Top Cross-Border Accountants in Canada and the US
Are you looking for the top cross-border accountant in Canada and the United States?
While there isn't one cross-border accountant who is better than everyone else, this list will help you identify which cross-border accounting services you need and which firms to contact.
Well-regarded cross-border accounting firms for Americans moving to Canada include Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Cadesky Tax, Hutcheson & Co. LLP, and Serbinski.
As long as you have financial ties in Canada and the United States, you'll likely need to report your worldwide income to both countries. Your cross-border accountant is a key part of your cross-border team and someone you'll need for years to come.
In addition, if you're looking for a cross-border accountant or tax advisor, it's also critical that you speak with a cross-border financial advisor. Your advisor will act as the guide who collaborates with your accountant and lawyer to create a cohesive cross-border plan that considers investments, retirement planning, and cross-border estate planning.
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
There is no single best cross-border tax advisor for every person or situation. The right choice depends on your needs, circumstances, and the complexity of your situation.
Written by Tiffany Woodfield, Senior Wealth Advisor, Portfolio Manager, CRPC®, CIM®, TEP®
Tiffany advises clients who live in Canada and the United States and want to simplify their cross-border financial plan, move their assets across the border, and optimize their investments to minimize their tax burden.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Cross-Border Accounting Firm
A good cross-border accounting firm has cross-border tax specialists who understand both sides of the border and can ensure that your tax obligations are met while also avoiding double taxation. Cross-border tax preparation is far more complex than US-only or Canadian-only tax preparation, so working with an exceptional accountant is important.
These are some key things to look for in a cross-border accounting service:
Specialization: Make sure that your cross-border tax team regularly handles the specific cross-border issues that apply to you, such as personal tax returns, business ownership, trusts, investments, real estate, or estate planning.
Client Fit: Ask whether the firm typically works with clients whose income, assets, businesses, and planning needs are similar to yours.
Credentials and Experience: Look for professionals with relevant Canadian and US tax credentials and substantial experience coordinating tax obligations in both countries.
Communication: Find out how quickly the firm responds, who your main contact will be, and how often you can expect to hear from them.
Coordination: A strong cross-border accountant should be willing to work with your financial advisor, estate lawyer, and other professionals.
Services Provided: Confirm whether the firm offers tax planning as well as return preparation and whether it can handle all the Canadian and US filings you require. Tax Planning is looking forward whereas tax preparation is looking in the rearview mirror.
Cost: Ask how the firm charges, what its fees include, and whether tax planning, consultations, and additional filings cost extra.
Insights on Choosing a Cross-Border Accountant
Based on our team’s experience, these are some practical considerations that can help you avoid costly cross-border tax problems:
Use One Firm for Both Returns
If you must file Canadian and US tax returns, look for one firm that can prepare both.
This makes it easier to coordinate income, taxes paid, filing dates, and foreign tax credits across the two countries.
Avoid Splitting the Work
Problems can arise when one accountant prepares the Canadian return, and another prepares the US return without communicating closely. Information can be reported differently. Foreign tax credits may not line up. Moreover, correcting the returns can become expensive and confusing.
Confirm Who Actually Does the Work
Some larger firms may transfer parts of the engagement to another office or team.
Ask who will prepare each return, whether the Canadian and US specialists work together, and who will be responsible for reviewing the complete cross-border picture.
Understand Compliance vs. Advice
Tax compliance involves preparing and filing your returns.
Tax advisory services focus on helping you understand the tax consequences of decisions before you make them. Some cross-border accountants provide both services, while some tax advisors offer planning without preparing returns.
Ask Whether Proactive Planning Is Included
Do not assume that hiring an accountant to prepare your tax returns automatically includes proactive tax advice.
There is an important distinction between tax compliance, which focuses on preparing and filing returns, and tax planning, which involves providing guidance and strategies before important decisions are made.
Be sure to confirm whether the engagement includes only annual tax filings or also covers planning related to a move, major transaction, investment change, business decision, or estate planning matter.
If planning services are available, ask how they are provided and how those services are charged. Understanding the scope of services and the associated fees upfront can help avoid surprises later.
Top Cross-Border Accounting Firms in Canada
These firms are listed in alphabetical order and do not reflect a “best-to-worst” ranking. The right firm depends on whether you need personal tax filing, high-net-worth planning, corporate expansion, estate and trust work, or help with other complex tax concerns. The information about these firms was gathered from their websites but should not be considered definitive.
1 - Smythe LLP
Specialization: Smythe provides Canadian and US tax planning, tax compliance, expatriate tax services, and assistance under the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures. Its broader capabilities include trusts and estates, assurance, business valuations, succession planning, and transaction advisory services.
Who They Help: Smythe helps individuals who live in or are moving between Canada and the United States. The firm also works with private and public companies, family-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, and business owners with more complex planning needs.
Location: Vancouver and Langley, BC
2 - Trowbridge Professional Corporation
Specialization: Trowbridge specializes in Canadian and US expatriate tax, individual and corporate compliance, global mobility, payroll, and international business expansion. Its private-client services also include Canadian and US trust, estate, and tax planning.
Who They Help: Trowbridge helps individuals who live, work, invest, or relocate internationally and need assistance with Canadian or US tax obligations. The firm also supports private corporations, global employers, athletes, entertainers, and other clients with complex international income.
Location: Toronto, ON, with additional offices in Texas, Frankfurt, India, and London, England
Website: https://www.trowbridgeglobal.com/
3 - Achen Henderson CPAs
Specialization: Achen Henderson CPAs specializes in Canadian and US personal and business tax planning, cross-border compliance, immigration and emigration, and US business expansion. The firm also offers indirect tax, cloud accounting, bookkeeping, and business advisory services.
Who They Help: The firm helps individuals who need to file tax returns in Canada, the United States, or both countries. It also works with Canadian companies entering the US, owner-managed businesses, and entrepreneurs.
Location: Calgary, AB
4 - Cadesky Tax
Specialization: Cadesky Tax specializes in Canadian and US personal and corporate taxation, including immigration, emigration, and business expansion into the United States. Its team also advises on trusts, gift and estate tax, state taxation, and international business structures.
Who They Help: Cadesky works with private businesses, owner-managers, multinational companies, high-net-worth individuals, and families with connections to multiple jurisdictions. The firm also collaborates with accountants, lawyers, and other professional advisors whose clients require specialized tax advice.
Location: Toronto and Ottawa, ON
Website: https://www.cadesky.com/
5 - Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Specialization: Doane Grant Thornton provides cross-border personal tax planning, US personal tax compliance, global mobility, and international tax services. The firm also offers US corporate tax advice and estate and succession planning for clients with interests in both countries.
Who They Help: The firm helps individuals who are subject to US tax filing requirements, including people moving between Canada and the United States. It also supports employers with internationally mobile employees and Canadian companies entering or operating in the US.
Location: Offices across Canada
6 - Hutcheson & Co. LLP
Specialization: Hutcheson & Co. prepares Canadian and US personal and corporate tax returns and provides cross-border tax planning. Its services also include IRS and CRA disputes, voluntary disclosures, non-resident tax, and trust and estate planning.
Who They Help: The firm helps US citizens living in Canada, non-residents, and Canadian and American companies with cross-border tax obligations. It also serves individuals and owner-managed businesses throughout Vancouver Island and other parts of Canada.
Location: Victoria and Langford, BC
7 - KPMG Canada
Specialization: KPMG Canada offers Canadian and US personal and corporate tax planning, tax preparation, and international compliance services. Its cross-border professionals also advise on trusts, estates, expatriation, residency, charitable giving, US investments, and American real estate.
Who They Help: KPMG helps US citizens and green-card holders living in Canada manage their obligations under both countries’ tax systems. The firm also works with Canadians moving, working, investing, or owning property in the United States and businesses with cross-border structures.
Location: Offices across Canada
Website: https://kpmg.com/ca/en/services/tax/global-mobility-services/private-client-cross-border-tax.html
8 - Moodys Private Client and Moodys Tax
Specialization: Moodys is a specialist tax, law, and accounting firm. It brings together Canadian and US tax, legal, and accounting professionals to provide integrated cross-border planning. Its services include expatriation, US citizenship renunciation, residency planning, FATCA compliance, estate tax planning, and private-client accounting.
Who They Help: Moodys helps affluent Canadian and American individuals and families address complex tax, accounting, and legal issues across borders. The firm also works with business owners and expatriates whose citizenship, residency, businesses, investments, or estates involve more than one country.
Location: Calgary and Edmonton, AB, and Toronto, ON
9 - RMI LLP
Specialization: RMI provides US and Canadian cross-border tax planning and compliance for individuals and businesses. The firm also offers Canadian personal and corporate tax preparation, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and small-business advisory services.
Who They Help: RMI helps US citizens living in Canada and Canadians who receive income from or own assets in the United States. It also works with business owners operating across the border and small businesses in the Calgary area.
Location: Calgary, AB
10 - Serbinski Accounting Firms
Specialization: Serbinski Accounting Firm is a boutique firm that specializes in Canadian and US tax return preparation and cross-border tax planning. Its services cover treaty positions, foreign financial accounts, cross-border estates, contractors, and people establishing or ending residency in either country.
Who They Help: Serbinski helps Canadians living or working in the United States and Americans residing in Canada. The firm also works with dual filers, businesses, property owners, and families with cross-border estate or inheritance concerns.
Location: Toronto, ON, and Chicago, IL
Website: https://www.serbinski.com/
Top Cross-Border Accounting Firms in the United States
These firms are listed in alphabetical order and do not reflect a “best-to-worst” ranking. The right firm depends on whether you need personal tax filing, high-net-worth planning, corporate expansion, estate and trust work, or help with other complex tax concerns. The information about these firms was gathered from their websites but should not be considered definitive.
1 - AbitOs Accountants + Advisors
Specialization: AbitOs is a mid-sized firm that specializes in US–Canada cross-border taxation, including inbound and outbound planning, expatriate compliance, international reporting, and Canadian tax matters. Its team also advises on trusts and estates, FIRPTA, transfer pricing, foreign investment, and international business structures.
Who They Help: AbitOs works with high-net-worth individuals, families with cross-border lifestyles, foreign investors, and Canadian and US taxpayers. The firm also helps foreign entities doing business in the United States and American companies expanding into Canada or other international markets.
Location: Florida and Dubai
Website: https://abitos.com/
2 - AKIF CPA
Specialization: AKIF CPA provides Canadian and US individual and corporate tax preparation, cross-border tax planning, accounting, payroll, and IRS representation. Its specialized services also include cross-border CFO support, E-2 visa planning, entity structuring, e-commerce accounting, and multijurisdictional business operations.
Who They Help: AKIF helps Americans living in Canada, Canadians living in the United States, and individuals with filing obligations in both countries. The firm also serves Canadian corporations, e-commerce sellers, real estate investors, and small to mid-sized businesses entering the US market.
Location: Houston, TX, and Vaughan, ON
3 - The Bonadio Group
Specialization: The Bonadio Group provides Canada–US cross-border tax compliance and planning as a core part of its international tax practice. Its services cover US corporate and individual taxation, international business tax, accounting, assurance, and broader business advisory needs.
Who They Help: The firm helps businesses operating in Canada and the United States, including closely held companies with cross-border activities. It also serves Canadian citizens with US income and US citizens residing in Canada.
Location: Multiple locations across the United States
4 - Clarity Tax & CPAs
Specialization: Clarity Tax & CPAs provides US–Canada tax planning and dual-filing services, including residency and expatriation planning. The firm also assists with FBARs, TFSAs, RRSPs, treaty-based strategies, business accounting, tax preparation, and IRS representation.
Who They Help: Clarity helps individuals, families, and business owners with financial or tax connections to both Canada and the United States.
Location: Bellingham, WA
Website: https://www.claritytaxgroup.com/
5 - Dimov Tax & CPA Specialists
Specialization: Dimov Tax & CPA Specialists provides Canada–US cross-border tax assistance involving RRSPs, TFSAs, FBAR and Form 8938 reporting under FATCA, Canadian-source income, and tax considerations for people moving between the two countries.
Who They Help: The firm serves US residents with Canadian income, along with Canadian residents who are relocating to the United States. It also works with cross-border investors and retirees who hold RRSPs or TFSAs.
Location: Multiple US offices, including San Francisco, CA
6 - Greenback Expat Tax Services
Specialization: Greenback specializes in US expatriate tax returns, foreign account reporting, and compliance for Americans living outside the United States. Its services include FBAR and Form 8938 reporting under FATCA, Streamlined Filing Procedures, foreign tax credits, foreign earned income exclusions, and international forms for small-business owners.
Who They Help: Greenback helps American citizens and green-card holders living abroad, including Americans who have moved to Canada. The firm also works with US expat business owners and coordinates Canadian tax filings through partner specialists when clients require returns in both countries.
Location: Fully remote team with Grandville, MI mailing address
7 - Hendricks & Associates
Specialization: Hendricks & Associates provides Canadian and US personal and business tax preparation, accounting, payroll, and financial-statement services. The firm also specializes in US citizens living in Canada, US owners of Canadian property, and other cross-border compliance and planning matters.
Who They Help: The firm helps individuals and small businesses with tax and accounting obligations on either side of the Canada–US border. Its clients include US citizens in Canada, Canadians with US tax needs, and individuals who own property or businesses in the other country.
Location: Western New York and Wilmington, NC, with an affiliated Canadian practice
Website: https://www.hendricksusa.com/
Which Cross-Border Accounting Services Do You Need?
These are the cross-border tax services that many Americans and green-card holders moving to Canada will require:
Canadian and US personal tax returns for the year of the move and future years.
Tax-residency analysis to determine when Canadian tax obligations begin.
Foreign tax credit calculations to help prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
Foreign asset and account reporting, including FBAR, Form 8938 under FATCA, and Form T1135 when applicable.
Departure and arrival planning for investments, businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, trusts, and other assets.
Advice about the Canadian treatment of US accounts such as IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and 529 plans.
Estate and gift tax planning for individuals and families with assets or beneficiaries in both countries.
These are the cross-border tax services that many Canadians moving to the United States will require:
Canadian departure returns and US federal and state tax returns.
Residency and treaty analysis to establish when Canadian residency ends and US residency begins.
Departure tax calculations and planning for assets subject to a deemed disposition when leaving Canada.
Foreign tax credit calculations to coordinate taxes paid in each country.
Foreign account and asset reporting, including FBAR, Form 8938 under FATCA, and any applicable Canadian disclosure forms.
Advice about the US treatment of Canadian accounts such as TFSAs, RESPs, RRSPs, RRIFs, and corporate accounts.
Tax planning for Canadian real estate, corporations, trusts, pensions, and investment accounts retained after the move.
Why Do You Need a Cross-Border Tax Accountant?
Cross-border tax experts assess the following:
Tax residency status
Income sources
Investments
Property
Businesses
Family structures
A cross-border accountant must determine where income must be reported and where tax may be owed.
Canadian income tax obligations are primarily determined by residency. Canadian residents generally report worldwide income to the Canada Revenue Agency, while non-residents are generally taxed only on certain Canadian-source income.
US citizens and green-card holders generally continue to have US filing obligations even while living in Canada. This creates overlapping reporting requirements and potential tax consequences that a domestic-only accountant may not be equipped to coordinate.The Canada–US Tax Treaty contains provisions intended to reduce double taxation and resolve certain residency conflicts, but it does not eliminate the need to file all required returns and disclosures. Your accountant must coordinate the timing, source, and characterization of income so that foreign tax credits line up correctly with the income and taxes paid in each country.
For business owners, your accountant may also assess whether your activities create a “permanent establishment” in the other country. Under the Canada–US Tax Treaty, business profits may become taxable in the other country when they are attributable to a permanent establishment there.
As you can see, cross-border taxes are complex, and working with a professional is critical.
Why Do You Need a Cross-Border Financial Advisor?
When you begin the process of optimizing your finances so you can move across the border, working with a cross-border financial advisor is highly advisable.
Effective cross-border tax planning usually includes structuring investments and income sources to take advantage of lower tax rates in your country of residence. If you don't work with a cross-border investment management team, you'll have to structure your investments on your own.
In addition, you must provide your accountant with the correct tax receipts for both countries and track your cost base. A good cross-border advisor will help maintain the records required to calculate Canadian adjusted cost base and US tax basis, which may differ.
Most importantly, a cross-border financial advisor acts as your guide and helps coordinate with the tax and legal professionals required to create a cohesive cross-border financial plan.
A cross-border financial advisor can:
Structure your investments based on your country of residence and cross-border tax obligations.
Help you determine which Canadian and US investment and retirement accounts remain appropriate after your move.
Track adjusted cost bases and capital gains information for accounts in both countries.
Help you obtain and organize the Canadian and US tax receipts, account records, and transaction information your accountant needs to complete your return.
Coordinate investment, retirement, and estate-planning decisions with your accountant and lawyer.
Identify financial decisions that should be completed before you change tax residency.
Help ensure that your investment strategy supports your long-term goals instead of focusing only on annual tax filing.
Cross-Border Accountant vs. Cross-Border Financial Advisor
You typically need both a cross-border tax accountant and a cross-border financial advisor. Here are the general differences between the two professionals and how they can help you.
Cross-Border Accountant | Cross-Border Financial Advisor | |
Primary Role | Handles tax planning, tax compliance, and reporting in Canada and the United States. | Brings all the pieces together, managing investments and creating a financial plan that serves as a roadmap. Integrates tax considerations, estate planning, and income needs across both Canada and the United States. |
Tax Returns | Prepares or coordinates Canadian and US tax returns and mandatory disclosures. | Should provide the tax receipts, adjusted cost base information, and transaction records required for tax filing. |
Residency Planning | Analyzes how residency rules and the Canada–US Tax Treaty affect your tax obligations. | Helps position investments and income sources before your residency changes. |
Investments | Explains the tax implications of holding, selling, or transferring investments. | Recommends and manages investments based on your residency, goals, risk tolerance, and tax circumstances. |
Retirement Accounts | Advises on the tax treatment and reporting of accounts such as RRSPs, RRIFs, IRAs, and 401(k)s. | Incorporates those accounts into your retirement income and withdrawal strategy. |
Estate Planning | Identifies tax exposure involving estates, trusts, gifts, and beneficiaries in both countries. | Coordinates your investments and beneficiary strategy with your accountant and estate lawyer. |
Ongoing Support | Focuses primarily on tax deadlines, compliance, transactions, and major life changes. | Provides ongoing investment management and financial planning throughout the year. |
How Will a Cross-Border Accountant Help You?
If you need to file personal tax returns in Canada and the US, here’s how a cross-border accountant will help you:
Analyze your tax residency status and the date your residency changed.
Prepare or coordinate your Canadian and US personal tax returns.
Report worldwide income to the appropriate tax authorities.
Apply the Canada–US Tax Treaty when it affects residency, income, deductions, or tax credits.
Coordinate foreign tax credits so that the income and taxes paid are reported in the correct country and year.
Handle mandatory foreign asset disclosures such as FBAR, Form 8938 under FATCA, and Form T1135.
Calculate the correct withholding tax on cross-border dividends, interest, pensions, royalties, and other payments.
Explain the tax treatment of Canadian and US retirement and investment accounts.
Identify potential departure tax, capital gains, gift tax, or estate tax exposure.
Respond to notices or questions from the Canada Revenue Agency or Internal Revenue Service.
Help correct missed returns or disclosures through the appropriate compliance or voluntary disclosure program.
Coordinate with your cross-border financial advisor and lawyer when a financial or estate-planning decision affects your taxes.
Corporate Cross-Border Accounting
Your cross-border accountant will help your corporation file taxes on both sides of the border while seeking to minimize its overall tax burden.
The accountant will also assess whether the company’s activities create tax-residency, nexus, or permanent-establishment risks in the other country.
Here’s how a cross-border accountant can help corporations:
Provide strategic advice on international operations, including foreign exchange considerations and tax-efficient financing.
Advise on tax-efficient corporate structures for entering another country, such as operating through a branch or subsidiary.
Determine whether employees, contractors, offices, or sales activities create a permanent establishment or other filing obligation.
Prepare Canadian and US corporate tax returns and coordinate the reporting of income, expenses, and taxes paid in each country.
Apply relevant provisions of the Canada–US Tax Treaty and claim available foreign tax credits.
Establish and document intercompany transfer pricing for goods, services, financing, and intellectual property.
Create strategies to repatriate profits from foreign subsidiaries to parent companies while minimizing unnecessary taxes and withholding.
Calculate withholding taxes on cross-border dividends, interest, royalties, management fees, and other payments.
Advise on state, provincial, payroll, sales tax, GST/HST, and other registration or compliance requirements.
Support cross-border acquisitions, reorganizations, financing arrangements, and business sales.
Common Questions
What is cross-border accounting?
Cross-border accounting involves coordinating tax planning, filing, and financial reporting for individuals or businesses with income, assets, residency, or operations in more than one country.
Do I need a cross-border accountant or a cross-border advisor?
You will usually need both because an accountant handles tax planning and compliance while a cross-border advisor manages your investments and long-term financial plan.
What’s the difference between a cross-border accountant and a tax advisor?
Your cross-border accountant will help you file taxes on both sides of the border while also seeking to minimize your tax burden and providing advice.
Meanwhile, a tax advisor focuses primarily on tax planning and strategy; they do not necessarily file your tax returns for you. Keep in mind that “tax advisor” is a broad functional description, not a distinct regulated profession.
How can I avoid double taxation in the US and Canada?
A cross-border accountant can use foreign tax credits, treaty provisions, deductions, exemptions, and properly coordinated filings to reduce the risk of paying tax twice on the same income.
What are the main cross-border tax issues that come up when you move from the US to Canada?
Common issues include residency, worldwide income reporting, foreign tax credits, investment accounts, retirement plans, foreign asset disclosures, capital gains, trusts, businesses, and estate planning.
Will my cross-border accountant help me avoid estate tax exposure?
A cross-border accountant can identify potential US estate tax exposure and work with your lawyer and financial advisor to evaluate appropriate planning strategies.
Methodology
This list was built through Google searches for firms that specialize in Canada-US cross-border accounting and tax work.
The search covered both large national and international firms and smaller boutique practices, since firm size does not always match the depth of cross-border experience.
This list includes only firms that help individuals. In other words, if a firm works only with corporations, it is not included in this list.
The details in this list came from each firm's own website, rather than from third-party directories or review sites. That covers each firm's location, size, specialization, and the types of clients it serves.
Firms appear in alphabetical order within each section rather than ranked from best to worst, because the right firm depends on the type of cross-border problem a person or business needs solved: personal tax filing, high-net-worth planning, corporate expansion, and estate or trust work all call for different expertise.
This list was compiled in September 2026 and reflects information published on each firm's website at that time. Firms update their websites, so readers should confirm current details before reaching out.
This list should not be considered an endorsement of these cross-border accounting firms nor an exhaustive list of all cross-border accountants available for Americans and Canadians moving across the border.
Next Steps
If you’re a Canadian resident or are planning on moving to Canada or the US and need assistance with moving and optimizing your investments, estate planning, wealth management and portfolio management, please get in touch. At SWAN Wealth, we specialize in Canadian financial planning, cross-border financial planning and cross-border wealth management.
Read More
If you’re planning a cross-border move, these articles and guides will help simplify your move and ensure everything is covered.
About the Authors
TIFFANY WOODFIELD
Tiffany Woodfield is an Associate Portfolio Manager licensed in Canada and the USA, a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and the co-founder of SWAN Wealth Management, along with her husband, John Woodfield. Tiffany advises clients who live in Canada and the United States and want to simplify their cross-border financial plan, move their assets across the border, and optimize their investments to minimize their tax burden. Together, Tiffany and John Woodfield help their clients simplify their cross-border finances and create long-term revenue streams that will keep their assets safe whether they live in Canada or the U.S.
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Firm Fact-Checking Disclosure: The service and designation information for the firms on this post was compiled using Claude, Google, and our own knowledge of cross-border accounting firms. Fact-checking was performed by Claude Sonnet 5. Please speak with each firm directly to confirm their services and who they help.
Disclosure: These firms are presented as options to consider, not as a ranked or independently verified list. Being included does not mean an endorsement. Readers should check each firm's services, credentials, registrations, fees, and fit on their own. Information about each firm came directly from its website as of September 15, 2026.
In addition, accounting firms vary in the services that they provide. This article should not be construed as a guarantee that your cross-border accountant will perform the services listed in this post.
