On Feb 9, 9:53 am, "riop...@googlemail.com"
wrote:
> I am an engineer and a Canadian citizen who left Canada almost 10
> years ago (to work in the UK, UAE, etc...) and have not been liable
> for Canadian taxes since that time. I have recently moved my family
> to Brazil (my wife is Brazilian). I currently travel to Brazil on a
> tourist visa but will start the permanent residency status soon.
>
> An American company is interested in employing me in Brazil. For the
> initial period of time, I would be paid by their office based in
> Houston. They are likely going to apply for a TN visa for me
> eventhough I will be spending most of my time in Brazil. By being
> employed through their USA office, I can start working immediately in
> Brazil instead of waiting for the Brazilian regular route lenghly
> process and avoid te Brazilian very costly taxes... This way I could
> be able to work immediately in Brazil on a technical assistance
> visa...
>
> I believe I would be liable for USA taxes by proceeding their way. To
> avoid paying USA taxes, could I open a limited company in the USA?
> Could I obtain the TN visa even if they pay me trough the limited
> company? Should I open an international company (ex. Bahamas) and be
> paid from teir USA branch? I will not establish any residency in the
> USA but will likely be required to visit the USA for business
> purposes, training, etc...
> Any suggestions?
As a Canadian citizen (I am one, working in the US under authority of
a TN visa), if you work in a profession that falls under the NAFTA TN
Professional catagory you can qualify for one. However, that only
gives you permission to work within the confines of the United States
for up to one year. My understanding of the International Tax Treaty
is that your tax liability is to the country of residency, not the
country where the income is coming from. (i.e. Brazil) You will
probably have to file taxes in Brazil and declare earnings as self
employment income.
I'm surprised that your Houston based company is willing to pay you
from the US without a 1099 filing or invoices. From what I understand,
you can't work as a normal employee (W-2) from Brazil unless that
company has an operation in that country and THEN they should be
paying directly from that operation (and paying the government of
Brazil taxes, etc).
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