How do I properly exit the Canadian tax system?

To exit the Canadian tax system, notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your departure, file a final tax return covering your residency period, and be aware of the departure tax on certain assets. After leaving, report only Canadian-source income. Consider tax treaties, moving expenses, and consult a tax professional for guidance.

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Written by Peyton Bieda on August 20, 2024

To exit the Canadian tax system, particularly if you're planning to leave Canada to settle in another country, there are specific steps and considerations you need to be aware of. Here’s a helpful guide on how to navigate this process.

Understanding Your Tax Obligations

When you leave Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats you as an emigrant for tax purposes. This means you may have to file a final tax return and potentially pay a "departure tax."

Departure Tax

The departure tax is essentially a tax on the deemed disposition of certain types of property. When you leave Canada, you're considered to have sold some of your assets (like stocks or real estate) at their fair market value, even if you haven't actually sold them. If the total fair market value of your property exceeds $25,000, you will need to complete Form T1161, which lists the properties you owned when you left Canada³.

Filing Your Final Tax Return

You must file a Canadian tax return for the year you leave. This return will cover the period you were a resident of Canada, reporting your global income for that part of the year. After you leave, as a non-resident, you only need to report your Canadian-source income³.

When to Notify the CRA

It's crucial to inform the CRA of your departure date as soon as possible. This helps clarify your tax obligations and ensures you’re not held liable for taxes beyond your departure date. If you determine that you do not need to file a return, you should still notify the CRA of your departure³.

Types of Income to Report

Before Leaving: Report your worldwide income for the part of the year you were a resident.

After Leaving: Only report Canadian-source income, such as rental income from properties located in Canada or income from Canadian businesses. Other types of income may be subject to non-resident withholding tax³.

Additional Considerations

Tax Treaties: Canada has tax treaties with many countries that may affect your tax obligations. It’s wise to check if a treaty applies to your situation to avoid double taxation.

Moving Expenses: Generally, you cannot deduct moving expenses when leaving Canada unless you are moving for educational purposes and meet specific criteria³.

Consulting a Tax Professional: Given the complexities involved in tax laws, particularly when leaving a country, consulting with a tax professional familiar with Canadian tax law can be beneficial.

Resources

For detailed information, you can refer to the following CRA resources:

Leaving Canada (Emigrants) - This page provides comprehensive guidance on tax obligations for those leaving Canada.

Canada Revenue Agency - The official CRA website offers a wealth of information on various tax topics, including filing requirements and forms.

By following these guidelines and understanding your tax responsibilities, you can effectively navigate the process of exiting the Canadian tax system.

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