i need advice...

[lynn_ca]

hello,

here is my situation:

-me & my husband first came to CA in 2008, stayed 2 months, got PR cards, opened bank accounts, went back home (no taxes filed for 2008)
- no taxes filed for 2009, we were both outside CA
- my husband came back to CA in 2010, stayed 1 month, didnt have any job, went back home (no taxes filed for 2010)
- i came back to CA in oct 2011, didnt have any job, didnt apply for health card (no taxes filed for 2011)

now:
- i still havent got a job (2012), living on my husband's money
- my husband's PR card expires in 2013 and he's been in CA under 100 days in 5 years
- his income has been already taxed in his country

questions:
1. do we need to file taxes for 2008-2010 retroactively?
2. do i need to file taxes for 2011 as my income in CA was 0 in oct-nov-dec?
3. does he need to file taxes for 2011 since he hasnt been in CA at all?
4. taking into account that his PR card expires next year and he hasnt met the permanent residency requirements, will he have to pay taxes for 2013 and onward in CA as his wife works (hopefully) and lives here?

thank you

 

[Galip]

Doesn't matter how much is your income.

You should file your taxes for each year.

 

[seton]

CRA residency rules are outlined here http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/nnrs-eng.html

Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that you or your husband would be deemed residents for the years stated. As a non-resident, you may not have to file a return (there are some exceptions, see the CRA website).

In general, you are only required to file a return if you owe taxes. If you were a resident and had zero income, you wouldn't be required to file a return. However it would be beneficial to do so (as a resident) to gain the benefits of tax credits.