As with any discussion on this topic, it gets very confusing over exactly what we are saying or hearing. As I understand it, and I too am not a lawyer, border agent or anything other than a retiree. But as I see it we are confusing the following.
1) Canadians are allowed entry to the US as a visitor for up to 6 months without paperwork.
2) The US IRS uses a different formula to calculate foreign visitors time in the US for tax purposes..
3) That formula goes back 3 years.
4) If Steve is correct, and I believe he is, all snowbirds should be filing a form f8840 with the US government each year, or risk a US tax liability on income earned in Canada. I guess it is time for me to start submitting the form
Tom, as stated in a previous string, you are correct that US border officials do not require us to stop when leaving. Also, since it is not necessary for a passport to enter Canada, they are not required to scan it. However, it is usually done, and since they know we all have them as an entry requirement to the US, they routinely ask for it. I am also of the understanding that Canada/US border agreements state that each country is only to provide the "free flow" of information for those with "criminal" backgrounds. Yet, I have no doubt that when Uncle Sam asks, we answer without a second thought, so there is no hiding our departure date, besides as said earlier most of us use things that are easily traceable.
I continues to be baffling as to why the US government would want to make it so complicated and difficult for tourists to come to your fine country and spend much needed dollars. It is obvious that your economy is in such great shape that you don't want our money.
Ed