Expat Tax Experts?

[etienbjel]

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can refer any good accountants who have expertise with Canadian taxes on foreign income? I'm currently working in Qatar and hoping my wife can join me here while we wait out the PR process. I figured some people here might be in a similar boat as me and share their experience.

I appreciate any advice. Thanks

 

[Fencesitter]

It depends on whether Qatar has a tax treaty with Canada. I worked in China and did not have to pay tax to CRA because China and Canada have a tax treaty, so I cannot be taxed twice. I just filed my return for 2013 (I know, kind of late!) and no problems with CRA.

 

[etienbjel]

Thanks. Unfortunately, no tax treaty here. I don't want to claim non-residency while my wife's PR is in process, in case it complicates things. So, I want to seek expert advice so I don't overpay.

FYI you should check the details of the tax treaty between Canada and China. You may not get double taxed, but you may have to pay the difference.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxes/working-abroad-won-t-spare-you-from-tax-hit-at-home-1.1383215

For example, let's say you are considered a factual resident of Canada, but you work in the U.S., where you earned $50,000. If the U.S. tax on that amount was $7,000 and the Canadian tax on that amount was $10,000, Canada would give you credit on the $7,000 you paid to the U.S.

You would then pay the remaining $3,000 to Canada

 

[Fencesitter]

Thanks to you as well.

I already filed my tax return for 2013 and no problem. I didn't file for 2012; I just sent a declaration of my worldwide income. I have records of the official tax documents from the Chinese authorities, so I am not concerned with having to pay the difference. If there was a problem, CRA would have surely let me know...greedy buggers!!

Edit: the key here is whether one is considered a factual resident of Canada. For my situation, I had no ties, so I was not a factual resident.

Fence