+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Departure tax

ReshiCa

Newbie
Oct 5, 2021
4
0
There is a departure tax when leaving Canada (like taxing all the stock gains one made). Does this also apply for someone who only paid, for example, one or two years of taxes? What's the best way to avoid this tax?
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,360
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
There is a departure tax when leaving Canada (like taxing all the stock gains one made). Does this also apply for someone who only paid, for example, one or two years of taxes? What's the best way to avoid this tax?
There's no departure tax.
 

shannon388

Hero Member
Dec 15, 2017
328
48
There is a departure tax when leaving Canada (like taxing all the stock gains one made). Does this also apply for someone who only paid, for example, one or two years of taxes? What's the best way to avoid this tax?
Most brokerages require a Canadian residence, so when you depart, they will either freeze (I am not sure this is an option at all brokerages) or sell your positions, realizing any unrealized gain/loss, and thus you need to pay long/short term capital gain taxes on such gains held in taxable investment accounts. As far as I know, the length of your Canadian tax history is irrelevant.

No simple way to reduce this tax, you should consult a professional.
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
52,959
12,759
Most brokerages require a Canadian residence, so when you depart, they will either freeze (I am not sure this is an option at all brokerages) or sell your positions, realizing any unrealized gain/loss, and thus you need to pay long/short term capital gain taxes on such gains held in taxable investment accounts. As far as I know, the length of your Canadian tax history is irrelevant.

No simple way to reduce this tax, you should consult a professional.
You don’t actually need to be a resident to be a tax resident. If you no longer plan on living in Canada and don’t want to be a tax resident you likely need to transfer your investments out of Canada. CRA is the one to determine whether you remain a tax resident even if you no longer live in Canada.
 

ExResident21

Newbie
Jul 13, 2022
3
0
A lot of misunderstandings about Canada Departure Tax. Canada Revenue explains in detail when people stop to be resident - it's about not having significant residential ties, such as property, family, memberships. A bank account can be a secondary tie - but if you have nothing else in Canada, likely won't give you a tax residence.

I recommend anyone considering a move to or away from Canada to familiarize themselves with Departure Tax. All your property is deemed sold and you'll be taxed to oblivion if not careful!

Here's an article about what can happen to you because of a Canada Residence: Canada Revenue? Immigrants Beware!