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