visitor and tax

[anthone0]

I've been living in Canada for almost a year now, but as a visitor. I might submit my PR application later. Do I need to file taxes even if I don't have any work?

thanks!

 

[rhcohen2014]

no. since you are a visitor, it is assumed you haven't paid into the system, nor have you used any of the benefits entitled to canadian pr's and citizens. as a vistior, you don't have to file canadian taxes and you are not eligible for tax credits. you do have to follow the tax rules of your home country though.

 

[anthone0]

no. since you are a visitor, it is assumed you haven't paid into the system, nor have you used any of the benefits entitled to canadian pr's and citizens. as a vistior, you don't have to file canadian taxes and you are not eligible for tax credits. you do have to follow the tax rules of your home country though.

follow up question:

this february my partner will call the Canadian Revenue to change our status to Common-Law for tax purposes. So I am still not required to file taxes right? I don't have work.

 

[Rob_TO]

follow up question:

this february my partner will call the Canadian Revenue to change our status to Common-Law for tax purposes. So I am still not required to file taxes right? I don't have work.

You don't have to file taxes if you don't have a SIN, but your partner will need to include you and any income you earned anywhere in the world, to calculate her "family income" for tax purposes in the tax year you became common-law, and to see what benefits/credits she may no longer be eligible for. After she changes her status with CRA, expect that they will send a letter in the mail to her requesting more info on your world income history.

 

[keesio]

You don't have to file taxes if you don't have a SIN, but your partner will need to include you and any income you earned anywhere in the world, to calculate her "family income" for tax purposes in the tax year you became common-law, and to see what benefits/credits she may no longer be eligible for. After she changes her status with CRA, expect that they will send a letter in the mail to her requesting more info on your world income history.

I've heard that if you have spent more than 183 days in Canada and have significant residential ties (like a spouse / common-law partner in Canada), you can be viewed as a tax resident even if you are on visitor status. Is that not true?

 

[anthone0]

You don't have to file taxes if you don't have a SIN, but your partner will need to include you and any income you earned anywhere in the world, to calculate her "family income" for tax purposes in the tax year you became common-law, and to see what benefits/credits she may no longer be eligible for. After she changes her status with CRA, expect that they will send a letter in the mail to her requesting more info on your world income history.

I don't have any income around the world. My partner who has work gives me some sort of allowance every month for personal expenses like shopping, eating out, movies to ease out boredom. This money appears in our joint account which I can then withdraw anytime. Is this considered income?

thanks!

 

[Rob_TO]

I've heard that if you have spent more than 183 days in Canada and have significant residential ties (like a spouse / common-law partner in Canada), you can be viewed as a tax resident even if you are on visitor status. Is that not true?

Good point, see here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/dmd-eng.html

So perhaps he can indeed apply for things like the GST credit? With no SIN, would probably need an Individual Tax Number to do anything: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t1261/t1261-14e.pdf

In this case, it's probably best to have a quick chat with an accountant on the best way to proceed!

 

[Rob_TO]

Is this considered income?

No, that would not be income.

 

[keesio]

Good point, see here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/dmd-eng.html

So perhaps he can indeed apply for things like the GST credit? With no SIN, would probably need an Individual Tax Number to do anything: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t1261/t1261-14e.pdf

In this case, it's probably best to have a quick chat with an accountant on the best way to proceed!

yes I'd strongly recommend a chat with an accountant. I'm wondering the OP might even need to file for the past year despite not being common-law since CRA is a little amorphous on what qualifies as a tax resident:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/cmmn/rsdncy-eng.html