Option C - haven't filed taxes for 2 years what can I do??

[Kayodan]

Hello. I hope you can offer some advice about my options here. I am sponsoring my wife (japanese citizen) inland and we are about ready to file, we have everything ready except the option - C which I OVERLOOKED until now.

I'd been living in Thailand working as a teacher for the past 2 years.

Unfortunately I didn't save my pay stubs or tax information there since they directly deposited to my bank account. Maybe (big maybe) I can retrieve them or some of them, although I doubt my past managements will do this.

I also didn't file taxes the past 2 years since I would not have owed money anyways (under the tax bracket).

What can I do to get my option - C or something sufficent to replace it??

P.S - I tried to log in today on CRA website but got an error and today is a holiday so I couldn't call in or contact an accountant. I'd still like your advice since you have experience in these issues.

 

[CaroM8]

When you call up CRA you can request an Option C for previous years as well I think.. Not that it would be super relevant but at least you would have it. I've just requested mine and they said it takes about 10 business days to receive. I am also in a weird overseas work limbo with CRA so I know what you mean...

What is your employment situation now? Definitely include anything you can on your current employment...

 

[Kayodan]

Thanks, yeah tomorrow I'll give them a call and get the Option C for the last 2 years.

I am working now and have 2 pay stubs for full time work. And just got a 1 month carpentry job so I can prove some income.

I'm kind of worried about this now and really don't want my wife sitting around forever because I screwed up.

 

[CaroM8]

I was worried about that as well. That my own flakiness would make me inadmissible as a sponsor and screw up everything for my husband.

I've been told on this forum that you cannot get denied sponsor for things like this, if anything CRA might investigate you but it has nothing to do with Immigration.

I hope all works out for you!!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Just include a letter of explanation stating that you were living outside of Canada for the past few years, so you haven't filed taxes.

 

[mad_hatter]

Thanks, yeah tomorrow I'll give them a call and get the Option C for the last 2 years.

I am working now and have 2 pay stubs for full time work. And just got a 1 month carpentry job so I can prove some income.

I'm kind of worried about this now and really don't want my wife sitting around forever because I screwed up.

Prepare to answer to CRA why you have not filed Canadian tax for the past two years. If you have income, you need to file a tax return even though your income is below the minimum tax bracket.

 

[canadianwoman]

You could quickly file tax returns for the last two years, with your income from Thailand reported. If you don't have proof of all of it, that should probably be OK, especially if you still can get some proof. If not, just report what you earned.
If it was low enough, you won't have to pay taxes on it, but you will be able to get a notice of assessment.

Note that CRA will only view you as a non-resident for tax purposes if you declare yourself as such beforehand, and are out of Canada for two years. Some people go work abroad for two years, then are surprised by a tax bill. Often nothing happens, simply because CRA doesn't find out about it - not because it is OK. However, here where your income is low CRA probably won't expect you to pay taxes.

For sponsorship purposes, if you were not working in Canada, you can submit a letter explaining why you do not have the notice of assessment or Option C for the last tax year. CIC will expect either the NOA or Option C or a letter explaining why you don't have one. You could also file your taxes now and get the NOA.

Since you are working in Canada now, it should not be a problem for sponsoring to have been working outside of Canada.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Prepare to answer to CRA why you have not filed Canadian tax for the past two years. If you have income, you need to file a tax return even though your income is below the minimum tax bracket.

Incorrect. There is no requirement to file a tax return if a person earns under the basic personal amount.

 

[singviet]

I haven't filed for nearly 10 years and was approved as a sponsor without Option C. I wouldn't worry about it.