Fellow Canadians: Taxes | ExpatWoman.com
 

Fellow Canadians: Taxes

246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 07:54

DH started work here last September. We joined him in January. I went back home to deal with taxes in April. I did (as we always do) our taxes on U-File but now feel like I should have used an accountant.

My questions:

1. Do you use an accountant? Is it worth it? Can you recommend an accountant? We are from Vancouver.

2. What do you do about donations given here? Will CRA accept receipts or letters from the charitable organizations here?

We are still considered residents, BTW, as we still have our house, etc. So basically, strong ties back home.

Thanks.
<em>edited by mumto2 on 23/06/2012</em>

618
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 20:04
In a nutshell, you have to be able to prove that you have no "intent" to return to Canada. Hence the canceling of health cards, credit cards, bank accounts etc... Now, whether or not you do eventually return to Canada (be it after 15 years or 1), is besides the point. You just have to show that at the time, you severed all major ties as you had no intention of returning.
2262
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 18:24
we didnt realize that either mumto2 and we sold our house. We now have 2 properties, one is rented the other is in renovation. You must rent at arms length though, ie, no family can rent the space and you have to have a legit lease :). We also pay taxes to the government for the privledge every month and get it back plus expenses at the end of the 2nd year (you only have to file every 2 years) We are going to request the cra not to charge us tax until the end of the period as we rent below our payouts. You also hav e to cancel CC cards, health card and anything big that ties you to Canada. You acc ountant will fill you in all all the goodies to be a non resident. FYI, you might want to consider getting a property manager to manage and rent/take care of your property..... p.s. you have to request non resident status btw. your accountant can help with that. <em>edited by SueB on 23/06/2012</em>
246
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 16:14
Irooni: Thanks. I'll get in touch with Compac next week. Sue: REALLY????? Wow! I never knew! And thing is, our basement is rented at the moment!!! And the top will be rented out in the fall. Definitely something to look into and to ask the acceptant about. Thank you for that tip.
2262
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 13:49
Well, since you are still a resident of canada, you are paying part of your salary here to Canada so it should not be difficult to do your own taxes but.....i would strongly suggest you get an account conversant in International Tax Law, just to be on the safe side :) You do know you can keep your house but rent it out in order to be non resident?
2392
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 08:15
Contact Nicki at Compac in North Vancouver, 604-986-3878