CIC and CRA

[cecvfx]

Hi guys,

I'm about to apply for Citizenship. I have a question I worked in Australia for 6 months (Sep 2016-Feb 2017.

I didn't show this period of work or income to CRA in 2017 while filing my income tax. so CRA doesn't know I worked in Australia. Now that I'm applying for citizenship and I have to mention that I stayed in Australia and worked there. In the citizenship application, I've to authorize CIC to get information about my income tax files to check with CRA. Does this going to get me into trouble?

Are they gonna question me why I didn't declare my Australian income to CRA? I'm a bit confused now. Or is it better to wait till April 2022 so I don't have to declare or mention my Australian work at all?

 

[Das67]

Canada and Australia have tax treaties, if you already paid your income tax in Australia you may not need to pay tax again in Canada for the same income.
You can double-check this with your accountant. On top of that maybe you weren't a resident of Canada for tax purposes during this time ( no need to pay tax on your worldwide income ) check with your accountant. If you want to apply now you can start by declaring or adding this job to your 2017 tax return. You can still file a late tax return or update your tax information and in your case, if your accountant confirmes the tax treaties between Canada-Australia and you already paid your tax in Australia you may not need to pay tax again in Canada. Once your 2017 tax assessment is updated with new information then you can apply for citizenship. Even if you apply in April 2022, you need to declare any immigration status outside Canada in Q13 in the application form.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/tax-policy/tax-treaties/country/australia-convention-consolidated-1980-2002.html

For the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income
This consolidated version of the Canada-Australia Income Tax Convention signed on May 21, 1980 and amended by a Protocol signed January 23, 2002 is provided for convenience of reference only.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Australia desiring to conclude a Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, have agreed as follows:
Taxes Covered
1. The existing taxes to which this Convention shall apply are:

• (a) in the case of Australia: the income tax, and the resource rent tax in respect of offshore projects relating to exploration for or exploitation of petroleum resources, imposed under the federal law of Australia;
• (b) in the case of Canada: the income taxes imposed by the Government of Canada under the Income Tax Act.