Friday, January 6, 2017

Comprehensive Canadian Tax Advice For Non-Resident Investors

By Gregory Roberts


Globally, revenue authorities are tasked with collecting taxes from people residing in particular countries. However, Canada has an authority tasked with collecting taxes from non-residents depending on particular circumstances. Failure to pay these taxes will lead to penalties that may include a jail term. It is therefore important to heed to Canadian tax advice for non-resident investors as given by professionals.

Clarify all details about your residency. Residents are not necessarily those staying in Canada. Persons with ties like businesses, profession, financial, etc are regarded as residents and thus have an obligation to pay taxes. It is by understanding and clarifying your status that you know how much you are supposed to pay and when. Canada has very favorable regulations and provisions that favor non-residents with the aim of eliminating the possibility of double taxation.

People with citizenships of other countries but constantly visit Canada might be regarded as non-residents. This means that your ties with Canada are either strong or weak depending on individual cases. For instance, owning a residential home, having a dependent or a spouse under common law will have you branded as a resident. Having a Canadian spouse may heap on you certain obligations.

Your status may also be affected by weak ties that are seemingly not binding. The authority considers the ties on individual bases since they are regarded as weak and can only be used where the strong ones do not apply. The ties include membership to social amenities like sport clubs and churches, owning a property like a car and possession of documents like health insurance card, passport or driving license.

Income that is generated by Canadian sources is taxed. In most cases, the taxes are deducted at the source. This leaves you with the obligation of declaring the income. This means that you must have declared your status to the entity making the deduction. The most common rate is 25 percent. There are treaties that would allow for lower rates. Consult a specialist to fully know your obligations.

CRA has made a provision for elective filing. This is an arrangement with countries that have taxation treaties with Canada. The details of these provisions can be obtained under Part XII. This section stipulates the circumstances and amounts to be deducted in each case. The money that is deducted under this provision is non-refundable. Though treaties exist, timber royalties, pensions and rental income are never exempt from taxes.

Employees of the government of Canada working for organizations or embassies are considered factual or deemed residents. It is the residential ties that will determine whether you are factual or deemed. Members of the armed forces with a house yet is stationed overseas may be regarded as factual residents. A fellow soldier who sold his house will be a deemed resident. The two status define your obligation.

American citizens living or working in Canada are required to pay taxes on all monies coming from their investments or professional engagements. The two governments have signed treaties to prevent double taxation. Waivers are provided for withheld taxes depending on individual circumstance. Even Canadians working for American companies in US have to make declarations and pay specific taxes.




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