US Tax and Finance Seminar

It's time for our annual seminar during which we will discuss the tax/financial considerations that are relevant for US Citizens that file taxes for both the US and Canada. Once again, we will be meeting at The Pleasant on Main Street. The event will take place on Saturday, February 21st at 3:00pm.

During this seminar, we will have a one-hour overview of key tax and related investment topics, followed by a dedicated Q&A period. After the Q&A period, we hope you'll stick around and enjoy some time with your fellow Americans.

 

Agenda

Check-in for this event will commence at 3:00pm PST and the seminar will start promptly at 3:30pm PST.  We plan to cover the following topics:

• Understanding who falls under US tax compliance
• Key tax and investment considerations for US citizens in Canada
• Comparative insights into US and Canadian tax systems and retirement accounts
• Common filing scenarios and necessary forms
• Investment nuances and tax implications
• Navigating FinCEN/FBAR – Reporting Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
• Essentials of Foreign Reporting
• Introduction to the Streamlined Program
• Social Security vs. Canada Pension Plan
• Cross-border investment basics
• PFICs - what they are and why they should be avoided
• General Q&A

 

Registration

The available seating for this seminar is limited, so please register in time.  We will not be accepting walk-in registrations. There are two options for attendance:

• In-person: $23 USD per person
• Webinar:    $11 USD per person

Please note that for those attending via Webinar, the session will formally end at approximately 5:00pm PST.

 

Meet the Experts

Pat Fournier brings a wealth of public practice experience from both sides of the border, with CA and CPA designations from BC, Canada, and WA, USA. Her decade in Seattle enriched her expertise in public practice and banking before returning to Port Coquitlam, BC, to establish a specialized US tax practice. Catering to individuals, small businesses, and fellow accountants, Pat's dual licensure makes her a distinctive authority in cross-border financial matters.

Ridge Frank-White is an Investment Advisor at Leede Financial whose practice focuses on holistic financial planning, retirement strategy, and long-term wealth building. A significant focus of his practice is supporting American citizens living in Canada in navigating the complexity of cross-border investment.

Jim Stewart, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in public accounting, holds CPA (WA) credentials since 2001 and a Master's of US Taxation from Golden Gate University. His dual citizenship and extensive cross-border experience shape his unique proficiency, especially in assisting healthcare small businesses like chiropractors and RMTs, as well as consultants. Jim's forward-thinking approach and dedication to planning and tracking distinguish his service in driving success for small businesses.

Disclaimer: Democrats Abroad cannot provide individual tax and financial advice. We are not tax lawyers, accountants, or advisers. Please consult a professional tax advisor, accountant, return preparer, financial advisor, etc. when addressing your personal tax and investment matters. We suggest that U.S. citizens abroad in need of tax advice consult the IRS Tax Return Preparer Directory to find an advisor or tax return preparer near you or providing online services: https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf

 

WHEN

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Time

WHERE

The Pleasant
2434 Main St

Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
Canada
Google map and directions
This is a hybrid event. See the event description above or RSVP for virtual participation options.

CONTACT

Manoj Shankar
[email protected]

64 RSVPs