Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Tax Issues For Investors And Canadian Immigrants Simplified

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.

Residency comes with obligations that prove to be a burden to many unsuspecting people. Contrary to many other jurisdictions, you are required to declare everything you earn allover the world. There is a temptation to hide some of the income from Canadian authorities. Unfortunately, with open information sharing allover the world, you will be caught. This has the potential of compromising your permanent resident status. It is in fact a criminal offense.

Failure to declare worldwide income is considered a crime and is worse if you are a resident. The rules that govern acquisition of permanent residence status and immigration are very tough. You run the risk of losing this privilege for failing to declare income. Revenue authorities institute audits on citizens who evade taxation. The solution is to search for as much information as possible regarding your obligations based on your unique status.

Establishing whether you are a tax resident of Canada is a good point to start. This label can be avoided by maintaining minimum ties with Canada or establishing stronger ties elsewhere. It calls for an evaluation of taxation obligations in both countries to establish the most favorable. Does shifting your obligations to another country affect your permanent resident status? The plain answer is no because the two issues are mutually exclusive.

The fact that residency and taxation are mutually exclusive issues means that you can take one and not the other. However, you will still need to minimize your exposure to taxation. The solution is to register an Immigration Trust. This guarantees a taxation holiday running for five years. Your obligations and benefits with the trust will be determined by the interaction between the laws governing the two countries.

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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