Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OBwannabe]

I keep seeing random posts suggesting to others to apply for non-residency to avoid paying taxes in Canada.
Are Canadian taxes that much of a problem? I am still deemed a Canadian resident and have lived in Korea for over 2 years. I've twice filed my taxes back home and both times recieved a small return.

I only made 2.0 a month my first year....second year, 2.3/mth. Not a ton of money, so I guess that's why I didn't actually have to pay in.

I think these salaries are pretty average for a teacher here. So why are so many others concerned about changing their state of residency to avoid paying income tax? I seem to be missing something.
Help a dummy out will ya?

[cuckoo for kimchi]

I thought if you were out of Canada for two years (consectutively) you are not liable to pay any taxes on income you make outside of Canada. Unless you own a house, property, ( things like that, that give you ties to Canada) I don't think bank accouts, or investments count unless you are making over a certain amount of interest on them....
That's my take on it anyway....
Unless Revenue Canada has changed the rules....

[earthbound14]

if you plan to be out of Canada for 2 years you fill out a very simple form and in most cases they will declare you a non resident. They base their assesment on your plan, so you can return to Canada before the 2 years are up if your plans change, without paying taxes and declare yourself a resident again (i did any way). You don't get any benefit from the taxes you're paying, no medical, you aren't driving on Canadian roads, no subsidized education, so why pay for it? While in Korea I pay Korean taxes, when I go back I will pay Canadian taxes.

i think it's worth it.

just out of curiousity how much money did you pay in taxes to Canada your first year you were in Korea?

[OBwannabe]

That's just it. I filed my income tax, but didn't have to pay in. Actually I got a return of about 70 bucks or more I think. I was able to claim some things like tuition...don't really remember.
That's why I wondered if it was really worth while applying for non-residency. The only taxes I pay are Korean taxes.

[earthbound14]

[Draz]

[Jarome_Turner]

The most recent (and very infomative) thread on this can be found here:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=121127&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[OBwannabe]

K, thanks dudes