Hello,
I find it very difficult to get the most appropriate answers regarding the full implications of the coordination of the Belgian expat system and the Canadian tax system.
I am paying my income taxes through the Belgian expat tax system which is very advantageous for me. I would like to hire the services of a tax specialist to make sure that I take full advantage of all the benefits of this tax system and to make sure that to synchronise the timing of my return to Canada to avoid major negative impacts on my taxes.
I have to start planning my return soon. I would appreciate any leads of competent people with experiences with the combination of the Belgian Expat system and the Canadian tax system.
Regards,
Paul Picard

Hi
I see you posted your message in June and had no responses. I am a Canadian desperately trying to answer the same questions as you were... and would be immensely grateful if you could indicate if you had an success in finding a local advisor here in Brussels!
Ben

You are correct. I posted this a loooong time ago and did not get any answer.
As stimulating as the European experience can be, prepare yourself for a very inefficient flow of info.
I will be terminating my four-year work experience in Belgium on the last day of October 2005.
I planned a full month just to close various bank accounts, credit card, appartment lease etc. I think that a full month will be the minimum amount of time needed.
Are you going to stay in Belgium? Is all of your work done in Belgium? If the answers are yes and no then there is a very advantageous expat tax system available if you fall in the proper zone: No major ties to your original country (such as a spouse living there) and a limited nature of your european stay.
Be ready for horrendous fees for any kind of banking or any other professional help...often not efficient.
I did enjoy those four years. I am currently on a two-month holiday in Canada. At times I go in a store or a bank even if I don't need anything just for the long lost pleasure of being greeted with a very friendly smile and a cheerfull greeting of "Good morning sir, what can I do for you today".
Regards,
Paul

write to me. i am staying in Gent but have some info about coping with the Big Return

Yes I still need help regarding the needed procedures to close everything here. I had to leave because of pshychological harasment. So you can be sure that my employer won't even give me the time of day and will obviously take advantage of my lack of knowledge of Belgian laws to get away with as much as possible. He already had tried to deprive me of a few weeks of revenues. It is a long strory that I would rather leave behind. Despite this very unfortunate situation I enjoyed my four years in Belgium it is just that I know that I won't receive any help from my employer for an easy and efficient return to Canada.
Regards
Paul