Textbook: Residency Flashcards

1
Q

What is Part IV of the ITA concerned with?

A

Part IV imposes an income tax on resident private corporations of 38-1/3% on taxable dividends received from other corporations.

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2
Q

What is Part XIII of the ITA concerned with?

A

Part XIII imposes an income tax on non-resident persons for certain payments made to them by a Canadian resident.

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3
Q

What is Part I.2 of the ITA concerned with?

A

Part I.2 imposes a tax on individuals receiving Old Age Security (OAS) as a means of recovering an overpayment of OAS payments if their income exceeded certain thresholds.

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4
Q

What is Part X.1 of the ITA concerned with?

A

Part X.1 charges a tax as a form of penalty for those individuals who have overcontributed to their RRSPs.

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5
Q

Who is subject to tax under ITA 2(1)?

A

Residents of Canada are subject to tax under Part I on all of their income, regardless of where it is earned. This is referred to as “Worldwide Income.”

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6
Q

Who is subject to tax under ITA 2(3)?

A

Non-residents of Canada are only subject to tax under Part I if they are:

Employed in Canada,

Carry on business in Canada, or

Have disposed of certain types of property connected to Canada (referred to as “taxable Canadian property”).

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7
Q

What is factual residency, and how is it determined for individuals?

A

Factual residency for individuals is based on where they live, typically a home in a specific country.

Individuals living in a country for most of the year are considered factual residents of that country for tax purposes.

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8
Q

How is factual residency for corporations and trusts determined?

A

Factual residency for corporations and trusts is based on where decisions are made.

For corporations, it depends on the location of board meetings, and for trusts, it depends on where trustee decisions are made.

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9
Q

What is ITA 2(1) in relation to Canadian residents?

A

ITA 2(1) states that an income tax is imposed on every person resident in Canada at any time in the year, for each taxation year.

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10
Q

What is the definition of a “person” under the ITA?

A

A “person” is defined in ITA 248(1) as including individuals, corporations, or trusts, whether or not exempt from tax.

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11
Q

How is a “resident” defined in ITA 2(1)?

A

A “resident” under ITA 2(1) includes only residents of Canada for the purpose of liability under Part I.

Canada does not tax based on citizenship, only residency.

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12
Q

What is the “taxation year” for individuals and trusts?

A

The taxation year for individuals and trusts is the calendar year from January 1 to December 31.

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13
Q

What is the “fiscal period” for corporations?

A

The fiscal period for corporations is defined as the period for which their accounts are made up and cannot exceed 53 weeks.

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14
Q

What is a Graduated Rate Estate (GRE)?

A

A GRE is an estate that arises at the time of an individual’s death, and it is eligible for certain graduated income tax rates for up to 36 months after death.

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15
Q

How is “taxable income” defined in ITA 2(2)?

A

Taxable income for a taxation year is the taxpayer’s income for the year, plus additions and minus deductions permitted by Division C of the ITA.

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16
Q

What is “net income” for tax purposes?

A

Net income is the amount determined under ITA 3 and is used to calculate taxable income.

It is generally referred to as “net income for tax purposes.”

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17
Q

Under ITA 2(3), when are non-residents of Canada liable for income tax under Part I?

A

Non-residents are liable for income tax under Part I if they:

Were employed in Canada,
Carried on a business in Canada, or
Disposed of taxable Canadian property.

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18
Q

What is considered Canadian employment income for non-residents?

A

Canadian employment income for non-residents refers to income earned while working as an employee in Canada, regardless of the location of the employer.

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19
Q

What determines if a non-resident is carrying on a business in Canada?

A

Determining if a non-resident is carrying on a business in Canada involves identifying what constitutes a business and where it is carried on. In most cases, a business must have a “permanent establishment” in Canada, as defined in tax treaties.

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20
Q

What is “taxable Canadian property” under ITA 248(1)?

A

Taxable Canadian property includes:

Real property situated in Canada,

Certain capital property and inventory used in a business in Canada,

Shares of unlisted corporations if certain conditions are met,

and

Shares of listed corporations if at least 25% of the shares are owned by the non-resident and their non-arm’s-length persons.

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21
Q

What are the tax implications for a U.S. resident selling vacation property in Canada?

A

Under ITA 2(3)(c), a U.S. resident selling vacation property in Canada, such as in Whistler, BC, is subject to Canadian income tax under Part I on any gain from the sale.

Whether the gain qualifies for the principal residence exemption would need to be determined.

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22
Q

What is the clearance certificate under ITA 116(5)?

A

A clearance certificate issued by the CRA is a written acknowledgment that any required income tax on the sale of taxable Canadian property by a non-resident has been provided for, absolving others from personal liability for the tax.

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23
Q

Does ITA 2(3) apply to non-residents for investment-type income or property income earned in Canada?

A

No, ITA 2(3) does not apply to investment-type income (e.g., rents, interest, dividends, royalties) earned by non-residents.

This income is subject to withholding tax under Part XIII of the ITA.

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24
Q

What is the standard withholding tax rate under Part XIII for non-residents earning property income in Canada?

A

The standard withholding tax rate under Part XIII is 25% of the amount paid to the non-resident, although tax treaties frequently reduce this rate.

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25
Q

What responsibilities does a Canadian resident have when paying property income to a non-resident?

A

Under ITA 215 of Part XIII, the Canadian resident paying the property income must withhold 25% of the gross payment and remit it to the CRA, unless a tax treaty provides for a reduced rate.

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26
Q

In the case where a tenant rents from a non-resident property owner, who is responsible for withholding and remitting taxes?

A

The tenant renting property from a non-resident owner is responsible for withholding 25% of the gross rent and remitting it to the CRA, unless a reduced rate applies under a tax treaty.

However, in many cases, a resident Canadian property management company is responsible for withholding instead of the tenant.

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27
Q

Is Ms. Laurie Lacombe, a U.S. citizen and resident, subject to Canadian income tax on her Canadian employment income of $70,000?

A

Yes, under ITA 2(3)(a), Ms. Lacombe is subject to Canadian income tax on her Canadian employment income, despite being a non-resident of Canada and a U.S. citizen.

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28
Q

What is the key factor in determining liability for Part I tax in Canada?

A

The key factor in determining liability for Part I tax is whether a person is or is not a resident of Canada.

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29
Q

What are the three types of residency in Canadian tax law?

A

The three types of residency are:

Factual residency

Deemed residency

Deemed non-residency

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30
Q

How is factual residency determined in Canada?

A

Factual residency is determined by examining where an individual “settles into or maintains” their ordinary mode of living, including social relations, interests, conveniences, and the place they call home.

This was established by the Supreme Court of Canada in the Thomson case.

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31
Q

What is deemed residency under ITA 250?

A

Deemed residency applies to individuals who are not factually resident in Canada but are deemed residents, such as those who spend more than half the year in Canada or are family members of Canadian government employees stationed abroad.

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32
Q

What is deemed non-residency, and how is it determined?

A

Deemed non-residency is a tax treaty concept where a person is a resident of both Canada and another country.

Tax treaties resolve residency status by applying tie-breaker rules to determine which country has tax priority.

33
Q

What are the sources for the different types of residency in Canada?

A

Factual residency: Jurisprudence (Case Law)

Deemed residency: ITA 250

Deemed non-residency: Tax treaties and ITA 250(5)

34
Q

What is factual residence for Canadian individuals?

A

Factual residence refers to individuals whose job, family, dwelling, and personal property are all located in Canada, making them liable for Part I tax on their worldwide income.

35
Q

What is the most important factor in determining if an individual leaving Canada remains a resident for tax purposes?

A

The most important factor is whether the individual maintains significant residential ties with Canada while abroad.

36
Q

What residential ties are generally considered significant for establishing factual residency in Canada?

A

Significant residential ties include:

Dwelling (a home in Canada),

Spouse or common-law partner who remains in Canada,

Dependants (such as minor children) who remain in Canada.

37
Q

What are some examples of secondary residential ties used to establish residency in Canada?

A

Secondary residential ties include:

Personal property in Canada (e.g., furniture, automobiles),

Social ties with Canada (e.g.,

memberships in recreational or religious organizations),

Economic ties (e.g., Canadian employment or business),

A Canadian driver’s license,

A Canadian passport.

38
Q

Can secondary residential ties alone establish Canadian residency for tax purposes?

A

No, secondary residential ties by themselves are never sufficient to establish residency. Additional factors are required.

39
Q

In the case of Simon Farr, who moved to Ireland but kept his Canadian home and CPA membership, would he still be considered a resident of Canada?

A

Simon Farr may still be considered a resident of Canada if he retains significant residential ties, such as his unsold home and professional membership, unless he has clearly severed these ties.

40
Q

What is the primary issue with determining Canadian residency during temporary absences from Canada?

A

The issue is under what circumstances an individual should be viewed as retaining Canadian residency status during their period of absence from Canada.

41
Q

What happens if an individual is viewed as retaining Canadian residency status during a temporary absence?

A

The individual will be subject to Canadian income tax on their worldwide income during the absence, with credits available for foreign taxes paid on income earned abroad.

42
Q

How does the length of time abroad impact Canadian residency?

A

The length of time abroad is not a determining factor for residency.

Even a prolonged absence does not automatically sever Canadian residency if significant ties are maintained.

43
Q

What is the key factor in determining if an individual has severed Canadian residency?

A

The key factor is intent. If an individual’s return to Canada is foreseeable, and they intend to return, they may retain Canadian residency status.

44
Q

What is the significance of frequency of visits to Canada for determining residency?

A

Frequent visits to Canada, particularly if other secondary ties remain, suggest that the individual did not intend to sever Canadian residency.

45
Q

How does establishing residential ties outside of Canada affect residency status?

A

If an individual establishes residential ties in another country, it may support the argument that they have severed Canadian residency, especially if they settle in a country where they were previously resident.

46
Q

Would Jane, who canceled many of her Canadian ties but flew back to Canada regularly to visit her partner, be considered a Canadian resident during her 26-month absence?

A

Jane may still be considered a Canadian resident during her absence, especially due to her frequent visits and the intention to return, despite severing some ties.

47
Q

What is a part-year resident?

A

A part-year resident is an individual who is resident for part of a taxation year and non-resident for the other part of the same taxation year.

This applies to factual residency and not deemed residency.

48
Q

How does part-year residency affect the taxation year for individuals?

A

The taxation year is divided into two parts, with the individual being a resident for one part and a non-resident for the other.

For example, if a person severs Canadian residency on May 27, 2024, they are considered a resident from January 1, 2024, to May 26, 2024, and a non-resident from May 27, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

49
Q

What does the CRA consider when determining the exact day residency is severed or established?

A

The CRA looks at the later of:

The date the individual leaves Canada,

The date the individual’s spouse or dependants leave Canada,
or
The date the individual becomes a resident of the new country.

50
Q

How does the CRA determine when a non-resident becomes a resident of Canada?

A

The CRA considers the date of obtaining landed immigrant status and provincial health coverage as the day the individual becomes a Canadian resident.

51
Q

How are income and deductions prorated for part-year residents?

A

Income, taxable income deductions, and personal tax credits must be prorated to account for the part of the year during which the individual is a resident.

This process is specified in ITA 114 and ITA 118.91.

52
Q

In Mark’s case, who moves to the U.S. on February 1 but whose wife and children remain in Canada until June 15, when will he be taxed in Canada?

A

Mark will be taxed in Canada from January 1 until August 1, when his Canadian residence is sold, as his wife and children were still present in Canada until June 15, and he sold his personal property in August.

53
Q

How will Mr. Jonathan Kirsh, who moved to Canada on September 1 but obtained health care coverage on December 10, be taxed in Canada for the year?

A

Mr. Kirsh will be considered a part-year resident, and his Canadian tax liability will begin from the day he obtained landed immigrant status (September 1), with prorated tax credits and deductions.

54
Q

What is a deemed resident under ITA 250(1)?

A

A deemed resident is an individual who is not a factual resident but has other connections to Canada that are sufficient for them to be treated similarly to factual residents.

55
Q

How are deemed residents taxed in Canada?

A

Deemed residents are taxed on their worldwide income for the entire taxation year, unlike part-year factual residents who are only taxed on the part of the year they are considered residents.

56
Q

Are deemed residents subject to provincial or territorial income tax in Canada?

A

No, deemed residents are not subject to provincial or territorial income tax. Instead, they pay an additional federal tax equal to 48% of the basic federal tax payable under ITA 120(1).

57
Q

Who qualifies as a deemed resident under ITA 250(1)?

A

Individuals who sojourn in Canada for more than 183 days in a calendar year.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed outside of Canada.

Ambassadors, ministers, officers, or servants of Canada or a province, and their families.

Individuals performing services under an international development program.

Children of deemed residents who meet specific criteria.

Individuals who were exempt from foreign income tax due to their relationship with a Canadian resident.

58
Q

What is the significance of sojourning in Canada for more than 183 days?

A

If an individual sojourns (temporarily stays) in Canada for more than 183 days in a calendar year, they are deemed to be a resident of Canada for the entire calendar year.

59
Q

How does the concept of sojourning apply to cross-border workers?

A

Individuals who commute daily to Canada for work but do not have a temporary place of residence in Canada are not considered to be sojourning for residency purposes, even if they are physically present in Canada for over 183 days.

60
Q

In the case of Suzanne Blakey, who has never visited Canada but is the daughter of a Canadian high commissioner, is she considered a resident of Canada for tax purposes?

A

Suzanne Blakey could be considered a deemed resident of Canada due to her family relationship with a Canadian diplomat, even though she has never visited Canada.

61
Q

How does Canada assess income tax in comparison to some countries like the United States?

A

Canada assesses income tax based on residence, while a small number of countries, like the United States, assess income tax based on citizenship.

62
Q

What would happen to U.S. citizens residing in Canada without mitigating legislation regarding income tax?

A

U.S. citizens residing in Canada would be taxed twice on most types of income—once by Canada based on residence and once by the U.S. based on citizenship—even though they are factually resident in Canada.

63
Q

How does the Canada/U.S. income tax treaty resolve the issue of double taxation for U.S. citizens residing in Canada?

A

The Canada/U.S. income tax treaty allows U.S. citizens to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on income that Canada is allowed to tax.

For other types of income, individuals can credit Canadian income tax paid against their U.S. income tax.

64
Q

Why does Canadian income tax often eliminate U.S. income tax liability for U.S. citizens residing in Canada?

A

Canadian income tax rates are generally higher than U.S. rates, so crediting Canadian income tax on a given amount of income usually eliminates U.S. income tax liability.

65
Q

What must U.S. citizens who are Canadian residents do to meet their U.S. tax obligations?

A

U.S. citizens residing in Canada must file a U.S. income tax return each year, even if the income tax balance owing to the U.S. is usually nil.

66
Q

What could happen if a U.S. citizen residing in Canada fails to file a U.S. income tax return?

A

Failing to file a U.S. income tax return could lead to significant difficulties with U.S. tax authorities.

An option to avoid U.S. tax filing requirements is to renounce U.S. citizenship, which requires careful consideration.

67
Q

What is the first step in determining the residency of an individual for Canadian tax purposes?

A

The first step is to determine if the individual is either a factual or deemed resident of Canada.

68
Q

What is the second step in determining residency when dealing with dual residency?

A

The second step is to determine if the individual is also a resident of another country and therefore liable for income tax in that other country.

69
Q

What happens if an individual is a resident of both Canada and another country?

A

If the individual is a resident of both Canada and another country, the third step is to determine if the other country has an income tax treaty with Canada.

70
Q

What is applied if Canada has an income tax treaty with the other country of dual residency?

A

The fourth step is to apply the treaty tie-breaker rules to determine which country the individual will be considered a resident of.

71
Q

What happens if the tie-breaker rules deem an individual a resident of the other country?

A

If the tie-breaker rules result in residency of the other country, the fifth step deems the individual a non-resident of Canada by ITA 250(5); otherwise, the individual will be considered a resident of Canada only.

72
Q

Is the complete five-step residency analysis always necessary?

A

No, the complete analysis is only necessary for dual residents of treaty countries. If the individual is only a resident of Canada and not another country, the first step is sufficient.

73
Q

How does Canada determine tax liability for corporations regarding residency?

A

Corporations, like individuals, are subject to Part I tax based on their residency, which can be factual or deemed. The residency concepts for corporations are identical to those for individuals.

74
Q

What is the key case law that established the concept of factual residency for corporations in Canada?

A

The key case is DeBeers Consolidated Mines from 1906, which determined that a company resides for tax purposes where its central management and control (CMC) abides.

75
Q

What is “Central Management and Control” (CMC) for a corporation?

A

CMC refers to where the major policy decisions of the corporation, including strategy and overall management, are made, usually by the board of directors.

76
Q

Does the place of incorporation determine factual residency for a corporation?

A

No, the place of incorporation is not relevant to factual residency.

Residency is determined based on where the CMC is located.

77
Q

What are the steps to identify who holds the CMC of a corporation?

A

First, identify who is responsible for CMC (usually the board of directors).

Second, determine where the board exercises their control (where meetings or decisions are made).

78
Q

What are the two rules under ITA 250(4) for deemed residency of a corporation?

A
  1. Any corporation incorporated in Canada after April 26, 1965, is automatically deemed a resident of Canada.
  2. For corporations incorporated before this date, they must either carry on business in Canada or have their CMC in Canada.
79
Q

What is the five-step analysis for determining the residency of a corporation?

A

Determine if the corporation is either a factual or deemed resident of Canada.

Determine if the corporation is a resident of another country (dual resident).

If a dual resident, determine if Canada has an income tax treaty with the other country.

Apply the treaty tie-breaker rules if applicable.

If tie-breaker rules favor the other country, the corporation is deemed a non-resident of Canada.