A person’s taxable income is determined by combining federal and provincial tax rates and brackets, as well as available deductions and credits. The more a person earns, the more tax they must pay.
Entities and individuals that make taxable supplies in Canada must register for GST/HST. They must also charge, collect, and remit the tax on those supplies.
Taxpayer Bill of Rights
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a federal law that provides taxpayers with procedural and substantive protection when dealing with the IRS. It is designed to prevent abusive practices by the agency and provide citizens with more leverage when disputing a tax assessment or collection action.
The legislation incorporates various clauses that encompass entitlements such as the right to timely, respectful, and proficient support when engaging with the department, the right to clear and comprehensible communication, and the right to lodge grievances concerning unsatisfactory service.
Other provisions include the right to a full and complete refund of any overpayment and the right to an installment agreement when it is deemed that doing so would alleviate financial hardship. It also requires that the IRS give a written description of the basis for any taxes, interest, and penalties due in all audit and collection interviews.
International Tax Treaties
Tax treaties dictate how a country’s residents are taxed when they work, invest, or live abroad. They help prevent issues like “double-taxation” where an individual is obligated to pay taxes in both the U.S. and their country of residency for the same income.
Often, taxpayers must submit forms like IRS Form 8233 and a tax treaty statement to their income provider in order to reduce or avoid withholding. For international students and scholars, a tax accountant like Blackspark can help determine whether you are eligible for tax treaty benefits.
International tax treaties are complex and require a deep understanding of domestic and international tax law to interpret correctly. This interactive website offers a dataset that allows users to explore and visualize the content of nearly every tax treaty in existence. While it can’t replace analysis of the legal text, it does offer a valuable entry point for non-specialist policymakers and others interested in how the content of tax treaties has evolved over time.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The goods and services tax (GST) is an indirect federal sales tax that businesses add to the price of goods and services. This is similar to a value-added tax (VAT) that many countries have in place.
Generally, GST/HST registrants charge, collect, and remit the tax on all taxable supplies of property and services (other than zero-rated supplies). They also claim ITCs on expenses that they incur in relation to their commercial activities.
Non-resident affiliates of a Canadian corporation may be able to claim ITCs on expenses that they incur for meetings, training sessions, and work projects. This is provided that the corporation reimburses them or pays them a reasonable allowance for these expenses and that the corporation is a GST/HST registrant. For information and line-by-line instructions about claiming these ITCs, see Guide RC4058, Quick Method of Accounting for GST/HST. Also, non-residents who are registered for GST/HST must file a return and remit any GST/HST owing by the end of their reporting period.
Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
In the past, federal taxation in Canada was administered by the Department of Customs and Revenue (or the renamed Department of National Revenue). The agency expanded its mandate after World War I to include personal income taxes. It also created the Electronic Filing Centre (EFILE).
The agency is responsible to Parliament through the Minister of National Revenue. The day-to-day operations are overseen by the Commissioner of Revenue.
If a taxpayer is dissatisfied with a decision by CRA, they can appeal the decision to the Tax Court of Canada within the permitted time. The court will examine the facts and arguments, and make a decision.
Food Bank volunteers participate in the IRS-sponsored VITA program to help New York City families file their taxes. By e-filing free of charge, each family saves $300 to $1,000 from predatory retail tax preparer fees—money they can use to improve their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating Canadian tax laws requires an understanding of various components such as federal and provincial tax rates, deductions, and credits. By understanding and adhering to these tax laws, individuals and businesses can fulfill their tax obligations while maximizing their financial well-being.
