Job Discussion Forums

[zander7990]

i was wondering for the canadians in japan...have any of you declared yourself a non resisdent of canada, so that when you go back, you dont have to pay taxes on the money you earned in japan??? someone told me about that but im not too sure and was looking for other ways to avoid paying the taxes.

[Gordon]

I'm a non-resident. I applied before I left Canada, but you can still do it later too. I recommend applying, why pay taxes at the Cdn rate when you don't receive the benefits of living in Canada? It is not fun to sever most of your ties with Canada, but that is the down side. Unless you are thinking of being overseas for at least 2 years, they won't consider you a non-res.

[zander7990]

what kind of ties did you have to sever, cause i still have a bank acct, visa and drivers lisc. there as well as other credit cards and medical.

[Gordon]

I don't have any medical (this is big), property, furniture, car, or credit cards. I still have a driver's license, bank account, and passport (that counts as a tie ).;

[Gordon]

Here is a link to get more info.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/menu-e.html

After you apply they get back to you within 3-4 months telling you of your status. Of course they can change their mind again at any time, but at least you have a better idea how you stand.