Taxation

Personal and Corporate Taxation Information

The Canadian tax system is based on self-assessment.  As a result, it is important for all Canadians to have an understanding of the tax laws as they apply to their situation.

  • Do you need to file a tax return at all?
  • If so, what type of tax return is required?
  • What income needs to be reported on your tax return?
  • What expenses can you claim?
  • What credits are available?
  • What happens if you are late?
  • What if you forgot something?

The questions that arise when thinking about your tax situation can be endless.

Taxation Help and Service

Please review my blog posts as I address common Accounting topics and trends. Whether you are located locally in Victoria, or globally, I would also be happy to assist you with your personal or corporate tax return, a trust filing or some other reporting requirement.

Tax Liability

Whether you are liable to pay income taxes in Canada will depend on your residency.  Unlike some other countries, most notably the US, where you can be liable for income tax based on your Citizenship of that country, Canada’s rules are strictly related to your residency throughout the year.  Whether or not you are a resident of Canada is a question of fact based on a number of indicators. 

If you resided in Canada throughout the year as an individual, have a regular abode, did not leave the country at any time, or have family resident here, I would indicate full resident status in Canada, regardless of your Citizenship status.  Once it is determined that you are a resident of Canada you become liable to pay Canadian Income tax on your worldwide sources of income.  Assets held outside the country are not exempt from tax.  Canada has tax treaties with many other countries. However, these are designed to avoid double taxation in overlapping jurisdictions through the use of tax credits.  If you are uncertain of your taxable status in Canada or abroad it is highly advisable to seek professional assistance.

Tax Fraudsters Beware!

Written by: by Anjuli Gustafson, Sept., 2020 Over the past few months, the CRA has successfully prosecuted a number of individuals found to have committed tax fraud. In May of 2020, the CRA announced that Damien Edward Reynolds was sentenced to a conditional sentence...

Behind in your taxes? There are remedies. You can do this!

What happens when you fall behind in filing your taxes? How can you catch up if you have not filed for a few years? Gustafson Accounting wants to help you figure out how to catch up on your filings when you are behind. We know that people are busy and that things can...

Budget 2019 Tax changes of Note

The Department of Finance introduced a number of changes to the tax laws in 2019, here are some things you may need to know about the 2019 budget: Enhanced Canada Pension Plan: The Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) is gradually being enhanced as of 2019. This means that the...

The End of Tax Integration?

As many of you have no doubt read or heard by now through various media sources, the Federal Government is in the midst of proposing changes to the Canadian Income Tax Act that have been described by others as the most significant in the last 50 years. In all my years...

New Tax Measures Provide Planning Opportunity for Families

Its always nice to get good tax news to pass along, such as those impending tax changes recently announced by Government, but not yet enacted. For the first time, families will have direct access to income splitting savings that have heretofore been restricted to...

CRA cries Mea Culpa

I suppose this belongs in the category of 'we didn't need a report to tell us that', but the Canada Revenue Agency recently released an internal report that found its own communications were "poorly organized, confusing, unprofessional, unduly severe, bureaucratic,...

Never Too Late to File Your Taxes

Over the years I have helped many people to catch up on their taxes, in some cases going back the maximum allowable of ten years.  Yes, you can file tax returns as far back as 10 years and they will be accepted by the CRA. In many cases I have met people who had...

Year end is Donation time

It is year-end time again but it is not too late to make your 2012 donations. Any donation receipted by a registered Canadian charity on or before December 31 will be eligible to claim on your 2012 tax return.  If you are uncertain as to the eligibility of the charity...

Good news for new OAS Applicants

new oas rules to benefit those now turning 65

Clarity at last for US citizens in Canada that have not filed their tax returns

Fear and Uncertainty.  These two words were very representative of the general environment of US citizens in Canada that needed to catch up on US income tax return filings.  Until recently, that is. If you are a US citizen living in Canada and have not filed your US...