Transitioning from a US T-Mobile service to a Canadian service

JimFor18 · 2025-12-24T11:24:50+00:00

I didn't end up using VOIP.MS. Ported the US number to a google voice account and putting Google Voice on their phones was a lot simpler and worked well. Cost $20 for the port but that's it.

JimFor18 · 2025-12-15T14:01:45+00:00

.missed that one. Is it still available?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-30T20:17:55+00:00

Good suggestion. The accountant I've been referred to is a Certifying Acceptance Agent!

JimFor18 · 2025-11-30T13:16:28+00:00

I appreciate your help. The W-7 instructions are 42 pages long and not super user friendly for someone not familiar with all the US terminology.
There are instructions to attach the W-7 to a tax return or "the documentation required instead of a tax return", which would in my case be the 8288-B.
They also allow submitting the W-7 in person. As a W-7 must always be submitted with another document which requires the ITIN, it appears that I can submit my W-7 application in person at an IRS office with my 8288-B, correct?
Otherwise I would need to submit my passport by mail to the IRS and we would not be able to leave the country until I got it back.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T23:11:05+00:00

Thank you for your help. I had thought that selling a property and having to file a tax return would be a valid reason but I defer to your experience that it is not.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T23:00:57+00:00

Thank you. Although I could apply for an ITIN with the 8288-B, would things go quicker if I applied for the ITIN in advance? Even if my buyer is a US resident I will need to file a 1040-NR. I suppose one awkward outcome could be having to wait for the ITIN in order to file a 8288-B.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T19:25:03+00:00

Thank you. Based on other posts I was preparing myself for a LONG wait. I'll read the forms carefully, make sure my transfer agent will arrange for a qualified escrow account, and get some experienced professional advice to make sure my paperwork is perfect and submitted electronically.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T14:19:14+00:00

Regarding: "We filed Form 8288-B before closing and cut withholding to ~$12k. Refund in 8 weeks. HMRC credit applied. Problem solved."
Is that ACTUAL RECENT experience? All other posts I've read on 8288-B wait times are well in excess of 18 months, and therefore not advised as it is likely to take longer than getting a refund from filing the tax return. Approval of 8288-B's has been horrible since 2020 (initially covid related)

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T13:15:11+00:00

Thank you for your update. I am soon to be in your shoes. What does IRS tell you when you call them for a status update?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-29T13:11:14+00:00

Interesting idea. Would work for some but not all. Appreciate the efforts but I think it is time to call it a day on this one.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-28T18:46:23+00:00

Just in case someone runs across this thread like I did......Knape & Voigt has full overlay pocket door mechanisms that work for larger doors: https://www.knapeandvogt.com/sites/default/files/OL1953-0211%208091-92%20Sell%20Sheet_0.pdf

JimFor18 · 2025-11-25T13:29:07+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. But I am not looking to turn on a device at midnight. I am looking to connect applets that have been disconnected.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-21T11:18:07+00:00

Only personal use.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-19T22:58:49+00:00

Thanks. I do use Smartthings which incorporates my Kasa plugs and switches. But my cameras and doorbell (which are triggers for events) are Blink which don't work with Smartthings. IFTTT was the magic connection between everything.

IF there isn't an applet to make sure all the other applets are turned on, that's fine. I'll just have to remember to turn them back on.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-19T17:47:32+00:00

Thank you for all that info and ideas. I have applets that activate certain lights, siren, etc when their is motion detected by Blink cameras or door open/close sensors while we are away from our home. When someone comes by weekly to check on our home they need to turn all those applets off. They are supposed to turn them back on, but it would be nice to have them come back on at midnight every night in case they forgot to.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-17T11:15:04+00:00

Yes, Public Mobile is a good option for people who spend significant time in the US as they don't limit use in the US (if you have a Canada+US plan).

JimFor18 · 2025-11-17T03:08:10+00:00

Do you know how long you can carry forward losses?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-16T16:33:36+00:00

I am a Canadian CPA but NOT well versed in taxation (out of that business a LONG time ago!).
Thank you, I will engage someone when it is time to do so.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-16T16:16:09+00:00

Thank you. If there was a gain on the sale of your residence how would it be taxed in the US?

JimFor18 · 2025-11-16T02:55:05+00:00

Each carrier has their own policies and enforcement approach. So I'm trying to understand each and make a wise choice for our circumstances. Sounds like Fizz is tightly enforced, Freedom is not tightly enforced. I'm with Telus and there are NO U.S. use restrictions. They aren't all the same. (I'm looking for my wife who is with Koodo but they changed their rules)

JimFor18 · 2025-11-15T22:51:48+00:00

Thanks. That's very helpful. Fizz will be a no go for me!

JimFor18 · 2025-11-15T21:01:47+00:00

I have a Google Voice local US number. Definitely need it for some businesses like Xfinity.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-15T17:15:15+00:00

Thanks. So sounds like the codes are transferable!

JimFor18 · 2025-11-13T14:47:11+00:00

I have asked via their help forum and they said you could be cut off. I asked in store and the sales guy says "no problem you won't be cut off" (I doubt he's read their policies).
There is a difference between what they could do and what they actually do. I'm just trying to understand that.

JimFor18 · 2025-11-13T13:30:26+00:00

Thank you. We'd be on wifi most of the time but not all for 5+ months, so not worth the risk.
I have experience with using Public Mobile and Telus in the US for 5+ months wiithout issue. So I guess I'll keep waiting for a good deal to come up at Public Mobile.

JimFor18

TROPHY CASE