compose my own letter. Cheers and thanks for sharing.
@Disgusted, @Phil
Ha! Love the RMR skit. I still wrote a letter to the show telling my story and suggesting a rant, though.
Is John Richardson putting on this information session in Vancouver tomorrow? I can’t seem to find any information on it.
Yes, earl.
Suda — Coming over from Victoria, but we’re thinking of trying to figure out the bus and Canada Line (?) route from the ferry. Looks like the Downtown Centre station is quite close to the hotel.
Bubblebustin — I can help with notes.
Thank you canoe – that would be great, I’m traveling next week and may not be able to get a summary out right away. I can tweet away though!
When this nightmare will stop? I can not handle this anymore.
It seems that no one is listening while the US government continue doing this without remorse, compassion or anything. As they keep killing people in many ways, corruption and lies.
Money is evil. I truly believe that US administration, the leaders,the government etc are the evil.
When are we going to have JUSTICE! of all this injustice that they call it “a law” ironically and sarcastic how the thieve and bully make its own unjust law and the countries support it, spend money and act as the evil told them to act?????
BTW- IS Maya Soetoro-Ng , her husband and family complying with this law or they have privileges.
Isn’t her husband Canadian and US citizen? and what about the daughters, are they going to live inside the US for ever and or never marry foreign only US? are they complying?
@Linda team
Hang in there! Justice will prevail, but will take some time. Meanwhile, take care of yourself, and if you can, doing something to fight back, it will help the cause, and make you feel less like a victim.
To Linda team and all of us,
Here is my, your, our opportunity / deadline March 10, 2014. WhiteKat is right: do something to fight the cause and feel less like a victim.
http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/2014/02/22/march-10-2014-closing-date-for-your-my-our-opportunity-to-voice-concerns-propose-changes-for-the-signed-iga-between-canada-us/
@bubblebustin… I’m coming in from PoCo on skytrain. What time would you like me to meet you at the hotel? I can help with anything.
@Linda team says
I think you need to give yourself a beak. Don’t let this consume you. FATCA’s intention is fear and confusion. I agree money is evil. We are not evolved enough as a species to realize this. In the meantime do something to get your mind off this. Namaste.
I was not able to go to the information meeting in Vancouver today due to the weather. Is it possible to find out what was discussed or speak to someone who could tell me about it?
@Disgusted,
Problem is by the time we are evolved enough, there may be nothing left. Don’t get me wrong, we can’t ever give up, but it just seems like the deck is stacked against us. And I am not just talking about FATCA.
It was a good session. 41 people, give or take. I’ll try to make a post once I’m ‘home’ at my family’s place. I’m wondering if someone could make a new thread (I can’t).
@Fifi,
If you send me the report, I will make a new thread just for reports of each meeting.
Another Brocker good better notes than I did, so I was just going to share general comments.
@Eagle Forever,
President Obama’s brother–in-law is indeed a Canadian – formerly from Southern Ontario http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/obama-in-canada-uncle-rocky-and-his-burlington-family-ties-1.771456 http://www.thespec.com/news-story/2262763-obama-romney-have-canadian-connections/
Is Konrad Ng and his Canadian family at all concerned about the US FATCAfication and extraterritorial taxation of his fellow Canadians? Does he agree with Obama and the US Treasury that Canada is a tax haven sheltering fugitive dual Canadians with US heritage?
Since he has the right connections in the right places, maybe he doesn’t care about the US incursions into Canada – and the insult to his native land. He’d definitely qualify for the ‘Geithner’ pass from his relative – the President – unlike the rest of his fellow Canadians.
I couldn’t make it either today..would love to see some notes.
Hello, all –
I have a question about backdated tax returns and penalties, but I’m not sure where I should post it. Are there areas here for asking specific questions on the various topics?
Thanks!
Wren,
On the right hand side of the home page, there is a section (scroll down) for asking questions, one on Expat Tax and FBAR.
Re the Vancouver info session… I posted my personal observations over on the other thread that talked about the change of venue.