Bird Talk » General

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

I read recently about gifting your property in Arizona. When we purchased our property in Arizona, our escrow agent suggested a beneficiary deed. Apparently, our property will pass to our named beneficiary without red tape or penalties. Worth looking into. J. Grierson Brandon, MB Response : Ed.: Another possible solution to this estate issue. I would […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

My wife and I own a home in Arizona and are thinking of transferring ownership to our son, who lives in Arizona. We bought the house in 2006. We live in Canada. Would we have any capital gain to report, as this is not a sale but a gift to our son? Then could he […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

My wife and I own a mobile home in a resident-owned park in Florida. We own a share plus a home. It now looks as if our park is being sold to a private owner. Our park was a not-for-profit association. If the sale happens, we will be receiving money for our bought-out share. Do […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

As a snowbird, it seems that I am required to have two Amazon Prime accounts, one in each country. I cannot get through the Amazon maze to confirm this; can you with your resources obtain an answer? Jim Anderson Castleford, ON Response : Ed.: Another surprise for me. Amazon has charged me twice – once […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

Can I do repairs to my own property in California (non-permit-required work)? Thanks. John Bastone Cobble Hill, BC Response : Ed.: Yes, of course. I would be very cautious if it is a rental property, however, and would visit the county office for advice.

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

We are considering purchasing a trailer from another couple in Alberta. The trailer remains year-round in a California RV park. Is there anything to be cautious or aware of with regard to insurance and registration of the unit? I will be going to California to view the unit in person before purchase. Bruce Andrusiak Edmonton, […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

In the spring CSANews, you published a letter in which the writer indicates that a U.S. TIN will expire in three years if the holder has not filed a U.S. tax return. As you did not comment on this statement, it implies that you agree. I secured a U.S. TIN 20 years ago in reporting the […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

We own a house in Florida, where we spend three months of the year. We made a will in Canada leaving that house to our children. Now, a Canadian snowbird neighbour in Florida tells us that we should make a U.S. will for our U.S. property to make things easier for our kids when we […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

I just received the 2018 American Community Survey as part of the 2018 U.S. Census. Anyone who “stays” here for more than two months is required by U.S. federal law to complete the form. I have begun to answer it online, but I’m finding the questions to be very invasive and certainly requesting much more […]

Posted date : May 14, 2019.

I am a Canadian citizen, but a non-resident of Canada – I currently live in Europe, where my wife is currently employed. I do have two properties in Florida that I rent out on an annual basis and I have been filing U.S. income tax returns since I purchased them. I have heard through the […]