Monday, 9 January 2017

Comprehensive Canadian Tax Advice For Non-Resident Investors

By Gregory Roberts


Revenue authorities are tasked with collecting taxes on behalf of governments allover the world. There are provisions dictating the persons to be taxed and the percentages regardless of citizenship. Canada has a unique system where non-residents with ties and interests have obligations to pay certain taxes. Experts have given Canadian tax advice for non-resident investors to make filing easier and help them avoid conflicts with the law.

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.

There are weak ties that are only considered if the strong ones are inapplicable. These ties are considered individually. Some of the most common ties include possession of documents like driving license, health insurance card and Canadian passport. Being a member of a religious organization like a church or joining a sports club will affect your residency status. These ties may be regarded as weak but they affect your obligation.

All income that comes from investments in Canada will definitely be taxed. For employees, the taxes are remitted by the employer. Your duty remains to file returns as well as ensure that the employer or accountant makes appropriate deductions. Most foreigners are taxed 25 percent of their earnings depending on other personal details. By consulting an expert, you will be at a better position to meet your legal obligations.

There is a provision for elective filing of returns. It mainly affects persons whose countries of residency have treaties with Canada. The provision is regarded as Part xiii and the amounts deducted are non-refundable. Some of the income sources that must be taxed include pension, timber royalties, rental income, etc.

Employees of the government working within or outside Canada must pay requisite taxes. Their status is either factual or deemed residency, each with specific obligations. For example two solders employed by the government and living abroad have different obligations if one has a house in Canada while the other sold his before departing on mission.

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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