Expert: Peter Messaline - 3/1/2010

Question
I worked on a commercial which shot in Vancouver and ran nationally in the U.S.  I was taxed on the session and all my residuals by the Canadian and U.S. government; double taxation.  I have heard that the basic procedure is to file for a credit, however the amount I paid in Canadian tax on that one commercial is higher than the total U.S. tax I paid for all of the work I did last year.  Is there any way to get a refund from the Canadian government?

Answer
Your Canadian tax will depend on how long you spent in Canada, and how much you made here and in residuals.

If you file a Canadian return, with yards of expenses, you are likely to pay somewhat less tax than the withholding.

I am a tax preparer, so I can't give you more advice without the ability to ask intrusive questions, and without charging you. You don't say where you live, but it is very likely that you will find a US tax preparer with cross-border experience closer to home.

All the best in the good fight

Peter M