The IRS is after Canadian investment guru and author Gordon Pape. They claim he owes them $48,730.57.
Mr. Pape wrote of his plight in this month’s Zoomer magazine. Because the article has only been published in print format, I am unable to link to it here. I am not uploading a copy of the article for copyright reasons, but here are some of the highlights.
Mr. Pape was born in the U.S. He moved To Canada with his parents when he was 13. He became a Canadian citizen in Canada’s Centennial Year (1967) and “promptly” received a CLN. (Lucky guy!)
He spends part of each winter in Florida and completed 1040NR taX return with the closer connection form. Then the IRS was after his money.
Mr. Pape says:
Imagine opening your mail and finding a bill from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for $48,730.57
That’s what happened to me during the summer, and I’m not a U.S. citizen. I don’t even own property in the States.
“Needless to say, I was shocked. Then, I was angry. I suddenly understood first-hand what the estimated one million Canadian residents with U.S. ties are experiencing as the IRS aggressively pursues anyone who has failed to file an American return declaring their world-wide income.”
Mr. Papr warns other snowbirds. He sent to IRS a copy of his CLN and is awaiting their response. He concludes:
“I certainly have no intention of paying them $48,000 – or anything for that matter.”
I think Mr. Pape has had an OMG moment. He is fortunate to have a CLN. I hope this may inspire him to help with our battle.
Well I am sorry for Mr. Pape. Good luck to him! However, if he refuses to pay what the IRS demands, what does he expect to happen when he crosses the border? Does he think he can continue to winter in Florida while telling the IRS to shove it?
Why was this gentleman filing a 1040NR if he was no longer a US citizen? Snowbirds that overstay their welcome are only supposed to file an 8840(closer connection form).
I wondered that too Marie. I would have thought someone with Pape’s knowledge of investing and finances would know that.
Boris Johnson said there was no way he would pay either…
I thought the same when I read the article. In fact, Mr. Pape refers to that in his article. I wish I could post the actual article, but I cannot for copyright reasons but here is what he said about Boris Johnson:
If Zoomer posts the article on line, I will post a link.
Non-USCs file form 1040NR, if they need to file. USCs file 1040. My *guess* is that Pape had some US source income that resulted in the need to file 1040NR.