You have asked as to whether you can begin investing in fixed-income Canadian securities prior to your arrival in Canada and the manner in which such investments will be taxed before and after you become a resident of Canada for tax purposes.Generally, there is no restriction from investing in Canadian fixed income bonds prior to your immigration to Canada. Before a person becomes resident in Canada, interest and dividends paid by Canadian entities are subject to 25% Canadian withholding tax with no further requirement to pay Canadian income taxes. The withholding tax rate may be reduced by an income tax treaty between Canada and the jurisdiction in which you currently reside.
Once you become resident of Canada, you will be subject to Canadian income tax on your world income earned after that time, including any interest or dividends earned on Canadian securities.
Disclaimer
The nature of this facility is to provide a general response to a general question. Under no circumstances should anyone act on this information without obtaining analysis and counsel from a qualified advisor with respect to the specific situation.
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Phillip Nadler, CA
Richter Usher & Vineberg
http://www.richter.ca
