What does withholding tax mean and to whom it applies?

[Karim Saleh]

Dear All,

I planning to come to Canada as an International Student. I read that if non-resident in Canada owned a real estate and wants to sell it, Canadian government takes 50% of any sale as a withholding tax? I do not understand this!

Does the term 'non-resident' applied to the International Students (Study Permit) in Canada?
If yes, does the withholding tax mean that the government will take half of the real estate price when it is sold? will the seller (international student here) have the right to receive this 50% back from the government if he/she is in Canada on Study Permit and pays the real estate annual taxes?

I hope you have information about this
Thanks!

 

[steaky]

I suggest you repost this in the housing forum so as to attract the realtors for comment.

 

[Karim Saleh]

Thank you steaky