Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Tax Issues For Investors And Canadian Immigrants Explained

By Stephanie Brown


Canada has a unique taxation system that is not anchored on citizenship. Rather, your obligations are pegged on worldwide income. Your decision to move into Canada should also including considerations on minimizing your tax burden to the bare minimum. Here are tax issues for investors and Canadian immigrants to consider according to experts.

The thought of getting better income in Canada lures many people into the country. Many are disappointed when they realize that this is not the case. They opt to leave spouses and families behind to work abroad. This does not minimize your obligations and may even increase the fraction demanded both locally and abroad. The status your family or spouse is left determines your obligations.

A tax resident of Canada is exposed to greater taxation obligations than it appears from outside. The official declarations made are based on worldwide income and not the income you make while in Canada. Many people would trick the system by not declaring income earned elsewhere. However, today there is seamless sharing of information between institutions and governments. This makes it easier for your other income sources to be traced.

In case you have already taken up permanent residency, you will face grave consequences for not declaring your worldwide income. The law is very tough on such issues especially for immigrants. Conviction for such an offense may lead to loss of residency. The authority responsible for revenue commences audits into your income leading to legal action. It is therefore advisable to understand your obligations emanating from your status.

The best point to start is to establish your tax residence status. Since this comes with immense responsibilities, you can legally escape them by retaining minimum links with Canada. Find the most favorable taxation regime and align your obligations to it. You might be worried that such arrangements will affect your permanent status? This is not the case. The two issues are handled differently meaning that none will affect the other.

Plainly speaking, one can be a tax resident of Canada without being a permanent resident. The vice versa is also true. An immigration trust is the other way to find a solution. The trust grants a resident five years where their income and assets will be exempted from taxes. The details of this trust will depend on immigration and taxation laws governing your country of origin or operation.

Is permanent residency important? To answer this question, it is good to refer to the section of the law that says that 730 days of five years must be spent physically in Canada or on a tour around the world with a Canadian citizen as your spouse. Working for a Canadian company will also increase your chances of getting permanent residence.

The department of immigration instituted reforms a while back that simplified living and having a family in Canada. The multiple entry and Super visas diluted the need for permanent residency. You will be granted a five years or ten years visa that allows you to live within Canada for up to two of those years. You are at liberty to make Canada your permanent residence later in life.




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