Determining my future resident status query

[pussmercs]

Hello,

I'm currently a PR here in Canada and I was here for most of the time during this tax year (2016). But, I am planning to leave Canada early next year (January 2017) for more than a year to spend more time with my boyfriend.

If I file my taxes next year (around Feb or March 2017), Will I still be considered as a resident for tax purposes for tax return 2016 even if i`ll live overseas by the time I lodge my tax? also, can I claim my GST/HST credits for the tax return 2016 even if I am overseas around that time?

Thank you.

 

[Rob_TO]

Hello,

I'm currently a PR here in Canada and I was here for most of the time during this tax year (2016). But, I am planning to leave Canada early next year (January 2017) for more than a year to spend more time with my boyfriend.

If I file my taxes next year (around Feb or March 2017), Will I still be considered as a resident for tax purposes for tax return 2016 even if i`ll live overseas by the time I lodge my tax? also, can I claim my GST/HST credits for the tax return 2016 even if I am overseas around that time?

Thank you.

In general since this is not a permanent move outside Canada and it sounds like you have every intention to ultimately return, then you would still be considered a resident for tax purposes and should continue filing Canadian income tax based on your world income. See here for more: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/tchncl/ncmtx/fls/s5/f1/s5-f1-c1-eng.html

Not sure about receiving GST credits without physical residency. I think it just requires residency for tax purposes which would mean you can continue getting payments but I'm not certain on the specifics.

 

[pussmercs]

Hello Rob,

So for Tax Return 2016, I can file it normally right since i've been a resident in the whole year and didn't leave Canada for more than 6 months right?

I`m planning to leave January 2017 then i`ll go back to Canada in mid 2018. I did some research on their website and I think i'd be considered as a factual resident (not 100% sure) in Tax return 2017 because I still have my Canadian bank account, parents, and clothes here.

Correct me if i`m wrong

Thank you!