For Canadians who winter in the US, rules checked November 2, 2026
Snowbird Day Counter
Log each US trip and see where you stand against the IRS 183-day test, all year. Your dates are saved only on this device. On a phone, add this page to your home screen and it opens like an app.
Quick answer
How many days can a Canadian snowbird spend in the US?
The IRS test looks at 3 years: you meet it with at least 31 days this year and a total of 183 when you add all of this year's days, 1/3 of last year's and 1/6 of the year before (IRS). If you meet it but spent fewer than 183 days this year, you may claim the closer connection exception on Form 8840 if you keep a tax home in and a closer connection to Canada, and you have not taken steps toward a green card (IRS). The counter keeps the running total for you.
Your days
Add a US trip
Days from earlier years you did not log
Optional. These are added to the logged days for that year.
Your trips
Your dates are saved only on this device, in this browser. They are not sent to us or anyone else. Clearing your browser data deletes them, so keep a backup.
Add it to your home screen
- iPhone or iPad: open this page in Safari, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.
- Android: open this page in Chrome, tap the menu, then Add to Home screen or Install.
Your dates stay in that browser on that device. To move to a new phone, download a backup and restore it there.
How the days are counted
- Any part of a day counts. The day you enter and the day you leave are both counted here.
- Some days are not counted, such as regular commuting to work from Canada or Mexico, less than 24 hours in transit between foreign places, and days you could not leave because of a medical condition that arose in the US (IRS). The counter does not remove these, so your real count may be lower.
- Form 8840. It claims the closer connection exception. If you file a US return, it goes with the return. If you do not, it goes to the IRS by that return's due date, generally June 15 of the next year if you have no US wages (IRS, Form 1040-NR instructions).
Read more: snowbird tax, substantial presence calculator. Provincial health coverage has its own rules, so check with your province.
Common questions
Where is my data stored?
Only in this browser on this device. It is not sent to us or anyone else. Clearing your browser data deletes it, so keep a backup.
Do I need to install anything from an app store?
No. It is a web page you can add to your home screen.
Does it work offline?
After you have opened it once on a supported browser, it should open without a connection.
Does it file Form 8840 for me?
No. It keeps your count and shows when the form may matter.
Are the results final?
No. It is an estimate based on what you enter, and some days are not counted under IRS rules.
Sources
Every rule and figure on this page links to the IRS, CRA or other official source it comes from. Amounts change; we re-check them before each engagement.
- IRS: Substantial presence test (reviewed March 14, 2026)
- IRS: Closer connection exception (reviewed July 16, 2026)
- IRS: About Form 8840
- IRS: Instructions for Form 1040-NR
Gurleen Kaur, CPA licensed in British Columbia and Washington State. Last updated November 2, 2026. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation.
Related guides: Snowbird tax, Substantial presence calculator, US estate tax for Canadians, Foreign property rentals.
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Prepared and signed by a licensed US CPA who can represent you before the IRS. Verify Gurleen Kaur's Washington licence (#41150) on CPAverify