Roth IRA conversions (how to define Canadian residency)

[FLBiker]

We're planning to move to Canada in early 2020, but we'll likely be "landing" as far as permanent residency is concerned in the summer of 2019.  I know that we need to file a one-time irrevocable election about each Roth account by the filing due-date of our first year of residency.  For tax purposes, I believe that 2020 (when we move) would be the first year that we'd file for (so due in April 2021).  Am I right in thinking that this would also then be the year that our Roth IRA election form is due?  Or would we need to file it for 2019 (due in April 2020), when our permanent residency begins?

Thanks!

[Goldielocks]

They look for  signs of the definition of "substantial ties".  For my move to the USA / Move back, it was the date I crossed the border with my family  both times. (not for a short vacation)  I had been working on a TN visa in the USA for 4 months prior, but the date that my husband and kids joined me was the defacto date.   I would have had a lot of work to prove any other date.

For you, the way around it would be if the family on "visited" for a couple of weeks then went back to the other country, and you stayed at hotels during that time, even if you had an apartment studio rental or something else.

They take the 20/20 hindsight view to confirm if the move date matches the intent of what eventually happened (longer residency, getting bank accounts, a residence, etc).

[mathman]

Very good question!
I completely agree with Goldielocks.  It has to do with the date you physically settle in Canada.  The date of PR 'landing' is not relevant for the Roth IRA election.

[FLBiker]

Thank you, that is very helpful!  I was hoping it was that way.  We're planning to do a 2 week landing / visit in July of this year, and then move May / June 2020.  It's good to know that I can wait on doing the Roth IRA paperwork until I am properly in country.  Thanks!