This form is typically used for foreign bank accounts, foreign investment accounts or foreign rental properties, but it can include other foreign assets. Foreign investments, including U.S. stocks, must be reported even if they are held in Canadian investment accounts. Foreign personal-use properties, like a snowbird’s condo that is not earning rental income, may be exempt.
Foreign asset disclosure applies to taxable investments, so assets held in tax-sheltered accounts like registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), pensions and other non-taxable accounts are generally exempt.
U.S. persons in Canada
U.S. citizens or green card holders must generally file U.S. tax returns despite living in Canada. The United States is one of the few countries in the world that has this requirement for non-residents. As a result, you may have to report both Canadian and U.S. income, deductions, credits and foreign tax payable.
Adding to the complexity is that certain types of income are taxable in one country but not the other, and some deductions or credits may only apply on one tax return.
Voluntary disclosure for previous years
If you have not reported foreign income or declared foreign assets in the past and you should have done so, you may be able to file a voluntary disclosure with the CRA. This program may allow relief on a case-by-case basis for taxpayers who contact the CRA to fix errors or omissions for past tax returns.
There are five conditions to apply:
You must submit your application voluntarily and before the CRA takes any enforcement action against you or a third party related to you.
You must include all relevant information and documentation (including all returns, forms and schedules needed to correct the error or omission).
Your information involves an application or potential application of a penalty.
Your information is at least one year or one reporting period past due.
You must include payment of the estimated tax owing, or request a payment arrangement (subject to CRA approval).
Before pursuing a voluntary disclosure, you should seek professional advice. The CRA also offers a pre-disclosure discussion service that is informal and non-binding, and it does not require the disclosure of your identity.
Bottom line
When you are a Canadian tax resident, whether you are a citizen or not, you have worldwide income and asset disclosure requirements on your tax return. Some Canadian residents, despite living abroad, may still be considered factual residents or deemed residents of Canada with ongoing tax-filing requirements.
