sponsering spouse tax returns

[biginjapan]

Hello,

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

I have lived outside of Canada for the past 4-5 years. I did not declare myself a non resident of Canada and am now married and would like to return to Canada.

The first couple of years overseas I put down "zero" for earnings even though I was working in Japan but I was living check to check. Not a high paying job. The last couple of year I have had a higher paying job but have yet to file tax returns.

To sponser my wife I need to show the last two years of tax returns so I am concerned about this. I am also unsure if I have to include her in my returns and her income for the past two years. She is not Canadian and never lived there so I doubt it?

1. Can I retroactively declare myself a nonresident?

2. Although I do not want to lie I can not afford to pay crazy amounts of taxes as I have limited savings. Should I just put down zero for my earnings? Can Canada look into this? Should I go back and correct my old tax returns?

Tax is Japan is very little compared to Japan so I am sure I would have to pay a large amount in the difference.

 

[kasskiss125]

Hello,

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

I have lived outside of Canada for the past 4-5 years. I did not declare myself a non resident of Canada and am now married and would like to return to Canada.

The first couple of years overseas I put down "zero" for earnings even though I was working in Japan but I was living check to check. Not a high paying job. The last couple of year I have had a higher paying job but have yet to file tax returns.

To sponser my wife I need to show the last two years of tax returns so I am concerned about this. I am also unsure if I have to include her in my returns and her income for the past two years. She is not Canadian and never lived there so I doubt it?

1. Can I retroactively declare myself a nonresident?

2. Although I do not want to lie I can not afford to pay crazy amounts of taxes as I have limited savings. Should I just put down zero for my earnings? Can Canada look into this? Should I go back and correct my old tax returns?

Tax is Japan is very little compared to Japan so I am sure I would have to pay a large amount in the difference.

you do not need a proof of income to sponsor your wife. all you need is to prove that you will be living with her in Canada once approved.

 

[Rob_TO]

Hello,

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

I have lived outside of Canada for the past 4-5 years. I did not declare myself a non resident of Canada and am now married and would like to return to Canada.

The first couple of years overseas I put down "zero" for earnings even though I was working in Japan but I was living check to check. Not a high paying job. The last couple of year I have had a higher paying job but have yet to file tax returns.

To sponser my wife I need to show the last two years of tax returns so I am concerned about this. I am also unsure if I have to include her in my returns and her income for the past two years. She is not Canadian and never lived there so I doubt it?

1. Can I retroactively declare myself a nonresident?

2. Although I do not want to lie I can not afford to pay crazy amounts of taxes as I have limited savings. Should I just put down zero for my earnings? Can Canada look into this? Should I go back and correct my old tax returns?

Tax is Japan is very little compared to Japan so I am sure I would have to pay a large amount in the difference.

Declaring yourself a non-resident should only be done when you want to permanently sever all ties to Canada. If you are intending to return to Canada, then you should not be a non-resident. So since you fully intend to return to Canada shortly, it may raise concerns with CRA if you try to file past few years as non-resident and then immediately move back. It may also look very suspicious that you're continually reporting zero world wide income. How would you explain this if ever audited by CRA?
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/tchncl/ncmtx/fls/s5/f1/s5-f1-c1-eng.html

For immigration you don't have any problems. Showing tax returns can be optional if you have an explanation (such as not filing Canadian taxes) and as alternative you can show income proof from local sources in Japan.

It's just CRA you may have a problem with. Suggest you talk with a Canadian accountant experienced with non-resident or deemed/factual resident tax returns.

 

[biginjapan]

Thank you for your replies.

My understanding, although I could be wrong is that you are expected to should your Canadian tax returns from the last two years?

Is it possible to just show Japanese tax returns to immigration? I do not have to show my Canadian tax returns? I know the process and what documents you have to show change from time to time so I could be incorrect in thinking this.

The idea to consult a Canadian tax expert is a good one. I would like to clear that up.

Thanks again.

 

[Rob_TO]

My understanding, although I could be wrong is that you are expected to should your Canadian tax returns from the last two years?

Is it possible to just show Japanese tax returns to immigration? I do not have to show my Canadian tax returns? I know the process and what documents you have to show change from time to time so I could be incorrect in thinking this.

It's fine. Even though IRCC asks for it, many people have submitted tax or income info from just the country they're living in since CRA tax returns were not available at the time app was submitted. As long as you have an explanation, it should be ok.

 

[biginjapan]

Cheers, thanks for the advice ROB_TO.

That is great news, I am glad you have heard of people being successfully without having actually submitted their Canadian returns.

I had heard that before but was unsure, glad to have it verified.

 

[Ajvayani]

Hello there,

My wife is a Permanent resident and she is about to sponsor me. Just wondering that is it mandatory to file tax returns for sponsoring the spouse?