BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, I would like to know how many months we can be in the U.S. every year and when does the year start? All this in plain English. Thank you. Joe Hall Niagara Falls, ON Ed.: The year starts on the day you cross the border. You may stay for up to six months during the following 12-month period. That’s it! Sometimes, a border guard will only allow you a shorter period (for instance – only 90 days); in that case, you will have to comply with the shorter length of stay and leave when the 90 days are up. People tend to get confused between the IRS (taxes) and the Department of Homeland Security (formerly the INS), which deals with immigration. Taxes are calculated on a calendar year basis, while lengths of stay are calculated for ANY 12-month period – starting from the day you cross the border. Dear Bird Talk, We have filed 8840 forms for a number of years now, having no U.S. income to declare. In Dec. 2016, my lucky wife won a jackpot in a Nevada casino and, of course, they withheld 30%. In Jan. 2017, she filed a U.S. tax return with an ITIN number, again with no other U.S. income and, in Feb. 2017, believe it or not got her tax rebate cheque. Question is, should she still file Form 8840 for 2016? Thanks for the advice. Bill Naturkach Fort Frances, ON Ed.: Congratulations! It is relatively easy to get that 30% withholding tax back, as Bill proved. It just takes time. Always file the 8840, and keep a copy – no exceptions. Dear Bird Talk, My wife and I have travelled to Hilton Head, S.C. for the past two winters for three months each time. My question is, can we claim our travel insurance on our taxes? Murray Antram Mississauga, ON Ed.: Yes! The Canadian Snowbird Association was instrumental in having travel medical insurance premiums deductible for tax purposes, during the Harper government years. Dear Bird Talk, I enjoy your Bird Talk letters and responses. What makes it so great is that, as snowbirds, we all have a lot in common and we share our experiences through your efforts. My concern is health insurance (a favourite topic among seniors). Within the last year or so, on two occasions acquaintances of ours were denied health coverage because of a “fatty liver” condition. The insurance says that the persons answered NO to the liver question. In one case, the person suffered an ailment totally unrelated to the liver. In both cases, the persons had to be air-evac to Canada with no insurance coverage. In one case, the patient was not even aware that he was afflicted with this condition. How many of us might have this liver condition and not be aware of it? I just want to pass this on. Any suggestion as to what action a snowbird should take? Chuck Gentes St. Catharines, ON Ed.: I have a fatty liver, and most of our readers will, as well. It is not really considered a disease but is as a result of our rich diets and lifestyles. Both of your friends had the same problem – they purchased the wrong insurance. These two insurers/brokers spent their time looking for ways to decline claims and your friends thought that their (perhaps cheaper) price would cover them properly. These are two more excellent examples of why you should only buy Medipac. We would have paid both of these claims based on your facts. I would have both of your friends write a letter of outrage to the president of the insurance company and the head of the brokerage company, if one was involved. This is outrageous treatment of our snowbird community. Dear Bird Talk, Do you have to return to Canada for 30 days or more to get a new B2 visa, or can you go to Mexico or other countries? Maurice Michaud Ed.: The B2 visa is verbally issued by, and applies only for travel to, the United States. You may travel to other places any time, as long as you have the proper documents which the other country requires. Each province has restrictions as to how many days that you may remain out of province; normally, this is up to seven months. Check the CSA Travellers’ Report Card for each province’s specific rules. Dear Bird Talk, Re: Letter from Laurel Pettigrew, Cochrane, AB There is a very reasonable way to have your blood work done. My husband required monthly blood work and urine analysis (in relation to a kidney disorder) to be provided to the specialist for monitoring of the disease. We found a company called Healthwaves, 8 | www.snowbirds.org
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