American
This is a collection of links describing what resources are available in Canada and on the Internet for US citizens who live north of the border. It’s by no means comprehensive; it’s intended only as a starting point, and nothing on it should be construed as official. If there’s anything you’d like to see here, let me know.
US government services for citizens abroad
The United States government operates an automated, toll-free telephone number that provides a fairly thorough recorded description of the services available to US citizens in Canada.
+1 (800) 529 4410
When you call this number, you’ll be connected to one of those “For information about X, press 1. For information about Y, press 2. For information about Z, press 3” etc. systems. All the information is available in English or French. You can find out about any of the following:
American citizen emergency services
Passport issuance and renewal
Registration of births
Claims to US citizenship
Dual nationality
Notarial services
Tax information
Voting procedures
The US Selective Service system
Social Security
US Customs
Travel advisories
The US maintains consulates (“consular sections”) in the following cities:
Calgary
Halifax
Montréal
Ottawa
Québec
Toronto
Vancouver
The information line can tell you the hours, addresses, and procedures for reporting emergencies for all of them.
Finances
Disclaimer: the following information is strictly my understanding of IRS requirements for US citizens living abroad. It is in no circumstances to be construed as official. See the IRS link below for definitive information.
As a US citizen, you are required to file an income tax return every year, even if your entire income for the year comes from sources outside the US. In most cases, you do not have to pay taxes on non-US income if you make less than $70,000 USD in one year, but you do still have to file. I’m not sure why the IRS is interested, but they are, and failure to file can get you arrested if you return to the States.
You have to pay taxes on non-US income in the following circumstances:
You make more than $70,000 USD in one year, or
You work as an independent contractor outside the US.
The Internal Revenue Service WWW site is an invaluable resource, containing a guide to the tax responsibilities of US citizens living abroad, downloadable tax forms, and contact information. You’ll need the Adobe Acrobat software, downloadble for free, to use this site to its fullest.
In many Canadian cities, representatives from the IRS are available on certain dates before April 15 to help you with your taxes. The 800 number above can tell you more about this, including where you can call to make an appointment.
Voting
You are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in your state of last residence. Again, the above 800 number can give you more information, including how to register (your best bet is probably to go visit the consulate nearest you).
Here are some links you can use to keep yourself informed:
PoliticsUSA
VoteLink
Thomas, an information service from the Library of Congress
The Government Printing Office
Here are some links to information about Congress:
Senate and House contact information from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Project Vote Smart’s Congress Track
Public Citizen’s Congress Watch
Common Cause’s Know Your Congress
And of course, there’s always the White House site.
Other helpful resources
American Citizens Abroad, a non-profit association dedicated to serving and defending the interests of U.S. citizens worldwide. Comprehensive and fascinating.
Rich Wales’s Dual Citizenship FAQ