Confused....

[Carlo]

I would like to know what I can do in my situation. I am for some reason considered a non resident to Revenu Canada but I was accepted to renue my Quebec health card. I have been away from Canada for a year but on a leave of absence for a family emergency. I still have my address, drivers licence, bank accounts, filed my 2009 income tax so why when I called to re apply for my son's child tax benefit did they say that I am considered a non resident??? By the way I am a Canadian Born Citizen.

 

[CharlieD10]

In most places I know of, someone is "resident" for tax purposes if they spend 183 days (6 months, approx) out of the preceding year somewhere. So since you have been out of the province/country for a year, you are not resident for tax purposes, and will have to re-establish residence for tax purposes by living there for at least the next 183 days before you can apply again. I am not sure if Revenue Canada uses the same principle, but that is how it sounds to me.

 

[Carlo]

But why was I able to renue my quebec health card if I am a non resident?

 

[CharlieD10]

No idea on that part, that's why I didn't address it. I only know tax rules and regs (I'm an accountant), I can't say why the health authorities renewed your card.

 

[canadianwoman]

I would like to know what I can do in my situation. I am for some reason considered a non resident to Revenu Canada but I was accepted to renue my Quebec health card. I have been away from Canada for a year but on a leave of absence for a family emergency. I still have my address, drivers licence, bank accounts, filed my 2009 income tax so why when I called to re apply for my son's child tax benefit did they say that I am considered a non resident??? By the way I am a Canadian Born Citizen.

The problem is this: if you wanted to be considered a non-resident for tax purposes because of the high income you earned abroad, Revenue Canada would consider the fact that you still have a valid health card, address, driver's license, bank accounts, etc. as proof that you are still a resident of Canada for tax purposes, even though you spent all year in some other country.

In your case, the exact same evidence is ignored, because Revenue Canada doesn't want to consider you a resident for tax purposes, since that means they will have to give you money.

It is a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don't.


You could try arguing it with them, but I would be afraid I'd end up losing the health card. That is, Quebec might find out you were away for a year, and decide that the card was renewed in error.

 

[Carlo]

I am guessing that they consider me a non resident meanning that I would have to re-apply for my son's child tax benefit as tho it is the first time? but since I am a born citizen I have the right of being outside the country for a year without being a non resident?

 

[Carlo]

The problem is this: if you wanted to be considered a non-resident for tax purposes because of the high income you earned abroad, Revenue Canada would consider the fact that you still have a valid health card, address, driver's license, bank accounts, etc. as proof that you are still a resident of Canada for tax purposes, even though you spent all year in some other country.

In your case, the exact same evidence is ignored, because Revenue Canada doesn't want to consider you a resident for tax purposes, since that means they will have to give you money.

It is a case of damned if you do, and damned if you don't.


You could try arguing it with them, but I would be afraid I'd end up losing the health card. That is, Quebec might find out you were away for a year, and decide that the card was renewed in error.

Should I just re apply for my child tax benefit as a returning resident?? Or what do you suggest?

 

[Tiggilicious]

Even being a born citizen, if you are out of the country for over 6 months, CRA deems you a non-resident.

 

[Carlo]

Even being a born citizen, if you are out of the country for over 6 months, CRA deems you a non-resident.

I am guessing that in order to receive the child tax benefit I would have to re-apply. I wonder if I was able to renue my Quebec health card because I still had ties to Quebec for ex. drivers licence, home address, bank accounts, visa account etc?

 

[Gemauru]

I would like to know what I can do in my situation. I am for some reason considered a non resident to Revenu Canada but I was accepted to renue my Quebec health card. I have been away from Canada for a year but on a leave of absence for a family emergency. I still have my address, drivers licence, bank accounts, filed my 2009 income tax so why when I called to re apply for my son's child tax benefit did they say that I am considered a non resident??? By the way I am a Canadian Born Citizen.

You should also file your taxes for 2010. Child tax benefit goes tie with your taxes.

 

[Gemauru]

Take a look on this link:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/fq_qlfyng-eng.html#q4

Here is an extract of the info you will find there.



There are certain situations where you may be required to complete additional forms or provide extra documentation with your application.

a) If any of the following applies to you, you will also have to complete the schedule RC66SCH, Status in Canada/Statement of Income.

* You and/or your spouse or common-law partner are not Canadian citizens.
* You and/or your spouse or common-law partner have become new Canadian citizens within the last 12 months.
* You and/or your spouse or common-law partner have become residents of Canada within the last two years.
* You and/or your spouse or common-law partner have moved back to Canada and re-established residential ties.