Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Were Forced To Leave Canada To Avoid Double Taxes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were forced to leave Canada to avoid paying taxes in two countries.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in January that they were stepping back as senior members of the royal family. After their announcement, they flew to Canada. They had stayed in the country for their Christmas break and returned after they renounced their royal titles.

Many thought that they would be staying there for good until a source confirmed that they are already in Los Angeles. They are reportedly staying in a secluded compound.

An insider revealed to Dan Wootton of The Sun the real reason behind the Sussexes' move to the U.S. Prince Harry and Markle’s original plan was to stay in Canada, but due to financial factors, they decided to stay in her country.

“Initially Harry and Meghan wanted to be based in a Commonwealth country — Canada — and earn their own money while still performing some royal duties,” the source said. “But their plan very quickly fell apart. They were told getting work visas in Canada would be difficult and because Meghan remains a US citizen — so is taxed on her worldwide income — she would end up paying in the US and Canada.”

Also, the Canadian government already made it clear that it would not pay for their security. Thus, it made more sense for Prince Harry and Markle to move to Hollywood and only pay taxes for the U.S.

According to experts, Markle has to report self-employment income from her sponsored social media posts or merchandise sold while paying a 15.3 percent levy to cover taxes on social security and medicare. She would also have to meet disclosure requirements to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on any foreign bank accounts.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Markle will need President Donald Trump’s approval for diplomatic protection now that they are already in the U.S. The POTUS provides this to royals when they visit the states, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer working royals, so the decision depends on Trump’s discretion.