International Tax Accountant in Toronto
Allan Madan, CPA, CA
I am an international tax accountant in Toronto. I help my clients with tax compliance, foreign reporting, withholding tax and inbound and outbound tax planning.
Non Residents and Canadian Taxes
Are you a US based corporation that makes sales to Canadians customers? Or are you an individual working in Toronto? Perhaps you are a non resident investor in Canada? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then you should consider me for your tax compliance matters, because of my international tax experience.
As an International Tax Accountant in Toronto, I help my US and non-resident clients with:
– Corporate tax return preparation
– Canadian foreign reporting requirements
– Incorporating in Canada
– Withholding tax and waivers
– Tax exemptions pursuant to the Canada-US tax treaty
– Branch tax
– Permanent Establishment in Canada
– Preparation of Canadian personal tax returns for Americans and other foreigners working in Canada
Below, I have highlighted the most important international tax issues for non-residents of Canada and for Canadians with US ties.
1.) Permanent Establishment
When conducting business in Canada you should fully understand what a permanent establishment is and its implications for your business.
A permanent establishment can be:
a.) Fixed place of business, such as an office, workshop, or factory
b.) A construction or installation project site in Canada, lasting more than 12 months
If your company has a permanent establishment in Canada, then it is required to file a Canadian Corporate Income Tax Return. Your company will be subject to the same corporate tax rate as a Canadian based business. In addition, your company will only be taxed on profits derived from its establishment in Canada and not the profits in its home country.
2.) Treaty Protection with no Permanent Establishment
If you do not have a permanent establishment but are still doing business in Canada, your company is required to file a Canadian tax return. This is commonly referred to as the Canada-US Treaty Tax Return. This form is to inform the CRA that your company is conducting business in Canada and does not have a permanent establishment in Canada. Thus, you are not required to pay corporate taxes.
Allan Madan, International Tax Accountant in Toronto, recommends “Foreign companies doing business in Canada should file a Treaty-Return; Otherwise, the CRA may tax them on their gross sales”
What happens when a US Company sends independent contractors to fulfill a job order request in Canada? From the criteria we discussed above this wouldn’t be considered a permanent establishment as the US Company has no fixed place of business in Canada. The US business would therefore not be liable for Canadian taxes.
Many individuals were taking advantage of this tax loophole until the government introduced the term deemed permanent establishment in 2007. This term states if the following two criteria are met then the company will liable for taxes in the country the deemed permanent establishment is located.
Criteria #1:
– If an individual provides services in another country for more than 183 days in any 365 day period and;
– If more than 50% of the gross revenue of the company was derived from the services provided.
Criteria #2:
– If an individual performs services in another country for at least 183 days in any 12 month period with respect to the same or connected projects.
– Contracts must be wholly or geographically different.
Say a US company – US Inc sends an employee to provide engineering consulting services for Canadian business. The contract is scheduled for 10 months and the fee upon completion is $300,000. US Inc has gross revenue of $1 million during the year from its business operations. Is this company deemed to have a permanent establishment in Canada?
Criteria #1:
US Inc would not meet criteria number one. Although it will be present in Canada for more than 183 days, only 30% (300,000/1,000,000) of its gross revenue was attributed to the sale. Thus we must move on to criteria number 2.
Criteria #2:
Assuming that the company does indeed provide services in Canada for 10 months, then criteria 2 will be met as it has exceeded the 183-day threshold.
Let’s further assume that instead of a 10-month contract US Inc makes two contracts of 5 months each with the same business in Canada to provide the same services (i.e. engineering consulting).
The second part of criteria 2 states that contracts of a similar nature will be counted together towards the 183 days. Since the 2 contracts of 5 months each exceed the threshold of 6 months then US Inc will have met criteria #2 and will be deemed to have a permanent establishment in Canada.
3.) Individuals temporarily working in Canada
In order to be considered a non-resident you must either:
1.) Live outside of Canada throughout the tax year
2.) Stay/work in Canada for less than 183 days
Non-residents are still required to pay taxes for employment income they may earn in Canada. As such, as a non-resident, you are still required to file a non-resident Canadian personal tax return.
A common issue for many non-residents who temporarily work in Canada is receiving their T4 forms. Let’s take a look at a common example that many individuals from the US deal with when working in Canada.
Many temporary workers who are US citizens will not receive T4 slips from their employers. This can result in huge fines and interest on owing tax to the individual. It is important that if you are a non-resident to make sure to request your T4 slip before February 28th from your employer for Canadian income tax purposes.
Let’s assume Mary, an American citizen, works 250 days during the year as follows: 100 days in America and 150 days in Canada. Her income is $100,000. Mary’s tax liability will be for both American and Canadian taxes, prorated for the days she worked in each country. Her tax liability will be determined as follows:
100/250 = 0.4 x $100,000 = $40,000 of US employment income on which US income taxes will be levied American Tax liability
Canadian Tax Liability
150/250 = 0.6 x $100,000 = $60,000 of Canadian employment income on which Canadian income taxes will be levied
Therefore Mary’s employer should also be putting aside some of her income to be withheld for paying her Canadian income taxes on $60,000 of Canadian employment income for the year.
4.) Deemed Resident of Canada
According to the CRA you are considered a deemed resident of Canada if:
a.) You lived outside of Canada and are:
– A government employee,
– Member of the Canadian Forces, or
– Working under a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) assistance program
b.) Sojourned in Canada for 183 days or more, and are not considered a resident of another country.
If you are deemed a resident of Canada your tax obligation is on your world-wide income not just your Canadian income. I would suggest seeing an international tax accountant for matters like this as they can become fairly complicated.
5.) Canadian Residents and Foreign Taxes
As an International Tax Accountant in Toronto, I can prepare US tax returns for my clients and I can also provide:
– Advice to companies on the most tax-efficient way to repatriate profits from the US to Canada
– Assistance with setting up US corporations & partnerships in low tax jurisdictions (e.g. Delaware, Nevada)
– Recommendations on business expansion into the US and other foreign countries
– Advice to Canadian investors on how to buy US real estate
– Tax return preparation for Canadians working in the US
6.) Withholding tax and waivers
Helping clients reduce (or eliminate) withholding tax on payments made to non-residents is a large part of my practice. Withholding tax applies in a variety of situations, the most common of which are:
– Payment of dividends
– Payment of management fees
– Payment of interest
– Cash received on sale of Canadian real estate
– Rents received by non-residents from Canadian rental properties
– Payments received by non-residents for services rendered in Canada
Because of the complexities and timing consuming nature of international taxation, many companies and individuals have chosen to outsource this task to a third-party international tax accountant in Toronto.
Regulation 105 Withholding Tax
American corporations doing business in Canada are certainly subject to withholding taxes. Regulation 105 of the income tax act requires theses businesses to withhold 15% of fees, commissions, and any other amounts paid to non-resident contractors for services rendered in Canada. This withholding tax will be credited towards your potential tax liability while working in Canada. It can be claimed when filing your Canadian income tax return.
This withholding tax can be reduced through the 105 waiver application. The contractor would file this form with the CRA requesting the withholding tax to be reduced. They will have to show sufficient evidence that their potential tax liability is less than 15% while working in Canada. This must be done 30 days prior to commencement of the job or 30 days prior to the initial payment.
NR4: Statement of Amounts Paid or Credited to Non-Residents of Canada
NR4 slips are issued when a Canadian company withheld taxes from payments made to a non-resident contractor. The form is completed by the customer of the contractor and submitted to the CRA for approval.
I would be pleased to discuss how an International Tax Accountant in Toronto can be of assistance with respect to your personal or business’s international tax matters.
7.) Big 4 Accounting Firms – KPMG, Deloitte, PWC, and E&Y
The big four accounting firms, KPMG, Deloitte, PWC, and E&Y, charge very high fees in my opinion for international tax services and Canadian tax compliance. The reason being is they have very large overheads to pay for.
As an International Accountant in Toronto, I am able to offer my services at much less than what the big 4 accounting firms charge. In fact, my clients have experienced a 50% fee reduction in many cases by switching from the Big 4 to me.
In addition to paying reasonable fees, you will actually deal with the same person every year at Madan Chartered Accountant. Contrast that to the Big 4 accounting firms, where staff turnover is higher and where you are mostly dealing with junior level staff as opposed to a seasoned international tax accountant in Toronto, such as me.
For further reading on why not to select the Big 4 accounting firms, see Deloitte PWC KPMG EY – Alternative To Big 4 Accounting-Firms
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not take into account your personal situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from accounting and financial professionals. Allan Madan and Madan Chartered Accountant will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.
I’m moving to Switzerland and will be making 80,000 CHF there. However, I have a condo (currently primary residence) that I will rent out here in Canada and another that is an investment condo. I have also sold my first business here in Toronto for 200,000 and receive payments for it on a monthly basis. My question is how can I situate myself to pay the least amount of taxes for the next few years in Switzerland. I have no set plans on returning to Canada but will be moving back or to another country after a few years since I’m going there for a postdoc and not a permanent job.
Hi Keir,
Thank you for your inquiry!
In terms of your question to minimize taxes owing, it would be best if you relinquish all your primary and secondary ties from Canada thus becoming a non-resident of Canada and a resident of Switzerland. Switzerland’s tax rates are substantially lower than Canada so you want to pay as little tax as possible on the 80,000 CHF (approximately $85,000 CDN).
By becoming a non-resident of Canada, you will be required to only file a section 216 personal tax return for the rental income on your properties in Canada. You will not have to declare your world income on your Canadian tax return and thus not have to pay tax in Canada on your Switzerland salary. However, you will need to declare your worldwide income on your Switzerland tax return as you have real estate owned outside of Switzerland.
In additional, it will also depend on which municipality in Switzerland you will be situated in. For example, Zug has the lowest tax rate while Neuchatel has the highest tax rate.
I have an offer to move to UAE. My family will also be moving with me. I will be severing my ties with Canada i,e selling my home, closing bank accounts etc etc
I am the single earner in the family. Would that be a possibility that my wife can keep a bank account and some investments in her name while I claim for non-resident status for tax purposes?
Thanks
Hi Abdus,
We normally suggest to our clients that they may keep once bank/credit card account in Canada without jeopardizing the non-residency status. But make sure to contact her bank to notify them that your family is a non-resident of Canada.
I don’t see much problems with holding shares in determining your residency status.
– Allan and his team
Hi,
I am expecting a 3-year contract for employment with a foreign company in Saudi Arabia, and after contract completion coming back to Canada. During the contract time my home, wife, bank accounts, etc will remain in Ontario.
My question is – Shall I fill tax return over three years, and pay every year income tax to CRA from money made in Saudi Arabia, even though I will not be physically in Canada?
I would appreciate your advice.
Best regards,
Bill
Hi Bill,
As your significant ties including your permanent home, spouse will remain in Canada, you will be considered resident of Canada for tax purposes. As resident, you must file your Canadian tax return annually.
Therefore, the answer is yes. If you pay any Saudi tax on your employment income, then you will be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the taxes paid to Saudi when you file your Canadian tax return.
– Allan
I was thinking about setting up a delivery warehouse in Canada. Will I be ” a deemed Canadian” and have to pay tax on all my worldwide income?
Hi Aaron
If you are setting up a warehouse only for delivery purposes then you will not be deemed a Canadian for tax purposes. Additionally a warehouse meant only for delivery is not considered a permanent establishment. Thus you will not be required to pay any tax in Canada. You must have supporting documents to prove its only for delivery and provide them to CRA
I worked in Canada for two 4 month periods totaling 8 months does this mean i avoid the 183 day rule because I left and then came back?
No the 183 day rules is not consecutive days in Canada but total. Thus you will be deemed a resident of Canada and be taxed on your world wide income.
Thanks
Team Allan
I’m thinking about setting up a new subsidiary of my corporation in Canada. I am doing some research on corporate tax rates. I was just wondering which province has the lowest corporate tax rate?
Hello James,
Here is a link to the Corporate Provincial tax rates for all Canadian provinces via CRA
Hi Allan,
I know that you can make deductions for charitable donations but I was wondering if there was a credit for donations made to political campaigns during the year.
Thanks
Yes you can claim a political deduction towards provincial parties. It is a tax credit on your personal tax return. The deduction is 75% of the first $372, plus 50% of the next $868, plus 33.33% of an amount exceeding $1,240, but not more than $2,821. For more information about this credit visit this bulletin on the deduction by the Ministry of Finance of Ontario.
Thanks
Allan
Hi Allan,
I am thinking about moving to Canada I was wondering how Canada’s tax ranks internationally. Does Canada have considerable high taxes?
Thanks
Hi Gurdeep,
Canada does generally have high taxes compared to many countries. We also have many benefits because of it such as free health care and a relatively stable economy. From a recent study published by the Organization for economic Co-operation and Development report Canada ranked third lowest in total tax burden relative to its Gross domestic Product among G-7 countries. We may be taxed fairly high but we are relatively low when it comes to comparable countries.
Thanks
Hi Allan,
How are you? I was hoping you might be able to help me. I am Canadian but have been living in Brazil for 20 years. I am considered a non-resident in Canada for tax purposes. I understand that Canada and Brazil have a tax treaty, but I was wondering if you might be able to initially tell me if I can maintain this status if I open a bank account in Canada and begin to transfer funds to my account. Also, is it possible to purchase property or securities while maintaining my non-resident status. If you wouldn’t mind, please send me an email with your consulting rates so the next time I am in Toronto we can arrange a meeting. Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Rodney
Hi Rodney,
Opening up a bank account or buying Canadian investments will not cause you to become a resident of Canada. For my rates and services, please send me an email at amadan@madanca.com
Thanks,
Allan Madan, CPA, CA
Tel: 905-268-0150
Hi, I am a canadian and I want to become a non resident to move permanently in Hong Kong, with my son and husband. I am already in Hong Kong for the past year and will eventually work.Do I need to declare non residency with a form call nr73?. Or can I simply cut all my cards, bank accounts? I own a duplex with my brother and it is leased right now. Is it better for me to sell the property to avoid future audit or whatsoever?
Hi
I have been a dual citizen US resident for 20 years. I have a new non-registered segregated Canadian fund which sent me an NR-4 with type 11 income (estate and trust income), with no tax withheld, exemption code S. This is my only Canadian income. There was no distribution taken, it was internal. Do I need to file a non-resident return in Canada?
Hi Jim,
No, you don’t need to file a non-resident tax return in Canada.
Hey,
Thank you for your time and would really appreciate your help in answering this question
I own an online business I am trying to apply to get a 0% tax withholding rate. My Corporation exists in Canada, I am given options but kind of stumped on what to choose, could you please shed some light I would be grateful.
Please see below..
A)Company meets the Ownership erosion tests
B)Company meets derivative benefits tests
C) Company with an item of income that meets the active trade or income test
I choose C.
Please advise which option is right? thank you so much.
Kind Regards,
Ahilan
Hi Tristan, choose option C.
Hello, I am a Canadian living in the us…while living in the US, I was crossing the border daily to work for a Canadian bank. I have now resigned and am working for a US company in the US. Both my husband and I are on a J1 and J2 visa. WE are not sure how to file our taxes
Hi Sharan, you are a cross-border commuter. As such, you should file a T1 non-resident return with the Canada Revenue Agency, and a US 1040 Return with the IRS, since you live in the US, but work in Canada. I can prepare these returns for you.
Hi MadanCA/SuperAmin
If I have residential ties to Canada, and earn income from investments abroad (funds, bonds, and dividends), how much would I get taxed?
The issue is that I set up my account in UAE where the investments initially took place, but now the account was transferred to Singapore. Both UAE and Singapore have tax treaties. What are my tax implications?
Hi Rodrey, the investment income (dividends, interest and royalties) are taxed at your marginal tax rate in Canada. However, one half of the capital gains income you earn is not subject to tax. You may also have to fill out form T1135, Foreign Income Verification Statement, if the cost amount of your foreign investments is $100,000 or more.
If you transferred investments between accounts, then this is considered to be a sale and is taxable in Canada.