Introduction
The IRS recently announced its annual call for grant applications for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These initiatives are designed to provide free federal tax return preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers and seniors, respectively. While the programs are primarily U.S.-based, their relevance extends to many U.S. citizens living in Canada, especially in urban centers like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
As a Canada tax accountant in Toronto specializing in cross border tax, we at Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation understand the unique challenges faced by U.S. citizens and dual residents living in Canada. Many are still required to file U.S. taxes annually, even if they haven’t lived in the United States for years. These complexities are often overlooked until they become a serious issue—such as a missed FBAR filing, IRS penalty, or audit.
This grant announcement by the IRS serves as a reminder that resources are available to help. But more importantly, it highlights the ongoing need for expert guidance from a qualified U.S. tax accountant who understands both Canadian and U.S. tax laws. Whether you’re a retiree receiving Social Security in Mississauga, a cross-border worker in downtown Toronto, or a small business owner managing corporate income on both sides of the border, the right U.S. tax accountant in Toronto can make all the difference.
At Ricky Chawla CPA, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses navigate these complex tax obligations. From IRS audits and appeals to cross-border tax filings and corporate structuring, our goal is to help you remain compliant, minimize liabilities, and take full advantage of all applicable tax treaties and credits. This blog post will explore what the VITA and TCE programs are, how they might benefit U.S. taxpayers in Canada, and why working with a Canada tax accountant Toronto expert in cross border tax is often necessary to ensure proper compliance.
What Are the VITA and TCE Programs?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are long-standing IRS initiatives designed to provide free tax return preparation assistance to eligible individuals. These programs rely on IRS-trained and certified volunteers to offer in-person and virtual tax help to millions of U.S. taxpayers every year.
VITA Program Overview
The VITA program primarily assists:
- Individuals with low to moderate income
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
- Rural residents and underserved communities
VITA volunteers help prepare basic tax returns, ensuring that eligible taxpayers claim the tax credits and deductions they’re entitled to—such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC).
TCE Program Overview
The TCE program is specifically geared toward taxpayers aged 60 and older. These individuals often face additional complexities such as:
- Retirement income (Social Security, pensions, RRSP withdrawals)
- Foreign account reporting obligations
- Coordination between U.S. and Canadian tax systems
Though these services are immensely helpful, they primarily cover basic returns. For individuals living outside the United States, such as dual citizens in Canada or U.S. citizens residing in the GTA, these programs may not address the intricate requirements of cross border tax compliance.
For example, most VITA/TCE volunteers are not equipped to assist with:
- Form 8938 (FATCA reporting)
- FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report)
- Foreign tax credits and exclusions
- Canada–U.S. tax treaty interpretations
That’s where a qualified U.S. tax accountant in Toronto or a Canada tax accountant Toronto experienced in cross border tax becomes critical. At Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation, we routinely assist clients with these forms and ensure full compliance with both IRS and CRA regulations. Our firm bridges the gap between public tax assistance and professional cross-border tax planning.
While VITA and TCE play a valuable role in tax literacy and support, they cannot replace the deep expertise of a U.S. tax accountant who specializes in the unique and often high-stakes challenges of international and dual residency tax filing.
Why It Matters for U.S. Citizens Living in Canada
Many U.S. citizens and green card holders residing in Canada are surprised to learn that they are still legally obligated to file U.S. tax returns—even if they haven’t lived in the United States for decades. Unlike most countries, the U.S. taxes based on citizenship rather than residency. This means that your global income, including earnings and assets in Canada, must be reported annually to the IRS.
For the growing population of Americans living in Ontario—especially in cities like Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto—the recent IRS announcement about the VITA and TCE programs highlights the growing need for awareness, preparation, and professional guidance. However, these free services have limits, especially when you’re dealing with cross border tax obligations and dual filing requirements.
At Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation, we’ve worked with numerous U.S. citizens who have unknowingly fallen out of compliance with the IRS simply because they weren’t aware of their obligations. Common scenarios include:
- Retired U.S. citizens receiving CPP/OAS and U.S. Social Security benefits
- Dual residents with RRSP, TFSA, or RESP accounts that need to be reported
- Canadian business owners with U.S. ties or U.S.-based shareholders
In these cases, the expertise of a professional U.S. tax accountant in Toronto becomes indispensable. While the VITA and TCE programs are excellent for basic filings, they often do not cover:
- Treaty-based return positions under the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty
- IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures
- IRS audit support and appeals
- Navigating foreign tax credits and Form 1116/2555 exclusions
Working with a Canada tax accountant Toronto who specializes in cross border tax ensures that you don’t miss crucial filing obligations or overlook credits and deductions that could reduce your tax liability.
Our firm bridges this gap by providing comprehensive U.S. and Canadian tax planning services, helping you stay compliant and financially optimized on both sides of the border. Whether you’re a retiree, an expat professional, or a dual citizen entrepreneur, we tailor our services to your situation with precision.
In short, if you’re a U.S. taxpayer living in Canada, don’t rely solely on free programs to manage your obligations. Instead, consult with an experienced U.S. tax accountant like Ricky Chawla CPA, who understands the nuances of cross border tax and can offer year-round, personalized support.
Opportunities for Community Organizations
The IRS’s recent call for grant applications for the VITA and TCE programs is not only relevant to individuals—it also opens doors for community-based organizations, nonprofits, and expat groups in Canada that serve U.S. citizens and dual residents.
How Canadian Organizations Can Participate
While the VITA and TCE programs are U.S. government initiatives, they have historically partnered with qualified organizations that serve U.S. citizens abroad—including those in Canada. If your organization supports American seniors, low-income individuals, or cross-border families in Ontario, there may be an opportunity to apply for IRS funding to offer free tax assistance services.
Applications are open from May 1 through May 31, 2025, and must be submitted via grants.gov website. This funding can support staffing, training, technology, and outreach efforts, enabling your organization to provide a much-needed service to U.S. citizens who face unique tax filing obligations from Canada.
Partnering with or referring to a licensed U.S. tax accountant or Canada tax accountant Toronto professional like Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation can also enhance the effectiveness of your program. While your volunteers may handle basic returns, more complex cases involving cross border tax, foreign assets, or IRS audits can be referred to qualified tax experts for seamless support.
Who Should Consider Applying?
- U.S. expat support organizations in Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga
- Community centers with a large population of U.S.-Canada dual citizens
- Religious or cultural institutions serving American retirees in Ontario
- Educational or nonprofit groups focusing on financial literacy
Many of these organizations are already assisting U.S. citizens in Canada but lack the resources or tax-specific expertise to scale. This grant provides a chance to expand their impact while ensuring compliance with IRS standards.
At Ricky Chawla CPA, we regularly collaborate with community organizations and provide educational sessions, informational content, and consultation services. Our role as a U.S. tax accountant in Toronto specializing in cross border tax allows us to bring a higher level of guidance to groups who want to do more for their members without overextending their capabilities.
If your organization is considering applying for a VITA or TCE grant—or if you’re already involved in helping U.S. citizens file their taxes—feel free to connect with us. We’d be glad to support you as your go-to Canada tax accountant Toronto advisor, offering technical guidance and professional collaboration where needed.
Cross-Border Filing Help Is Still Needed
Despite the value offered by the VITA and TCE programs, the reality is that most U.S. citizens living in Canada require more than just basic tax prep support. The intricacies of filing taxes in both countries simultaneously—while navigating the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty, foreign tax credits, and dual reporting requirements—can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where the expertise of a U.S. tax accountant in Toronto becomes indispensable.
Common Cross-Border Filing Challenges
At Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation, we regularly work with clients facing complex issues such as:
- Filing Form 8938 for foreign asset disclosures under FATCA
- Reporting RRSP, TFSA, and RESP accounts to the IRS (which may not be tax-free in the U.S.)
- Filing FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000
- Navigating Form 1116 or Form 2555 to claim foreign tax credits or income exclusions
- Understanding how the Canada–U.S. Tax Treaty impacts retirement income, capital gains, and business profits
While the IRS does offer some relief mechanisms—like the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures—these too require precise handling and deep knowledge of cross-border regulations. Filing incorrectly or omitting key forms can trigger audits, penalties, or even legal action.
Why Hire a Cross Border Specialist?
A Canada tax accountant in Toronto with experience in cross border tax issues does more than just file your returns. We analyze your entire financial profile, ensuring:
- You are not double-taxed
- You comply with both IRS and CRA standards
- You receive maximum allowable deductions and credits
- Your foreign investments and accounts are properly reported
More importantly, we offer year-round tax planning—not just seasonal filing. This proactive approach helps clients reduce their long-term tax liability, optimize wealth transfers, and plan for retirement on both sides of the border.
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen working remotely from Canada, a cross-border commuter earning in both currencies, or a business owner with U.S. customers or assets—our team at Ricky Chawla CPA provides the insight and clarity you need.
As your trusted U.S. tax accountant Toronto and Canada tax accountant Toronto, we offer strategic tax support and peace of mind.
How Ricky Chawla CPA Can Help
At Ricky Chawla CPA Professional Corporation, we specialize in providing expert cross border tax solutions for U.S. citizens, green card holders, and dual residents living in Canada. With years of experience in handling complex U.S. and Canadian tax matters, we serve as your go-to partner for compliance, strategy, and peace of mind.
Full-Service Cross Border Tax Solutions
Unlike volunteer programs that offer only basic tax filing support, we provide:
- U.S. Tax Return Preparation (Form 1040, 1040NR)
- Canadian Tax Return Filing (T1 General, T2 Corporate)
- FBAR and FATCA Reporting (FinCEN 114, Form 8938)
- IRS Streamlined Filing for Non-Compliant Expats
- Tax Treaty Application and Planning
- Foreign Tax Credit Optimization (Forms 1116, 2555)
- Dual Status & Departure Return Assistance
- U.S. Taxpayer Representation in Audits and Appeals
As a licensed U.S. tax accountant Toronto and trusted Canada tax accountant Toronto, we help clients avoid common filing mistakes that can result in penalties, delays, or missed deductions.
Custom-Tailored Tax Planning
Every client’s situation is unique. Whether you:
- Own a business in Brampton but have U.S. shareholders
- Are an American retiree collecting both U.S. Social Security and CPP/OAS
- Receive rental income or capital gains across the border
- Have children with RESPs and TFSAs
We tailor tax strategies that protect your income and assets in both countries. Our proactive approach ensures you stay compliant year after year—and we keep you informed of key updates like IRS announcements, treaty amendments, and CRA changes.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Local Accessibility: We’re located in Brampton and serve clients across the GTA—including Mississauga and Toronto.
- Cross Border Expertise: We handle both U.S. and Canadian taxes under one roof.
- Audit & Appeals Support: In case of an IRS or CRA audit, we represent and defend your position.
- Clear Communication: We simplify complex tax language, so you understand every step of your filing and planning.
If you’re searching for a U.S. tax accountant in Toronto or need a Canada tax accountant Toronto firm that understands the complete picture of cross border tax, we’re here to help.
