Help: do i need to back file tax if i stayed stayed here 4 wks a yr?

**bayview** · 2012-02-20, 12:25 AM

Hi, I landed in a Canada as a new PR in late 2008. In each year, late 2008 to 2010 I stayed here for about 4 weeks. Last Sep 2011, I moved permanently to Canada. Prior to that I have no assets in Canada, no bank account nor health card.

I know I have to file my Canadian 2011 tax returns in 2012. What about the need to file Canadian tax returns for 2008 to 2010? I filed tax returns in my original home country where I was based during this period (2008 -2010) before I moved here permanently last Sep.

Thanks!

**CanadianCapitalist** · 2012-02-20, 10:06 AM

Since you were a non resident & had no earned income in Canada, you don't have to file taxes for 2008-10.

**OhGreatGuru** · 2012-02-20, 10:46 AM

C.C. is right, but I am curious how you qualified for PR (Permanent Resident?) status in 2008 without residing here.

**CanadianCapitalist** · 2012-02-20, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by OhGreatGuru

C.C. is right, but I am curious how you qualified for PR (Permanent Resident?) status in 2008 without residing here.

To maintain permanent residency status, OP only has to live in Canada for 2 years in a five year period.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcome...sp#keep_status

**ghostryder** · 2012-02-20, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by CanadianCapitalist

To maintain permanent residency status, OP only has to live in Canada for 2 years in a five year period.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcome...sp#keep_status

And of course this is completely separate and distinct from whether or not someone is "Canadian resident for tax purposes".

**bayview** · 2012-02-21, 12:53 AM

Hi, CC is right. I'm fulfilling my PR requirement by staying here in the last 2.5 years of my 5 year block. And I am hoping he is right too that I dont have back file. But Ghost raised an interesting pt - is how does CRA officially sees it -am I still taxable resident (2008-2010) although Im not here earlier and did not violate my PR requirements. Talking to some accountants here casually with the aim of appointing one to file my tax I get divided responses which is rather frustrating.

**MoneyGal** · 2012-02-21, 04:04 AM

Have you reviewed the materials on this page?

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts...sdncy-eng.html

**bayview** · 2012-02-26, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by MoneyGal

Have you reviewed the materials on this page?

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts...sdncy-eng.html

Thks MGal. I did after your post. I seemed to fit the profile of a non resident prior to 2011 but then Im not 100% sure.

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