Job Discussion Forums

[shaner]

I think I may be in major trouble. Hopefull, there is someone out there who can give me some advice. I haven't lived in Canada for over 5 years. I have never filed any taxes, because I have worked undrr the table......made less than $10 grand a year etc. I have been travelling and finding work where it is needed mainly private classes. }


I was reading the news the other day about a guy who was convicted and must spend. a year in jail for not doing his taxes. I thought I was considered a non - resident therefore exempt from taxes. Does anyone have any advice? Should I get a lawyer....I am a little worried.

[shaner]

I found the answer, but I sure wouldn't mind anyone else's opinion.

[Ms. Atondo]

I was quite suprised to find out that I needed to fill out a tax return after spending a full tax year out Canada. I am not sure what answer you found but I was told that you DO NOT have to file a tax return if you left Canada without the intention to return. There is a form, supposedly, that you can fill out and back date to the date you left Canada. If you do plan to return to at sometime you may want to file nill tax return for the years you have been gone because when you return a lot of things (in my case Alberta Health Care, Student Loan payments, etc.) are based on your previous year's tax return. A return of $0 opens you up to a lot of government and likely provincial assistance if you find yourself in a bind after returning to Canada.

[ls650]

[scottmx81]

Look into voluntary disclosure. There is lots of info about it on the Internet. If you confess to CCRA before they come after you, there is no penalty, only interest. But you have to make a full, voluntary disclosure. It won't work if you have already received any kind of notice or warning.