can the IRS force me to pay back taxes to Canada

[Tina.LoCasto]

Canada, I was a resident for a few years, says that I owe back taxes.
Can the IRS force me to pay this? ( I paid US taxes during those years)

 

[Paul Thomas, CPA]

Canada, I was a resident for a few years,
says that I owe back taxes. Can the IRS
force me to pay this?

The IRS can't force you - no.

But there may be some form of tax treaty that would allow the IRS to off-set
your refunds for that unpaid tax to Canada (I doubt it, but it's worth
looking into). Canada may be able to sue you for that back taxes, here in
the US. If the dollars are significant, seek legal help from a tax
attorney.

 

[Phil Marti]

Canada, I was a resident for a few years, says that I owe back taxes.
Can the IRS force me to pay this?

It depends on the US/Canada treaty. There are some treaties that allow
administrative collection procedures by the IRS against assets in the US.

Information about the US/Canada treaty is in IRS Publication 597. I don't
see anything in there that specifically addresses this issue, but it does
tell you how you can get a copy of the treaty.