How do I report Canadian or German Social Security benefits?

Under income tax treaties with Canada and Germany, Social Security benefits paid by those countries to United States residents are treated for United States income tax purposes as if they were paid under the Social Security legislation of the United States.

For example, if you are a resident of the U.S, income you receive from one of the following Canadian retirement programs would be treated as United States Social Security income: Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), and Old Age Security (OAS).

These benefits are:

• Taxable only in the United States
• Treated as United States Social Security benefits for tax purposes
• Reported on Form 1040 where United States Social Security benefits are reported

If you are a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), who is a resident of Canada, the benefits are taxable only in Canada.