Introduction to US Tax

Introduction to US Tax is a foundational course designed for Canadian accounting professionals who advise individuals, corporations, trusts, and estates with U.S. connections. As cross-border activity becomes increasingly common—through investment holdings, real estate ownership, dual residency, business expansion, or family ties—a working knowledge of U.S. tax rules is no longer optional. This course provides a structured and practical introduction to the U.S. federal tax system from a Canadian lens. Participants will explore the architecture of the Internal Revenue Code and the role of the IRS, gaining clarity on how U.S. tax law differs from Canada’s Income Tax Act in structure, administration, and compliance culture. The course examines the division between federal and state taxation, helping practitioners understand how jurisdictional boundaries can create layered exposure for Canadian clients. The program also addresses core compliance and reporting obligations that frequently arise in cross-border engagements. Learners will review key U.S. tax forms relevant to Canadians, including non-resident income tax filings and international information returns, and will examine how form-driven enforcement can create significant penalty exposure even in non-taxable situations. In addition, the course provides an overview of U.S. tax residency rules, including the Substantial Presence Test and the Green Card Test, along with treaty tie-breaker provisions under the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty. It introduces U.S. sourcing rules, the distinction between FDAP income and income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, withholding tax principles, capital gains taxation including FIRPTA, and the fundamentals of U.S. estate and gift tax exposure for Canadian residents holding U.S. situs assets. By the end of this course, participants will have a clear conceptual framework for identifying U.S. tax exposure, understanding filing triggers, and recognizing when additional specialist advice may be required. Introduction to US Tax forms part of the Canadian Tax Mastery Certificate, the International and Cross-Border Tax Certificate, and the Sector-Specific and Emerging Tax Issues Certificate, providing essential groundwork for more advanced cross-border planning and compliance topics.