I am moving back to Thailand after a 15 year absence. and I'm a Dual Canada/US citizen.
So i need an accountant that can do my tax filings for all 3 countries.

Any help finding a knowledgeable professional is appreciated. Krub.

With Thanks...
CS

 

37 minutes ago, CosmicSurfer said:

I am moving back to Thailand after a 15 year absence. and I'm a Dual Canada/US citizen.
So i need an accountant that can do my tax filings for all 3 countries.

Any help finding a knowledgeable professional is appreciated. Krub.

With Thanks...
CS

 

 

Why do you think you will need to pay income taxes in Thailand?

If you're interested in filing your own US taxes there is a donation ware Excel spreadsheet that makes it pretty easy  to do all the computations.  It does not guide or advise you... but if you don't have any complicated investments/partnerships/etc... it is very useful.  The creator puts in a lot of effort every year to keep it accurate as tax laws change.

 

https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home

 

I use that spreadsheet every year and then I file using OLT free online filing for my US taxes.

 

I have not resided in Canada for decades so I don't file taxes there and cannot offer any advice.

 

For Thai taxes... if you're not a resident for more than 180 days in 2025... you are not subject to Thai taxes for 2025.

 

11 hours ago, Everyman said:

 

Why do you think you will need to pay income taxes in Thailand?

If the new Tax laws pass, taxes will be required on any foreign money.... And My Monthly Pension will always be an issue. etc. Plus I may open a business in Bangkok.

10 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

If you're interested in filing your own US taxes there is a donation ware Excel spreadsheet that makes it pretty easy  to do all the computations.  It does not guide or advise you... but if you don't have any complicated investments/partnerships/etc... it is very useful.  The creator puts in a lot of effort every year to keep it accurate as tax laws change.

 

https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home

 

I use that spreadsheet every year and then I file using OLT free online filing for my US taxes.

 

I have not resided in Canada for decades so I don't file taxes there and cannot offer any advice.

 

For Thai taxes... if you're not a resident for more than 180 days in 2025... you are not subject to Thai taxes for 2025.

 

Sorry... As a Senior Expat with Dual-Citizenship, my taxes are too complicated for any free Tax filing software.
Too complicated to explain here... trust me, if I could do it for free, I would.
My US Filing requires a ton of paperwork due to my Mutual Fund in Canada, and once I move out of Canada, I will lose 25% of my Canadian OAS, unless I file a special form yearly. 
When I return to Bkk, it will be on a Married Visa, and there is NO WAY I will Ever return to the USA for ANY reason, Or Canada to live. I return to Thailand to close the story!
So YES, I WILL be there more than 180 Days!  😀

CS
 

54 minutes ago, CosmicSurfer said:

If the new Tax laws pass, taxes will be required on any foreign money....

What new tax laws?

The latest I am aware of became effective 1/01/2024.......

https://mahanakornpartners.com/comprehensive-overview-of-order-no-por-161-2566-and-no-por-162-2566-on-personal-income-tax-for-foreign-sourced-income/

There are exceptions but I am intrigued by what you refer to as "new"?

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC Thailand) is great. They helped me save a bunch of dough one year.

35 minutes ago, mogandave said:

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC Thailand) is great. They helped me save a bunch of dough one year.

Thank You... I'm just concerned that such a prestigious multinational firm as is PWC is out of my reach financially.
I am NOT Rich. 

When I lived there before, my only filing concerns were Thai, as i had to report my Thai Income.
For the USA my Global Income was too low and did not Require Filing, and Canada Only cared about Canadian income which were non-existent at that time.

Now I have Canadian OAS Pension Income, a Canadian Mutual Fund, US Social Security, and possibly Thai income in the future. 

My Tax filings are not Complicated Investment wise, as I barely have any. They are complicated paperwork-wise due to inconsistent US/Canadian Tax Laws, and the need (after I move) to try and recover the "Non-Resident tax" that will be deducted from my Canadian OAS pension.

I used to File my US Taxes myself, and I still do my Canadian taxes. But I stopped doing USA after I received a small inheritance that is now invested in a Mutual Fund in Canada, that the IRS requires a 1/4 inch of documentation for, with my 1040 filing.

The Canadian 25% "Non-resident" Tax filing is something I never needed to do before, as I wasn't collecting OAS Pension at that time, therefore not subject to this withholding Tax. At my advancing age, I worry I'll forget this Document that must be Filed Yearly, and that I have never done before. My mind does not process things as clearly anymore as I age. I'd rather a pro was doing it.

I would just like to Find a competent Local firm that won't take all my disposable income to do the work.
Having one Firm to be capable and knowledgeable about all 3 systems just makes sense!

As long as I can afford their services.

Thanks,
CS

 

2 hours ago, CosmicSurfer said:

once I move out of Canada, I will lose 25% of my Canadian OAS, unless I file a special form yearly. 

How many years in Canada after 18 before starting oas? I get no reduction in mine being out of the country.

10 minutes ago, gargamon said:

How many years in Canada after 18 before starting oas? I get no reduction in mine being out of the country.

That is a complicated question as I don't know the details of your situation.

Currently, OAS starts at 67... For Me it started at 65.
If I recall, I think you need around 40 years Canada Working residency to qualify.
Not sure if it needs to be after 18.
Suffice to say, I qualified and have been collecting OAS plus Supplements for the past 10 years.
I left Thailand in 2011 and returned to Canada. I lived in USA for a decade Before I moved to Thailand. And 10 years in Thailand in-between.

How long and when did you start getting OAS?
Is it possible you never qualified for the Full amount, and have been paying the Deducted Non-Resident amount from day one?

All I know is about MY situation. For sure, I will lose ALL OAS Supplements after I change my Tax Residency status to Thailand. The 25% Non-Resident Withholding Tax is applied to the Basic OAS.
You can check on the CRA/OAS website about the "Non-Resident Tax" OAS deduction. 

CS

I use American International Tax Advisors. They have US and Thailand tax specialists, but I don't know about Canadian specialists. I suggest you contact them and inquire.

 

Service is great and the price is very reasonable. I used PWC in the past, and they were very expensive. AIT was significantly more responsive and much quicker.

 

https://aitaxadvisers.com/

 

admin please delete 

15 hours ago, FarangRimPing said:

I use American International Tax Advisors. They have US and Thailand tax specialists, but I don't know about Canadian specialists. I suggest you contact them and inquire.

 

Service is great and the price is very reasonable. I used PWC in the past, and they were very expensive. AIT was significantly more responsive and much quicker.

 

https://aitaxadvisers.com/

 

I will check them out... Thanks!!

CS

I'd suggest reading up on Thai income tax before searching out an accountant.

 

You only pay tax on assessable remitted funds.  Check the US and Canada DTA's to see what is excluded...not taxable by Thailand.  You don't claim that on the Thai tax forms.  US social security is untouchable.  You also need to check the Thai tax website to confirm your personal exclusions, probably ~250K or so if married, much more if over 65.

 

If you don't have assessable income over a certain amount, you don't need to file at all.  Filing is super easy, barely an inconvenience.  I can do it online in 15 minutes.

 

Do you have a TIN or pink ID?

If you are an American citizen and have foreign investments (stocks, bonds, etc.), they are treated as PFIC accounts by the IRS and Form 8621 is very complicated for an individual to try it themselves. Since I worked in Thailand 20 year, much of my retirement savings were in Provident funds. I had to hire expert U.S. tax accountants that specialize in this field. Otherwise, I would have done my own taxes. For over 10 years, I have used "Taxes for Expats", who is based in New York and I give them a high recommendation. Fear not that it is over the internet. They respond almost immediately and have high standards for their staff. 

 

Canada taxes I don't know. I doubt you will find one firm to do all 3 countries.

 

Thailand tax returns...for the average expat, it is so simple a child can do it. All you need is a Thailand tax ID number (TIN), access to the Revenue Department website, and Chrome with Google Translate. My employer's admin did mine every year, and she was 22 years old. In my last year, I did it myself with the help of Google and got my Thai refund on time. 

On 9/21/2025 at 12:17 AM, gargamon said:

How many years in Canada after 18 before starting oas? I get no reduction in mine being out of the country.

There are several factors which govern the withholding from OAS/CPP.  Look at the agreements between your country of residence and Canada.  For US residents the Totalization agreement with Canada states there is no withholding and the only taxes due on the income are paid to US where it is treated the same as Social Security benefits.  Also Canadians that move to the US can count the years living there to allow them to qualify for OAS.  OAS in that situation will still be prorated according to years of Canadian residence.

Here is what AI answers about "what tax preparation software supports 8621"

 

Multiple tax software providers support Form 8621, but options for individual taxpayers are limited, and e-filing is often not possible. Most consumer-level tax software is not designed to handle the complexity of this form, which reports on Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). 

Software for individuals

• TaxAct: This software supports the manual entry of Form 8621, allowing taxpayers to fill out the form within the program. However, there is a limit of 50 forms, and if you have more, you must paper-file your return.
• H&R Block: H&R Block's Expat Tax Services are equipped to help with Form 8621 and PFIC compliance. They offer both do-it-yourself and tax advisor-assisted options.
• MyExpatTaxes: This service specializes in tax situations for expatriates, including the complexities of Form 8621. It helps taxpayers determine if their investments are PFICs and can assist with filing.
• TurboTax: TurboTax does not support e-filing for Form 8621. If you use TurboTax and need to file this form, you must print and mail your tax return to the IRS.
• FreeTaxUSA and TaxSlayer: Some users on discussion forums have indicated that these services might support Form 8621, but this has not been universally confirmed and may require a premium version of the software. 

On 9/21/2025 at 8:19 AM, FarangRimPing said:

I use American International Tax Advisors. They have US and Thailand tax specialists, but I don't know about Canadian specialists. I suggest you contact them and inquire.

 

Service is great and the price is very reasonable. I used PWC in the past, and they were very expensive. AIT was significantly more responsive and much quicker.

 

https://aitaxadvisers.com/

 

Thomas Carden is associated with that company.  A few years ago he claimed that US citizens who live in Thailand could withdraw any amount from their 401k, IRA, SEP, etc without incurring any US tax liability.  Many knowledgeable AN posters warned his customers on AN, that those claims were hogwash.  The correct reading of the US/Thai tax treaty makes it very clear that the US retains secondary taxation rights despite what any other section of the treaty states.  The treaty states that Thailand does have primary taxation rights but in the past they chose not to exercise them.  Carden imagined that situation created an opening that he could drive a boatload of income through unscathed.  I do hope that his victims are not severely impacted if/when his shenanigans are discovered.

On 9/21/2025 at 1:54 PM, NoDisplayName said:

I'd suggest reading up on Thai income tax before searching out an accountant.

 

You only pay tax on assessable remitted funds.  Check the US and Canada DTA's to see what is excluded...not taxable by Thailand.  You don't claim that on the Thai tax forms.  US social security is untouchable.  You also need to check the Thai tax website to confirm your personal exclusions, probably ~250K or so if married, much more if over 65.

 

If you don't have assessable income over a certain amount, you don't need to file at all.  Filing is super easy, barely an inconvenience.  I can do it online in 15 minutes.

 

Do you have a TIN or pink ID?

 Thanks.. I lived previously for 10 years in Thailand, and I did have a TIN, it was a Yellow Card If I remember correctly. And I did submit Taxes to Thailand. (I still have copies of my returns, though I lost the Tax ID Card.) For the first 5 years of my Thai residency, I also did it myself. Super easy!

My Wife, during the last 5 years I lived there, was a Thai Accountant. Our divorce caused me to have to leave. We are still very close friends, but she Works for an Multinational corporation in Finance and has NO Idea about US/Can taxation. She is not trained for this job.

So I am familiar with the Thai System, But there have been changes since then, both in Thai Tax Law and my own situation. I am NOT worried about Progressive Thai Taxes... it is just one part of a 3 part tax obligation mix.

I DO need a US/Canadian Tax Accountant!I
Not that I have a very complicated Situation. Canadian Tax Filing I do myself now while I live in Canada.
I used to do my  US filing also, but that changed after I inherited enough money to require a small Investment, and Trump during his First term changed the rules requiring a 1/4 inch of Documentation to report my very small and simple Mutual fund.
The Thai part is just an added component.

My Canadian Taxes will also get more complicated after I become Non-resident in Canada. While US Social Security is paid in full to expats (unless Trump gets another great idea in how <deleted> up Citizens lives), Canada has a 25% Withholding tax for Old Age Security (OAS) for Non-Residents.
There is a way I can try and get that reduced, but my Tax filing obligations will become more complicated!

So that is Why I need an Accountant familiar with both US/Can Taxation, with a side of Thai. 
Thanks for your advice.
CS

3 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

Thomas Carden is associated with that company.  A few years ago he claimed that US citizens who live in Thailand could withdraw any amount from their 401k, IRA, SEP, etc without incurring any US tax liability.  Many knowledgeable AN posters warned his customers on AN, that those claims were hogwash.  The correct reading of the US/Thai tax treaty makes it very clear that the US retains secondary taxation rights despite what any other section of the treaty states.  The treaty states that Thailand does have primary taxation rights but in the past they chose not to exercise them.  Carden imagined that situation created an opening that he could drive a boatload of income through unscathed.  I do hope that his victims are not severely impacted if/when his shenanigans are discovered.

Thanks, but none of that applies to me... All I have in the USA is My Social Security.
My US problem revolves around Reporting a Small Canadian investment to the IRS.
It requires about 1/4 inch of Documents for my 1040.
Previous to Trump <deleted> around with the tax reporting system in his first term, I did it myself, and I had a 4 page Return.

Thanks for your input.
CS

4 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

Here is what AI answers about "what tax preparation software supports 8621"

 

Multiple tax software providers support Form 8621, but options for individual taxpayers are limited, and e-filing is often not possible. Most consumer-level tax software is not designed to handle the complexity of this form, which reports on Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). 

Software for individuals

• TaxAct: This software supports the manual entry of Form 8621, allowing taxpayers to fill out the form within the program. However, there is a limit of 50 forms, and if you have more, you must paper-file your return.
• H&R Block: H&R Block's Expat Tax Services are equipped to help with Form 8621 and PFIC compliance. They offer both do-it-yourself and tax advisor-assisted options.
• MyExpatTaxes: This service specializes in tax situations for expatriates, including the complexities of Form 8621. It helps taxpayers determine if their investments are PFICs and can assist with filing.
• TurboTax: TurboTax does not support e-filing for Form 8621. If you use TurboTax and need to file this form, you must print and mail your tax return to the IRS.
• FreeTaxUSA and TaxSlayer: Some users on discussion forums have indicated that these services might support Form 8621, but this has not been universally confirmed and may require a premium version of the software. 

This may Prove useful... I will check it out. Thank You.
CS

4 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

There are several factors which govern the withholding from OAS/CPP.  Look at the agreements between your country of residence and Canada.  For US residents the Totalization agreement with Canada states there is no withholding and the only taxes due on the income are paid to US where it is treated the same as Social Security benefits.  Also Canadians that move to the US can count the years living there to allow them to qualify for OAS.  OAS in that situation will still be prorated according to years of Canadian residence.

 
As I have said previously, I currently live in Canada... I will be moving back to Thailand, and the USA has ZERO involvement with my OAS.

Thanks,
CS

14 hours ago, scoutman360 said:

If you are an American citizen and have foreign investments (stocks, bonds, etc.), they are treated as PFIC accounts by the IRS and Form 8621 is very complicated for an individual to try it themselves. Since I worked in Thailand 20 year, much of my retirement savings were in Provident funds. I had to hire expert U.S. tax accountants that specialize in this field. Otherwise, I would have done my own taxes. For over 10 years, I have used "Taxes for Expats", who is based in New York and I give them a high recommendation. Fear not that it is over the internet. They respond almost immediately and have high standards for their staff. 

 

Canada taxes I don't know. I doubt you will find one firm to do all 3 countries.

 

Thailand tax returns...for the average expat, it is so simple a child can do it. All you need is a Thailand tax ID number (TIN), access to the Revenue Department website, and Chrome with Google Translate. My employer's admin did mine every year, and she was 22 years old. In my last year, I did it myself with the help of Google and got my Thai refund on time. 

BINGO!!! You nailed my Problem.... For the USA it is the Foreign Investment Stuff. 
Before I got it, I did all my Taxes myself.
(I was also a lot younger with a clearer mind!)
Now I need a US tax Accountant in Canada to produce the 1/4 inch of documents I am required to file.

The Canadian problem (25% Withholding Tax for Expats on Old Age Security) will be new to me and will only kick-in after I move back to Thailand.

Unless Thai Taxes actually change as threatened, I can probably do them myself as well.
Yes, I have a TIN... If it is still Valid?? Last time I used it was over 15 years ago.
Or my ex-Wife may be able to help. She's an Accountant, but in Finance for a Multinational.

"Taxes for Expats" feels like they may be what I need.
I hope they are not too expensive!

Thanks for your input!
Sawadee...
CS

4 hours ago, CosmicSurfer said:

"Taxes for Expats" feels like they may be what I need.
I hope they are not too expensive!

Basic tax returns are cheap, but Form 8621 costs extra, and each investment account needs a separate form. You pay for each form separately, so if you have multiple PFIC's that can add up. I looked around once for other firms and they were more expensive than Taxes for Expats. I met a U.S. tax accountant here in Bangkok and he told me he charges 2x what I was paying for the same forms. Good luck.

6 hours ago, CosmicSurfer said:

As I have said previously, I currently live in Canada... I will be moving back to Thailand, and the USA has ZERO involvement with my OAS.

My answer was a reply to @gargamon who stated that he was not subject to withholding from his OAS.  He did not state where he was living so I provided the details that I do know.... how it works for Canadians living in US.  Canada has Totalization agreements with about 50 countries.  Gargamon probably lives in one of them.

 

It seems you have lived outside Canada for 20+ years... Canada may have used your years in the USA to help you meet the requirements that you live in Canada (US counts also, but Thailand does not) for 20 years after age 18... if you wish to collect OAS while living outside Canada.  I did not live in Canada long enough to qualify but my years (30+) in US put me over the line.

On 9/23/2025 at 9:13 AM, gamb00ler said:

There are several factors which govern the withholding from OAS/CPP.  Look at the agreements between your country of residence and Canada.  For US residents the Totalization agreement with Canada states there is no withholding and the only taxes due on the income are paid to US where it is treated the same as Social Security benefits.  Also Canadians that move to the US can count the years living there to allow them to qualify for OAS.  OAS in that situation will still be prorated according to years of Canadian residence.

Why on earth would you ever declare non residency in your home country? I get that you feel you’ll never return for all the right reasons, but you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Just use a friend/relative’s address, keep a bank account, and file taxes yearly. That way you don’t reduce any possible government pensions and you just might need your home country for something in the future. 

1 hour ago, JoeRan said:

Why on earth would you ever declare non residency in your home country? I get that you feel you’ll never return for all the right reasons, but you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Just use a friend/relative’s address, keep a bank account, and file taxes yearly. That way you don’t reduce any possible government pensions and you just might need your home country for something in the future. 

LOL.... it was more beneficial to me..... the facts are not on your side!  Don't assume you're the only one with a functioning brain.

 

Because of the formerly tight relationship between Canada and US they have a Totalization agreement regarding social security benefits... so both governments will have full details of my earnings when it's time to retire.  It would be stupid to claim anything not true.

 

My employer transferred me from Canada to the USA... I didn't have much wiggle room about declaring where I live.

After relocation, I had deductions made from US salary towards Can social security.  The Can. government then knew that I'm was employed by the US subsidiary of my original employer.  They also knew I no longer need to file Can. taxes.

 

My employer had a lot of IT contracts with the both the US and Can. governments and of course would not risk jeopardizing either of those relationships by using dodgy paperwork.

2 hours ago, JoeRan said:

Why on earth would you ever declare non residency in your home country? I get that you feel you’ll never return for all the right reasons, but you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Just use a friend/relative’s address, keep a bank account, and file taxes yearly. That way you don’t reduce any possible government pensions and you just might need your home country for something in the future. 

 

Canada is not UK. The government knows exactly how many days per year  you stay outside canada.

🤣

22 hours ago, Celsius said:

 

Canada is not UK. The government knows exactly how many days per year  you stay outside canada.

Of course they do if you give them reasons to check. I go back every few years without issues including Dr visits that are covered because I maintain a Canadian address including a current drivers license. Could they catch this if they want to? Yes but I file yearly taxes on income earned from Canadian sources so no red flags appear. Maybe one day they will.