Per IRS, income from Canadian pension plans like CPP and OAS is considered taxable income equivalent of US social security benefits for tax purposes. The income is reported on your 1040 and are taxed at the 85% inclusion rate. Moreover, because of provisions in the USA-Canada tax treaty, your CPP and OAS income is not taxable in Canada and is totally free from CRA non-resident withholding.
The amount you receive from CPP and OAS is not affected by the amount of any other income. The CPP retirement pension, as mentioned above, can be obtained as early as age 60. Whether your Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Old Age Security (OAS) benefit from Canada is taxable in the USA depends on which country you reside in.
U.S. Tax for Canadian Pension Plans can be tricky. Let’s assume if you are a US citizen or green card holder who is a resident of Canada, then your benefits are taxable only in Canada. Nevertheless, you still need to report these benefits on your US return. In addition, it’s recommended that you file a Form 8833 treaty exemption with your US return to exempt the income from US taxation.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Canadian Retirement Accounts like the CPP are like Social Security Benefits in the U.S. If you’re employed, a Canadian, and over 18 years of age, a portion of your wages goes to them. Your employer will match it unless you’re self-employed, in which you case both amounts come out of your pocket.
The rate is 5.10% of gross employment income for those who earn between $3,500 and $53,900. Self-employed individuals could be contributing as much as $5,497.80. You can enjoy CPP benefits between the ages of 60-70.
Those contributing to both CPP and U.S. Social Security may either qualify for benefits from one or both countries. They may even transfer amounts from either program in some cases.
The CPP payments are taxable, and their rate depends on your other income for the year. Additionally, you can choose to have federal income tax deductions from your CPP payments.
The U.S. Social Security benefits are subject to tax in Canada. Include 85% of them when calculating your Canadian income. Report 100% of the benefits on the Canadian return, but 15% becomes deduction from net income when you calculate taxable income.
U.S. Treatment of CPPs
Due to the tax treaty, some retirement programs, such as the CPP, QPP, and OAS, are taxed differently. Usually, the bases of the treatment lie on the recipient’s residency. For American residents, the U.S. taxes these benefits and treats them as U.S. Social Security. For CPP payments, file form 1040 or Form 1040A.
For Canadian residents, said benefits are taxable in Canada.
Old Age Security (OAS)
You receive monthly payments if you’re legally Canadian or a resident and 65 or older. That is true even for those who didn’t work before retirement. However, those earning a net income over $79,054 must pay back 15%. The benefits vanish completely for individuals with income levels at $128,137 or higher. The OAS is taxable income and comes without income tax deductions.
U.S. Treatment of OAS
The U.S. treats the OASs just like they do the CPPs.
Have questions about U.S. Tax for Canadian Pension Plans? Then contact us before the IRS contacts you!
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Akif CPA will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.
