Formula used
This calculator uses a weighted day-count approach. It combines net days across three years and compares the result to a threshold.
WeightedTotal = (NetCurrent × Wc) + (NetPrev × Wp) + (NetPrev2 × Wp2)
EligibleIf = (WeightedTotal ≥ Threshold) AND (NetCurrent ≥ MinCurrent)
Permit triggers, exempt statuses, closer-connection claims, and treaty considerations can override simple day counts.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your total days present for the last three years.
- Enter excluded days for each year, if applicable.
- Keep the preset weights, or set custom weights.
- Choose permit, exempt, closer-connection, or treaty options.
- Click Calculate Eligibility to view results above.
- Export a CSV or PDF for your records and planning.
Example data table
| Scenario | Current | Prev | Prev2 | Excluded | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequent visitor | 160 | 90 | 30 | 0 | Often meets the day-count test. |
| Short stay, strong prior year | 40 | 250 | 250 | 15 | May meet threshold; review exceptions. |
| Permit holder | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Permit triggers residency in many systems. |
Examples are illustrative. Rules differ by jurisdiction.
Important notes
- Residency can depend on ties, intent, and local definitions.
- Split-year rules, treaty positions, and exemptions are nuanced.
- Use this output for planning, then confirm with a professional.
Residency status and annual cash planning
Day-count residency can change withholding, estimated payments, and benefit access. A common planning line is 183 weighted days with a 31 day minimum in the current year. If you cross that line, budgeting may shift from visitor expenses to resident-level tax reserves. For example, setting aside 10% to 25% of income can help absorb rate changes when a filing status flips.
Typical day-count scenarios
Using the sample weights 1, 1/3, and 1/6, a traveler with 160 net days this year, 90 last year, and 30 two years ago scores 160 + 30 + 5 = 195. That exceeds 183, so the calculator flags a likely resident outcome if no overrides apply. A second case with 40, 250, and 250 yields 40 + 83.3 + 41.7 = 165, which often stays below the threshold.
Impact of exclusions and exempt days
Excluded days matter because the model uses net days. If you remove 15 days from a 40 day current-year total, net days drop to 25, which can also fail the 31 day minimum even when prior-year carryover is strong. Students, teachers, and medical exceptions can change which days count, so you should document entries, exits, and the reason for each exclusion.
Sensitivity to weights and thresholds
Some systems use different weightings or a straight 183-day test. When you change the current-year weight from 1.00 to 0.75, the same 160 net days contributes 120 instead of 160, lowering the weighted total by 40. Raising the threshold from 183 to 200 creates a buffer need, and the calculator estimates extra net days required to close the gap.
Documentation and review triggers
The result moves to “Needs review” when you indicate closer-connection or treaty tie-breaker factors. A closer-connection claim commonly requires current-year days below a cap (often 183) plus evidence of stronger ties elsewhere. Permit-based residency can override day counts even at 10 days. Keep proofs for housing, family location, and primary business activity before relying on exceptions.
FAQs
It estimates likely residency status using a weighted day-count test, then applies overrides for permits, exempt status, closer-connection, and treaty review flags. It is designed for planning and scenario comparison, not final legal classification.
Exclude only days your rules clearly remove from counting, such as exempt-individual days, certain transit days, or qualifying relief periods. Keep a note for each excluded block and retain supporting documents in case of review.
Many day-count frameworks require a baseline presence in the current year (often 31 days) to prevent residency from being triggered by prior years alone. If your net current-year days fall below the minimum, the result will stay nonresident.
In many systems, a residency permit or similar status can create residency even with few days present. Selecting the permit option forces a resident outcome and adds a caution so you remember to confirm jurisdiction-specific permit rules.
It means the day-count test is met or near-met, but you selected factors that can change the conclusion, such as closer-connection claims or treaty tie-breakers. Review tie factors, documentation strength, and filing obligations before acting.
The chart breaks the weighted total into year-by-year contributions and overlays the threshold line. Use it to see whether reducing current-year days or increasing exclusions changes the crossing point, then export results to track scenarios.