I am a Canadian citizen who left Canada early in 1996. I did not file 1995 or 1996 tax returns and I don't know if I owed taxes for those years. After leaving Canada, I lived in the UK for 2 years and have lived in the US for almost 13 years. I did not tell CRA that I was leaving Canada however I was definitely not a resident for tax purposes - I sold my house, car and possessions (all at a loss), closed all bank and credit card accounts, and left with my wife and kids.
I am now considering a move back to Canada. I am wondering if I am going to have tax problems either when I first start work or when I next file a tax return. Is there a statute of limitations on tax returns that can offer me some protection from any 1995 or1996 liability? My biggest worry is that CRA will ask me to file 1995 and 1996 tax returns and then charge me penalties and many years of interest on any taxes I might owe for 1995 and 1996.
Should I contact CRA now or when I arrive in Canada? Or should I say nothing and wait to see what happens (if anything) when I start work or file future tax returns?
Any thoughts/comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Returning to Canada
Moderator: Mark T Serbinski CA CPA
Unless they actually assesed at that time you for those years and said you owe tax, then you have nothing to worry about.
You could contact them to see if there is anything on account for those years, based on your SIN number.
You could contact them to see if there is anything on account for those years, based on your SIN number.
After 20 years, I am severely cutting back on responses. Do not ask specifically for my help. There are a few others on this board that can answer most questions. All the best
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MarylandNed
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:00 pm
[quote="nelsona"]Unless they actually assesed at that time you for those years and said you owe tax, then you have nothing to worry about.
You could contact them to see if there is anything on account for those years, based on your SIN number.[/quote]
Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by "assess"? Do you mean if I was selected for an audit for not filing a return? Is there some statute of limitation that prevents them from assessing me at any time for 1995 and 1996? Before contacting them (and possibly raising some red flags), I'd like to know what powers they have and what my rights are! Thank you!
You could contact them to see if there is anything on account for those years, based on your SIN number.[/quote]
Thanks for your reply. What do you mean by "assess"? Do you mean if I was selected for an audit for not filing a return? Is there some statute of limitation that prevents them from assessing me at any time for 1995 and 1996? Before contacting them (and possibly raising some red flags), I'd like to know what powers they have and what my rights are! Thank you!