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Income Tax Audit Manual

Compliance Programs Branch (CPB)

Information

This chapter was last updated May 2024.

Chapter 12 - This chapter is under review and an updated version will be released at a later date

Disclaimer

Hyperlinks to external or unaffiliated websites are for information purposes only. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is not responsible for the content or practices of such websites. While efforts are made to make sure that hyperlinks are current and up-to-date, it is not guaranteed.

Chapter 12.0 Specific audit guidelines and checklists

Table of Contents

12.0 Specific audit guidelines and checklists 

12.1.0 Taxpayer requests

12.1.1 Introduction

Taxpayers often ask for changes to returns already filed. Most of these requests must be reviewed by Audit. The most important risks of taxpayer requests (TPRs) include that the changes:

In some cases, requests for change are to correct amounts originally reported. If the risk of loss is material, an audit may be needed to make sure that the request is according to legislative requirements and CRA policies.

The taxpayer relief provisions give the authority to adjust filed returns. For more information, go to 3.0, Taxpayer rights and taxpayer relief.

12.1.2 Taxpayer requests

Taxpayers ask for changes to previously filed returns or their obligations under the Income Tax Act (ITA) for many reasons, including:

Changes to income and/or expenses

Income and expenses can be revised because of errors in original calculations, as well as for changes in losses, more CCA, or other permissive deductions.

Circumstances for revising capital cost allowance and permissive deductions

CCA and other permissive deductions can be revised in many circumstances, including:

Changes to permissive deductions are not permitted for a year if the taxpayer has filed a notice of objection.

For more information, go to:

Amending losses

Taxpayers may ask what to do to determine or redetermine losses.

When losses for a tax year are revised by the minister to reduce or eliminate the loss, the taxpayer is informed on the notice of reassessment that their losses can be determined should the taxpayer want to object to the reassessment. The taxpayer cannot appeal losses in dispute until those losses are determined. Once the determination is made, the taxpayer can file an objection to the loss and usual assessing rules take effect. Requests for determination of losses are sent to the director of the TSO.

Verify the losses by reviewing the system and income tax returns. The procedure to process these requests may vary from one TSO to another. Form T67AM, Notice of Determination/Redetermination of a Loss, is issued to the taxpayer by the tax centre (TC), sent to the assistant director, Audit (ADA) for approval and signature, and then returned to the TC.

The taxpayer may choose to wait and apply the original losses to another tax year. When the CRA reassesses that return to adjust that year's claim, the taxpayer can file a notice of objection to that assessment.

For more information, go to 11.5.10, Loss determination, and 29.0, Losses.

Change of corporate fiscal year-end

Under subsection 249.1(7), the fiscal year-end of a taxpayer cannot be changed without the minister’s concurrence.

Therefore, a corporation may not generally change its fiscal year-end without the approval of the minister, unless the change is otherwise required under the Act. For example, a change in fiscal year-end required due to an amalgamation or change in control.

It is the CRA’s long-standing view that a request to change a corporation’s fiscal year-end will be considered on its own merit, and will always be a question of fact. In that regard, it is also the long-standing view of the CRA that the taxpayer must demonstrate the request is prompted solely by sound business reasons, other than to obtain a tax benefit.

The term “sound business reasons” is not referred to in subsection 249.1(7) of the Act. The term has been referred to by the CRA to indicate that the reason for the requested change relates to the corporation’s business and is significant enough to warrant making the change.

Sound business reasons for changing a taxpayer’s fiscal year-end include:

Changing a corporate year-end to match the personal tax year of a shareholder would not be an acceptable reason to change a corporate year-end. Personal taxes or personal convenience do not relate to the corporation’s business as they are separate entities.

Retroactive changes in year-end and changes to defer taxes are not permitted.

Changes in year-end trigger a deemed year-end. As a result, certain amounts, such as losses that may be carried forward for specific time periods, will expire more quickly.

Deemed changes in year-end

A deemed year-end may result when:

There is no change in year-end when a company charter expires, but the company is later reinstated.

Change of tax services office

When the taxpayer asks for a change in TSO, the request is sent to the TSO where the taxpayer has previously filed returns. The taxpayer may not arbitrarily select a TSO to file a return; the location of the books and records determines the TSO where returns are filed. It is possible that taxpayers also registered for GST/HST will file returns in different TSOs because the mailing address determines the TSO where GST/HST returns are filed.

The TC may change a taxpayer’s TSO without approval from Audit when a master is created from gazette information and:

Specific situations also unique to the TSO where returns are filed include:

Taxpayers are informed in writing of changes of the TSO.

Charter surrender or revival

The TC refers charter surrenders and revivals to the TSO for Audit’s review to determine if there are any deemed dividends to be assessed or any other adjustments of unusual expenses that have to be assessed before granting the charter surrender.

The auditor determines if there has been any activity beyond the struck-off record or dissolution date for GST/HST and source deductions. Assessments can only be made up to a specified period of time according to provincial or federal corporations acts involved after the charter surrender date regardless of when the returns were filed, unless the corporation can be revived.

In the case of amalgamation, the old corporations are deemed to carry on under the name of the new corporation.

For more information, go to 16.1.0, Clearance Certificate Program.

Destruction of books and records

Taxpayers are required to keep books and records for certain time periods. Taxpayer Services usually receives and grants requests for destruction of books and records, unless the request is for destruction of records for the last six tax years. Audit reviews these requests.

The designated authority in Audit will usually approve requests to destroy records when:

Requests are denied if the request for destruction is for books and records within the normal reassessment period. If the request does not specifically state that it relates to taxes under the ITA or the Excise Tax Act (ETA), the request will be deemed to relate to both taxes.

For more information, go to 10.2.0, Books and records.

Amended elections

Taxpayers may be allowed to amend elections (for example, Forms T2057, T2058, and T2059) according to income tax information circulars:

Requests to amend elections are reviewed for tax implications. If there are significant questions or problems about the revised elections, the request may be referred for audit. The auditor should inform the taxpayer if the amended election request has been approved or denied and give the reason if the request is denied.

Request for clearance certificates

Taxpayers or their representatives may ask for clearance certificates for deceased taxpayers, estates, trusts, or corporations. Send all requests for clearance certificates to the responsible TSO area.

For more information, go to 16.0, Clearance certificates.

Voluntary disclosures

Requests from taxpayers to increase taxable income are handled as a usual TPR, unless the taxpayer specifically states that the request is a voluntary disclosure. Refer voluntary disclosures to the Voluntary Disclosures Program Section. Interest and penalties, if they apply, are retroactive to the date of filing of the original return and are calculated by the TC. If losses are applied to taxable years, the interest is calculated from the date of the request.

For more information, go to:

Business enquiries

Auditors that deal with TPRs may also get tax questions, which should be referred to the business enquiries telephone service. If the question is beyond the scope of the business enquiries agent, it will be referred to a central mailbox using the designated procedures.

For more information, go to 10.11.14, Referrals to Technical Applications Sections, Real Estate Appraisal Section, and Business Equity Valuations Section.

Revocation of waivers

Designated auditors may handle the revocation of waivers as a TPR. Revocations are date stamped when they are received. The auditor determines the status of the file and if the file is charged out, the auditor of record is informed by round trip memorandum (RTM) that the revocation will be processed for the taxpayer. If the file has not been charged out, the auditor should get the tax returns, verify if there is a reassessment on the system, and determine if the reassessment has been processed before granting the revocation. The auditor informs the taxpayer in writing that the request has been granted or denied. If the request is denied, the auditor gives the reasons in the letter to the taxpayer.

For more information, go to:

Risks associated with taxpayer requests

The risks with making changes to filed income tax returns include:

Additional undepreciated capital cost

If losses carried forward or back affect CCA, the undepreciated capital cost (UCC) is also affected. Later claims of CCA are based on the revised UCC.

General requirements of taxpayer requests

The general requirements for all taxpayer requests (TPRs) are:

Time periods

Taxpayers, other than public corporations, have three years to file amendments to assessed returns and generally have six years to amend losses. Public corporations have four years to file amendments to assessed returns and seven years to amend losses.

For more information, go to 29.0, Losses.

Processing taxpayer requests

The TC can process amended income tax returns unless:

TPRs are sent to the Audit Division or, if the return is under audit, to the auditor assigned to the file. A TPR for a file designated as a large file case is directed to the auditor in charge of the case. A TPR for a return now under objection or appeal is directed to Appeals Division in the TSO.

Note that the T2 Case Management System allows the TC to electronically refer files and related TPRs to the TSO.

12.1.3 Audit procedures for taxpayer requests

These audit procedures apply to TPRs:

12.1.4 Issues to consider when processing taxpayer requests

Taxpayer requests and retroactive tax planning

Retroactive tax planning is the result of an event that occurs after initial planning was completed based on the facts available at that time. New information may cause the taxpayer to portray the events differently. Although taxpayers are allowed to arrange their affairs to decrease taxes payable, the intent of the taxpayer in making changes to previously reported transactions is important since retroactive changes may result in misuse or abuse of the acts.

TPRs are one method that a taxpayer may use to reach this objective. The auditor reviewing the TPR should exercise judgement to make sure that the request does not take advantage of retroactive tax planning to abuse the system. Examples of retroactive tax planning include:

a) Facts re-characterized

The original returns may be based on facts portrayed in a certain way and perhaps revised based on more or new information. Examples include capital losses converted to an allowable business investment loss (ABIL), capitalized costs converted to deductible expenses, and taxable income converted into exempt income.

b) Salary and/or management fee expenses

Salaries and/or management fees may be revised to increase the deductions from taxable income without any services actually being rendered.

c) Tax deferrals

In an effort to defer income tax, the taxpayer may revise current year expenses to include prior year expenses or include expenses for other entities.

d) Income diverted

There may be requests to divert income from one taxpayer to another that pays tax at a lower rate. This involves income splitting between the taxpayers that may not be allowable.

Taxpayers may ask for the transfer of losses from one entity that is in a loss position to another entity that is in a taxable position.

e) Elections

Taxpayers may file late or amended elections or revoke elections. Requests will not be accepted for retroactive tax planning that may take advantage of changes to law enacted after the due date of the election.

For more information, go to Income Tax Information Circular IC07-1R1, Taxpayer Relief Provisions, Part III, Guidelines for accepting late, amended, or revoked elections.

Taxpayer requests and tax protesters

Tax protesters may ask for adjustments that are peculiar to their situation. Auditors who have these types of requests should exercise due diligence in dealing with them.

For more information, go to Debunking tax myths.

Taxpayer requests and cross compliance

If the review of a TPR shows that there are implications for the other tax, refer the issue to make sure that the correct changes are made.

Taxpayer requests and remission orders

A remission order is an extraordinary measure that allows the federal government to give relief to a person when the desired result cannot be achieved within the legislation that applies, through assessing, or other action. Generally, all means available within the legislation should be exhausted before remission relief is considered, that is, filing a notice of objection and/or an appeal, or requesting any recourse under a tax convention. Therefore, a remission request will not be considered while a case is being reviewed through the objection process or is before the courts. However, take care not to insist that a person use the objection or appeal process first, when it is evident that the requested relief will not be available through such means.

Remission may be made of amounts paid or payable for:

Other debts to Her Majesty may also be remitted in certain cases; for instance, non-tax amounts such as Canada Pension Plan contributions and employment insurance premiums.

Before remission is considered, examine the case to determine if other solutions are available, such as applying taxpayer relief.

Remission requests

Remission requests are initiated by the affected person directly or through a representative (including tax professionals and federal or provincial members of Parliament). It is also possible for an area within the CRA to initiate a remission request if circumstances are considered to warrant relief.

Remission procedures

A TSO may be asked to guide and inform a person seeking tax relief. If, in the opinion of the TSO, the case clearly does not qualify for remission, the TSO should give the person information. If the person still wants to make a formal remission request, or if the TSO believes that remission may be warranted, the TSO should give the person information on the remission process, including how to send a written request for remission and the information to include with the request.

Caution the person, however, that remission is an extraordinary discretionary measure that will not necessarily be recommended once the request has been evaluated.

When a written request is received, the appropriate TSO usually conducts a thorough examination, reviews the history of the case and the sequence of events, detects any errors or discrepancies, and sends a recommendation to Headquarters, accompanied by a report with the information outlined in Section IV. The recommendation and report is signed by the TSO director and sent to the Legislative Policy Directorate of the Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch for income tax requests. The person asking for the remission is not informed if a positive or negative recommendation has been made to Headquarters. This avoids raising false expectations since a positive recommendation may be overturned at any next level and a decision is not final until the Governor in Council has actually issued a remission order.

If a person wants to make more representations on a case, refer them to Headquarters.

Headquarters reviews recommendations from field offices. This includes a review of files, correspondence, collection diaries, reports, and court documents. Issues are researched and more information is sought as needed. The case is then presented to the Headquarters’ Remission Committee to consider. In some instances, Headquarters may consult with the Department of Finance or other interested parties before the Committee presents its final recommendation to the assistant commissioner, Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch.

For more information, go to CRA Remission Guide.

Taxpayer requests and waiver of a taxpayer's right to object

When there is no misrepresentation or suspected fraud, accept an adjustment request for issues if the taxpayer previously waived objection rights, for example:

For more information, go to 11.2.8, Waiver of right of objection or appeal.

12.2.0 Auditing employee benefits

12.2.1 Overview

Employees often receive benefits from their employer as a result of their office or employment. Employees and shareholders are required to pay income tax on most benefits received.

If the employer, a GST/HST registrant, makes a property or a service available to an employee to be included in the employee's taxable income as a benefit, except if the benefit amount is for an exempt or zero-rated supply or if the registrant was denied an input tax credit (ITC) under section 170 of the ETA to have collected the GST for the benefit amount, the employee is not liable to pay the GST/HST to the registrant giving the benefit. Rather, an amount equal to the GST is included in the employee's income for income tax.

Some audits will involve only a few employees and no related, associated, or affiliated taxpayers. The auditor should assess employee benefits whenever possible. If significant problems are suspected or become evident during the audit, refer to Employer Compliance Audit.

12.2.2 Common taxable benefits

Some of the more common taxable benefits include:

Use the checklist in Appendix A-12.2.2 to review taxable benefits.

For more information on specific benefits, go to:

12.2.3 Consultations on employer compliance audits

Collections and Verification Branch is functionally responsible for the Employer Compliance Audit (ECA) Program, located within the Employer Compliance Division of the Business Compliance Directorate. The ECA Program makes sure that all taxable benefits and employment income, including contracts for services, are reported and that correct source deductions have been remitted and will continue to be. This involves an in depth examination of the books and records of employers, including individuals, corporations, testamentary and inter vivos trusts, municipalities, universities, school boards and post-secondary institutions, and hospitals.

Employer compliance audits may be carried out independently or with an audit being done by large file case auditors. Consider limiting the interruption to the taxpayer and the availability of ECA employees.

In many audits, the business auditor can assess the employee benefits. If the auditor notices a benefit peculiar to the type of taxpayer being audited, contact an ECA auditor to discuss the situation to assess the audit potential for that particular industry or scenario. The auditor should get as much information as possible before contacting an ECA auditor, including the names of contact persons of the taxpayer being audited.

If taxable benefits are identified and have not been reported by the employees, add the amount of the benefits to the employees' income and reassess their T1 returns.

12.2.4 Audit procedures for employer compliance audits

During an audit, get the trial balance, which shows all general ledger accounts and the balance in each account. By reading the chart of accounts with the trial balance, the auditor can identify where benefits might exist, plus the amount of questionable expenditures. This information should be discussed with a member of the ECA staff to determine non‑compliance risk.

After discussing with ECA, possible situations include:

For more information to determine benefits and the audit risk, go to Appendix A-12.2.2, Taxable benefits checklist.

Related, associated, or affiliated taxpayers

In some situations, particularly if the taxpayer being audited is a subsidiary of a larger group of companies, consider benefits as not necessarily accruing from the taxpayer being audited.

For example, employees may receive free parking at a parking lot owned by the parent company. Contact ECA to determine the risk and course of action. ECA may become directly involved now to assess the complete benefit situation, schedule an audit of benefits later, or direct the auditor to reassess benefits as required. Inform the taxpayer of a possible visit from ECA.

Informally consult ECA as a preliminary measure to make sure that benefit-related assessments are according to the related legislation and established ECA policies.

Referral procedure

To refer the case for audit, prepare Form T133, Lead or Project Information. Follow instructions in Integras to create a referral and have it reviewed and approved by the team leader. Form T133 must be submitted directly to the appropriate regional Business Intelligence (BI) Section through their generic mailbox given below:

For detailed instructions on Integras, go to Integras Reference Guide. For a direct link to the Integras Reference Guide, select the Help menu at the top of the Integras Desktop screen.

For more information on sending referrals to ECA, go to Mailboxes – ECAS.

12.2.5 Other references

Income tax interpretation bulletins

12.3.0 Apply proposed legislative amendments

12.3.1 Background

To become law, all bills usually pass through a series of steps that are similar in both the Senate and the House:

A bill that becomes law may come into force on the day of royal assent or on some later day provided for in the bill.

For more information, go to Parliament of Canada.

12.3.2 Prospective vs retroactive law

In general, a prospective law is a law that is applied to transactions and events only after its enactment, effective the date of royal assent.

A retroactive law is applied before its actual enactment, that is, it is deemed to be effective before the date of royal assent, or the language of the statute is expressed in terms that make it effective on a specific date, regardless of the date of enactment.

A retrospective law changes the law in the future, but has consequences that are prejudicial to completed transactions.

12.3.3 Grandfathering provision

Tax legislation is often enacted retroactively, with many provisions that apply from the date they are announced by the minister of finance. There is no constitutional or legal limitation on the retroactivity of tax legislation. In some cases there may be a considerable delay between the date of announcement and the date of royal assent.

Amendments that may disadvantage a taxpayer generally have some type of a grandfathering provision that serves to lessen the impact of the amendment. Under a grandfathering provision, the amendment generally does not apply to agreements or transactions that precede the date of the announcement. In some cases, the grandfathering provision may also affect proposed arrangements, if they are completed by a specific date.

12.3.4 Effect of amendments on audit adjustments

Auditors must consider proposed amendments covered in a Notice of Ways and Means Motion when presenting assessment details to a taxpayer. Proposed amendments have no legal effect until they receive royal assent and, as a result, cannot be imposed on the taxpayer. However, as the amendments are generally applied retroactively after royal assent, the taxpayer is responsible for applying the legislation according to the amended legislation after royal assent.

For example, an amendment is effective on the date it is announced, March 31, 2015, but it does not receive royal assent until February 29, 2016. Without the taxpayer's consent, the auditor cannot assess the taxpayer on an amendment-related issue until at least February 29, 2016. However, after royal assent, the taxpayer's consent is not required and the taxpayer is assessed from the date of announcement.

12.3.5 Guidelines to deal with proposed legislative amendments

When a taxpayer files a return based on proposed legislation, do not reassess the taxpayer to deny a benefit only because the proposed legislation has not been enacted. On the other hand, if the proposed legislation is not beneficial to a taxpayer, the CRA cannot require them to file on the basis of proposed legislation. In such cases, inform the taxpayer that they are responsible to apply the legislation according to the enacted legislation after royal assent, and that they may be subject to interest on amounts owing.

If a taxpayer files a return based on existing legislation and later requests an adjustment to the return based on proposed legislation, the CRA will not allow the request. According to Income Tax Information Circular IC75-7R3, Reassessment of a Return of Income, it is not CRA policy to reassess if a previous assessment or reassessment is correct in law. In such instances, inform the taxpayer to file Form T2029, Waiver in respect of the normal reassessment period or extended reassessment period, to protect their interests.

12.3.6 Presenting assessment details to taxpayers

When presenting assessment details to a taxpayer, explain that the part of the assessment for the proposed legislative amendments cannot be processed until after royal assent.

If the amendment-related assessment results in an increase in benefit or refund, do not process the assessment and keep the audit open until the legislation is enacted.

If the amendment-related assessment results in income tax owing, offer the taxpayer the opportunity to pay the amount now.

12.3.7 Taxpayer agrees to pay amendment-related assessment

If the taxpayer agrees to pay the part of the assessment that relates to the amendment now, reflect that part in the notice of reassessment. Penalty and interest generally apply from the date the amendment was announced.

A log of cases when interest and/or penalty have been applied to proposed amendments should be kept in case the amendments do not receive royal assent and reassessment is necessary.

12.3.8 Application of penalty

Penalties are applied in the usual way from the date of royal assent.

12.3.9 Application of interest

Interest does not apply to proposed income tax amendments.

12.3.10 Taxpayer does not agree to pay amendment-related assessment

If the taxpayer does not agree to pay the amendment-related assessment now, if the entire assessment relates to the proposed amendments, keep the audit open and process after royal assent.

If the amendment-related assessment is only a part of the total assessment, prepare an Audit Report and process the part of the assessment that is not for the proposed amendments. The amendment-related adjustment is processed after royal assent.

A log of cases should be kept if more audit assessments are necessary after royal assent. The auditor takes the proper steps to complete these audits as soon as royal assent is received.

12.3.11 Application of penalty and/or interest

If the taxpayer does not agree to pay the amendment-related assessment now, send a letter to the taxpayer at the end of the audit. The letter should inform the taxpayer that penalty and interest, if they apply, are applied on any outstanding taxes payable after the date of royal assent.

12.3.12 For future use

12.3.13 Income Tax Act amendments

If an amendment to the ITA is in the taxpayer's favour, the amendment is treated as if it were law effective on the date given in the announcement.

If an amendment to the ITA is not in the taxpayer's favour, there is no legal basis for an assessment relating to it until the amendment receives royal assent.

12.4.0 Auditing elections and applications

12.4.1 Introduction

Elections and applications are choices available to taxpayers, which allow them to adapt the administrative requirements of the legislation to their own business activity. Some elections and applications are available to all taxpayers, while others are restricted to certain persons that meet the specified requirements of that particular election and/or application.

The CRA reviews elections and applications when they are received or at the time of audit to determine if the taxpayer meets the eligibility criteria.

12.4.2 Elections – Audit procedures

Make sure that all elections and applications that apply during the audit period are valid. Review the trailing documents and the audit file for preliminary information on the taxpayer’s elections and applications. Verify the effective date and expiry date of all elections and applications.

Some income tax elections are made by how income and/or expenses are reported. This becomes evident during the audit.

12.4.3 Verifying elections

Verify elections during the audit to make sure:

12.4.4 Audit action

Actions for problematic elections and applications may include:

Examples

Examples of guidelines for problematic elections:

12.4.5 Late-filed elections

Taxpayer relief legislation gives the CRA the discretion in certain circumstances when a taxpayer fails to meet the obligations if it can be shown that there were unusual circumstances or that the failure to meet the obligations was inadvertent. For more information, go to:

Requests to accept late-filed elections should be in writing.

Late-filed income tax elections

If the request for a late-filed election is accepted, the taxpayer is subject to a penalty of $100 for each complete month (from the due date of the election to the date the request is made) up to a maximum penalty of $8,000.

However, the full amount or any part of this penalty may also be waived or cancelled. Subsection 220(3.2) allows the minister to accept late, amended, or revoked elections that are prescribed. Prescribed elections subject to the taxpayer relief legislation are listed in Income Tax Regulation 600.

For more information, go to Income Tax Information Circular IC07-1R1, Taxpayer Relief Provisions, Part III, Guidelines for accepting late, amended, or revoked elections.

12.5.0 For future use

12.6.0 Specific income tax elections

Taxpayers voluntarily file elections to qualify for special provisions under the ITA. The provisions are often used to eliminate or defer certain tax consequences that result from a specific type of transaction.

For more information, go to Guide 4012, T2 Corporation – Income Tax Guide.

The TSO or the TC may process elections. The Taxpayer Services Division processes elections at the TSO.

12.7.0 Situations requiring an amended audit

12.7.1 Situations that require a follow-up income tax audit

The request to correct a previous income tax audit is usually the result of a:

Conduct an amending or follow-up income tax audit based on the auditor’s and team leader’s judgment. An amending audit may be necessary if:

If the taxpayer has filed a notice of objection and Audit has decided to amend the previous audit, the auditor must determine if the appeal is still necessary and communicate with Appeals to clarify the situation. An appeal may still be required if Audit does not agree with the taxpayer.

12.7.2 Statute-barred concerns

It is important to determine if there are concerns about statute-barred periods in the original audit before amending an audit. Under section 152, Audit cannot make, amend, or reverse a reassessment of a statute-barred year. If there were any incorrect adjustments in the original audit that have since become statute-barred, the auditor should inform the taxpayer to pursue the issue by filing a notice of objection.

If a reassessed year is not statute-barred, but will become statute-barred before the amended audit can be processed, the auditor should ask the taxpayer to fill in Form T2029, Waiver in respect of the normal reassessment period or extended reassessment period, for that year before taking any more steps in the amendment process. If the taxpayer declines to sign the waiver, Audit is unable to process any amendments to the earlier audit and the taxpayer will need to file a notice of objection.

12.7.3 Processing an amended audit

Prepare the regular audit working papers, schedules, and forms. The major differences between an amended audit and a regular audit are:

12.8.0 For future use

12.9.0 For future use

12.10.0 Assessing GST/HST included vs extra

12.10.1 Income tax implications - Under review

There are no direct income tax implications when assessing GST/HST extra vs GST/HST included. However, if the supplier and purchaser of a supply did not originally account for GST/HST, the amounts recorded in the supplier's books and records for sales or dispositions and in the purchaser's books and records for purchases, acquisitions, or expenses, will not include GST/HST. The amounts of a tax-included assessment of GST/HST will be incorrect. Adjustments to income tax returns and schedules may be necessary.

If a tax-extra assessment of GST/HST is made and the supplier is unable to collect the additional GST/HST from the purchaser, the supplier is not entitled to an income tax deduction for the GST/HST remitted to the CRA.

12.11.0 For future use

12.12.0 For future use

12.13.0 Dispositions of taxable Canadian property

Taxable income earned in Canada for the year by a non-resident in Canada who has disposed of taxable Canadian property (except for treaty-protected property) is subject to Part I tax, under section 115. The taxable income is any portion of taxable capital gains over the deductible capital losses resulting from the disposition of taxable Canadian property or any interests in and options on this property. Dispositions of taxable Canadian property include deemed dispositions.

If the purchaser could or should have known that the vendor was a non-resident, the purchaser has certain obligations. In certain circumstances, the purchaser is liable to pay income tax for the vendor, under subsections 116(5) and (5.3). Income tax must be remitted to the Receiver General within 30 days after the end of the month in which the taxpayer acquired the property. Any purchaser who fails to remit the tax payable to the Receiver General may be liable to pay a penalty, the amount calculated under subsection 227(9).

Capital real property in Canada, capital property used in carrying on a business in Canada, and shares of capital stock for some corporations resident in Canada are included under taxable Canadian property. As well, under the ITA, this property also includes any interests in and options on such property.

Disposition of property – Checklist for vendor
 General information on vendor
 Name of vendor
                                                                                     
 Address of vendor
  
 Vendor BN/SIN
  
 Description of property sold
  
 Reported proceeds of disposition
  
 Reported adjusted cost base
  
 Reported capital gains
  
Questionnaire to help audit the disposition of taxable Canadian property
Taxable Canadian property  Yes  
  No  
  WP   Ref  
 1.   Is the property sold or the interest in and options on the said property included in the definition of taxable Canadian property set out in subsection 248(1) of the ITA? Go to Income Tax Interpretation Bulletin IT176R2, Taxable Canadian property – Interests in and options on real property and shares, for examples of interests and options.      
2. Did the property sold become taxable Canadian property on April 26, 1995, after changes to the definition of taxable Canadian property as set out in the ITA?
If yes, calculate the gain with the formula under subsection 40(9).
      
3. Is taxable Canadian property of this type excluded property as defined in subsection 116(6)? If yes, the excluded property is not subject to the requirements set out in section 116.
      
4. Does the property become taxable Canadian property when one of these ITA provisions is applied:
      
 
  • Subsection 51(1) – Convertible property
    
     
 
  • Subsection 85.1(1)(a) – Share exchange
    
 
  • Subsection 87(4) – Amalgamation of two or more corporations (shares of predecessor corporation)
    
 
  • Subsection 87(5) – Amalgamation of two or more corporations (option to acquire shares of predecessor corporation)
    
     
Vendor of taxable Canadian property
5. Is the vendor a non-resident in Canada or deemed to be under the ITA (for example, under subsection 250(5))? If yes, subsection 116 may apply.
      
6. Did the non-resident vendor sojourn in Canada in the tax year for 183 days or more? If yes, the vendor is deemed to be resident in Canada throughout the tax year, under paragraph 250(1)(a).
      
7. Is the vendor deemed to be a resident of Quebec? If yes, the vendor may be eligible for tax relief for non-residents and deemed residents of Quebec.
      
8. Was there deemed disposition after the death of a taxpayer under subsection 70(5)? If yes, section 116 does not apply.
      
Disposition of taxable Canadian property
9. Did the vendor inform the CRA of the actual or proposed disposition of property?
      
10. Are the facts and amounts indicated in the notice of proposed disposition supported by the facts and amounts of the actual disposition?
      
11. Was the taxable Canadian property seized or repossessed under a conditional sale contract?
      
12. Was there deemed disposition of taxable Canadian property after one of the following:
      
 
  • Death of a non-resident taxpayer.
    
 
  • Winding-up of a non-resident corporation that held taxable Canadian property.
    
 
  • Amalgamation of two or more corporations under subsection 87(4) or 87(5).
    
 
  • The vendor ceased to use the property to earn income in Canada and began to use it instead to earn income outside Canada (subsection 45(1)(d).
    
 
  • The taxpayer ceased to be a resident in Canada (paragraph 128.1(4)(b)).
    
 
  • The property was given to a charity.
    
Disposition by a non-resident person to a person not at arm's length
13. Were there no proceeds of disposition of the taxable Canadian property or were the proceeds of disposition less than the fair market value (FMV) of the property at the time of disposition? If yes, the proceeds of disposition may be considered to be equal to the FMV of the property under subsection 116(5.1).      
14. Did the vendor or the vendor's representative determine the valuation of the personal or real property? If yes, get a copy of the valuation report and give a copy to Business Equity Valuation, if necessary.
      
15. Did the non-resident dispose of shares of a Canadian corporation to another Canadian corporation not at arm's length? If yes, the amount of a deemed dividend, calculated under subsection 212.1(1), is taxable under subsection 212(2).
      
Disposition for consideration over the fair market value
16. Did a non-resident shareholder transfer or sell taxable Canadian property to a corporation resident in Canada for consideration including shares of capital stock of the corporation? If yes:
      
 
  • Is the Canadian corporation deemed to have paid a dividend under subsection 84(1)? If yes, Part XIII tax applies.
    
 
  • If Part I were applicable, would the non-resident shareholder be deemed to have received a taxable benefit under subsection 15(1)? If yes, the shareholder is deemed to have been paid a dividend under subsection 214(3)(a) and Part XIII tax applies.
    
 
  • Does the sale contract include a price adjustment clause?
    
 
  • Does subsection 15(1) apply because of a valuation by the CRA?
    
 
  • Can the taxpayer take advantage of the policy on refund of an amount that would be taxable under subsection 15(1)?
    
Gain or loss
17. Was the capital gain or loss correctly calculated after disposition of taxable Canadian property?
      
18. Was the property acquired before January 1, 1972? If yes, the median-amount rule described in subsection 26(3) of the Income Tax Application Rules, 1971 (ITAR) may apply to the gain calculated.
      
 19. Is the gain exempt under paragraph 40(2)(b) or 40(2)(c)?
      
 20. Did a capital loss result from the disposition of the taxable Canadian property? If yes:
      
 
  • Is the loss deductible?
    
 
  • Does the loss relate to property for which a taxpayer received dividends while they were a non-resident? If yes, the loss may be reduced under subsection 40(3.7)?
    
 
  • Is the loss deemed to be nil because the taxable Canadian property was personal-use property, under subsection 40(2)(g)(iii)?
    
 
  • Did the CRA issue a certificate of discharge?
    
21. Did the individual (except trusts) once again become a Canadian resident within five years after the date on which they emigrated and did the taxpayer make a specific election about taxable Canadian property, under paragraph 128.1(6)(a)? If yes, the individual is no longer deemed to have realized gains at the time of departure, under subsection 128.1(6).
      
22. Did the partnership, of which one or more partners are non-residents, realize a gain as a result of the disposition of taxable Canadian property? If yes, each of the partners must pay income tax on their share of the taxable capital gain.
      
23. Was the replacement property acquired after voluntary or involuntary disposition of taxable Canadian property? If the conditions set out in section 44 are taken as a whole, the gain realized from the disposition of the taxable Canadian property may be carried over.
      
Loss carryover
24. Did an individual (except a trust) realize a loss after the actual disposition of taxable Canadian property within a year after emigrating from Canada? If yes, the loss may be deducted from the gains realized upon emigration, under subsection 128.1(7), subject to the loss-minimization rules (subsection 40(3.7) and section 112).
      
25. Does the deduction for net capital loss in the year relate to income determined on the basis of one of the paragraphs 115(1)(a) to (c)? If yes, this deduction may be allowed.
      
Tax conventions
26. Is the income or gain realized on the disposition of property exempt from Part I tax under a tax convention?
      
27. Is the vendor of the taxable Canadian property deemed to be a non-resident under a tax convention?
      
Capital gains deduction
28. Is the vendor an individual and a deemed resident in Canada? If yes, the vendor can claim the capital gains deduction for certain taxable capital gains.
      
29. Is the vendor an individual and a non-resident in Canada? If yes, the vendor is not entitled to the capital gains deduction.
      
Foreign tax deduction
30. Did the non-resident taxpayer make the election under subparagraph 128.1(4)(b)(iv) after 1992 and before October 2, 1996? If yes, the taxpayer may be entitled to a foreign tax deduction, under subsection 126(2.2).
      
31. Was the individual who is a former resident of Canada required to pay income tax to another country on a gain already taxed in Canada in the year in which they emigrated? If yes, they may be entitled to a foreign tax deduction under subsection 126(2.21).
      
32. Is the non-resident individual, who is a Canadian trust beneficiary, required to pay income tax to another country on a gain that is already taxed in Canada in a distribution year? If yes, the foreign tax that the recipient paid may be deducted from Canadian income tax payable by the trust, under subsection 126(2.22).
      
33. Was the capital loss sustained by the non-resident individual reduced by paragraph 40(3.7)? If yes, a tax credit may be deducted in calculating income tax payable, under section 119.
      
Certificate of compliance
34. Did the CRA issue a certificate of compliance in applying section 116?
      
35. Is the actual sale price of the taxable Canadian property different from the estimate stated on the certificate of compliance issued for a proposed disposition?
      
General information on purchaser
The purchaser may be a resident or non‑resident
Name of purchaser:
                                                                                     
Address of purchaser:
  
Purchaser BN/SIN:
  
Checklist for purchaser
Purchaser's obligation
  Yes  
  No  
  WP   Ref  
 1.   When the purchaser of taxable Canadian property is a non-resident:
      
 
  • Did the Canadian purchaser get a copy of the certificate of compliance?
      
 
  • Is the cost of the property acquired by the purchaser greater than the estimated proceeds of disposition stated on the certificate of compliance?
      
 
  • Did the Canadian purchaser deduct or withhold an amount calculated with the formula under subsection 116(5) or 116(5.3)?
      
 
  • Did the Canadian purchaser demonstrate due diligence, that is, did the Canadian purchaser ascertain the vendor's place of residence if there was reason to believe that the vendor was not residing in Canada?
      
Tax withholding
2. Did the purchaser acquire excluded property, within the meaning of subsection 116(6)? If yes, withholding procedures do not apply.
      
3. Did the purchaser withhold the correct amounts? If no, the purchaser is liable for any income tax payable by the non-resident.
      
4. Did the purchaser remit or pay to the Receiver General an amount withheld under subsection 116(5) or 116(5.3)? If no, they may be liable to a penalty for failure to remit payment, under subsection 227(9).
      
Acquisition for consideration less than the fair market value of the property
5. Did the shareholder acquire the taxable Canadian property from a non-resident corporation for consideration less than the fair market value of the property? If yes, is the shareholder required to pay income tax on a benefit under subsection 15(1)?
      
6. If Part I applied, would the non-resident shareholder be required to pay income tax on a benefit under subsection 15(1)? If yes, the shareholder is deemed to have received a dividend under paragraph 214(3)(a) and Part XIII tax applies.
      
7. Does the sale contract include a price adjustment clause?
      
8. Does subsection 15(1) apply because of a valuation by the CRA?
      
9. Can the taxpayer take advantage of the policy on refund of an amount that would be taxable under subsection 15(1)?
      
Acquisition for consideration over the fair market value of the property
10. Did the taxpayer acquire the taxable Canadian property from a person with whom the taxpayer was not dealing at arm's length and for an amount over the fair market value of the property? If yes, the taxpayer is deemed to have acquired the property at fair market value, under paragraph 69(1)(a).
      
Consultation required
                                                                                       Yes
 No
 WP
Ref
 11.   Is consultation with any of these sections required:
      
 
  • Business Equity Valuation
      
 
  • Aggressive Tax Planning
      
 
  • International Tax
      
Signatures and dates  
Auditor:                         
  Date:                                  
   
Team Leader:  Date:
   

References – Disposition of taxable Canadian property

Income Tax Folios

Income Tax Interpretation Bulletins

12.14.0 Multiple jurisdictions and allocation of income – Under review

12.14.1 Introduction – Under review

Any reference to province in this document includes the territories.

The following policy and procedures apply only to the ITA.

Quebec and Alberta administer their own corporate income tax systems. Corporations that earn income in these provinces are required to file a separate provincial income tax return.

All the other provinces and territories adopt their own legislation for corporate income tax.

The CRA administers the corporate income tax for most provinces and territories (referred to as the agreeing provinces) under the Tax Collection Agreement, except Alberta and Quebec for corporations. Quebec is the only non-agreeing province for the taxation of individuals. The CRA collects the provincial and territorial income tax for all agreeing provinces.

To compensate corporations for the provincial income taxes they are required to pay, the ITA allows them to deduct from the tax otherwise payable an amount equal to 10% of the corporation's taxable income earned in the year in a province. The subsection 124(1) deduction, usually called the federal tax abatement, is granted without taking into account the taxes actually paid or payable by the corporation to a province. Section 124 also applies to the Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, and Nunavut.

For this provision, the Newfoundland offshore area and the Nova Scotia offshore area are included in the definition of province. Therefore, income taxes paid on a corporation's income derived from the operation of oil and gas in these offshore areas are eligible for the 10% deduction, where tax on income earned in a province is concerned.

Under subsection 124(3), no deduction is granted to a prescribed federal Crown corporation that is an agent of Her Majesty or to a corporation that is not taxable under Part I.

12.14.2 Multiple jurisdictions – Definitions – Under review

Taxable income earned in a province by a corporation

The expression taxable income earned in the year in a province denotes the amount determined under the prescribed rules. Section 402 of Part IV of the Income Tax Regulations (Regulations) has general provisions for determining the taxable income earned in a province by corporations. Under sections 403 to 413 of the Regulations, determine the taxable income earned in a province by certain specialty corporations, including:

Under the general provisions, taxable income earned in a particular province represents the portion of taxable income attributable to the particular province with a permanent establishment (PE). If a corporation has no PE in a particular province, no portion of its taxable income is deemed to have been earned in that province. Therefore, if the corporation has no PE outside a province, the whole of its taxable income is deemed to have been earned in that province.

If a corporation has a PE both in a province and outside that province, the taxable income is divided between the PEs based on the allocation formula.

12.14.3 Permanent establishment – Under review

Permanent establishment (PE) is defined in subsection 400(2) of the Regulations for determining taxable income earned in a province. The same principles apply to foreign corporations that carry on business through a PE and are taxed in Canada under a tax treaty

Permanent establishment generally means a corporation's fixed place of business, including an office, a branch, a mine, an oil well, a farm, a timberland, a factory, a workshop, or a warehouse.

A corporation having no fixed place of business in a province may however have a PE in that province if it satisfies any of the criteria listed in subsection 400(2) of the Regulations. If the corporation does not have any fixed place of business, the principal place in which the corporation’s business is conducted will be a PE.

A corporation is deemed to have a PE in a particular place if it carries on business through an employee or agent, established in that place, who has general authority to contract for the corporation or who has a stock of merchandise owned by the corporation from which orders are regularly filled. If the corporation makes use of a commission agent, broker, or other independent agent, examine all the facts to determine if it is carrying on business in a particular place through an agent. If it is, the corporation is deemed to have a PE in that place. It should be noted, that the CRA has concluded that the term agent in the context of paragraph 400(2)(b) of the Regulations, has a legal meaning.

For more information, go to February 9, 2012, memorandum, Provincial Income Allocation Technical Change regarding Permanent Establishment – meaning of “agent” (e.g. Public Warehouse).

A corporation that uses substantial machinery or equipment in a particular place in a province will be deemed to have a PE in that province. The corporation does not need to own the machinery or equipment that it uses. The size, quantity, and dollar value of machinery or equipment used in the particular place are some of the criteria to review in the determination of substantial. The CRA considers size the most important and significant factor. Administrative guidelines on the time required to create a deemed PE are outlined in the February 2010 Provincial Income Allocation Newsletter Nº. 2, Permanent Establishment – Corporation uses substantial machinery or equipment.

The ownership of land will result in a deemed PE, if a corporation otherwise has a PE in Canada.

An interest in a partnership may also create a PE for the Regulations.

If a corporation is not carrying on a business and, as a result, does not have a PE, then a corporation is deemed to have a PE at the place designated in its incorporating documents or bylaws as its head office or registered office.

For more information, go to subsection 400(2) of the Regulations.

12.14.4 Gross revenue, salaries and wages paid – Under review

Under the general provisions set out in section 402 of the Regulations, a corporation has to allocate taxable income between PEs in different provinces in proportion to the gross revenues, and salaries or wages paid in the year and attributable to the PE in the province in question. Sections 403 to 413 of the Regulations have other provisions for establishing the taxable income earned in a province by specialty corporations.

Generally, the terms gross revenue and salary or wages for allocation, are defined in subsection 248(1) of the ITA.

Certain items are not included in gross revenue under subsection 402(5) of the Regulations:

For more information on the treatment of interest, go to the February 2010 Provincial Income Allocation Newsletter No. 1, Gross Revenue – Exclusion of Interest.

For merchandise sold, the destination of the shipment of merchandise is an important point to examine when attributing gross revenue to a particular province. The place where the transfer of ownership takes place may correspond to the destination of the shipment, but this is not always the case. For gross revenue derived from services, the place where the service is rendered is relevant. In either case, should there be no PE in the particular province, then the gross revenue will be allocated to the PE with which the sale or contract was negotiated.

The salaries and wages paid by the corporation in the year are attributed to the PE to which the employee is attached (reports), even though the employee may sometimes be required to travel to other jurisdictions. The auditor should make sure that taxable benefits that are paid to an employee (such as gifts or incentives) are included in the salaries and wages. The inclusion of deemed or imputed benefits, including stock option benefits, is under review by HQ; therefore, the auditor should consult with HQ before proposing any related adjustments.

Fees paid to another person may be deemed to be salaries and wages paid under subsection 402(7) of the Regulations. The CRA interprets the word normally in this context, to have two conditions:

  1. The service or function must be one that is performed by an employee of the corporation.
  2. The need for the other person to perform the service or function is short-term.

The allocation of salaries paid through a central paymaster is subject to the deeming rules under section 402.1 of the Regulations. For more information on central paymaster, go to the October 11, 2012, memorandum, Provincial Income Allocation guidelines regarding the Central Paymaster regulation.

Corporations which are a member of one or more partnerships must include in reported gross revenue and salaries or wages, their share of both partnership amounts.

12.14.5 Multiple jurisdictions – Risk assessing policy – Under review

The audit of the provincial income allocation (PIA) formula, as set out in Schedule 5 of the T2 return or Form T2203 for the T1 return, is mandatory for every income tax compliance audit.

Since April 1, 2010, PIA audits are no longer mandatory for corporate taxpayers reporting:

While the PIA audit may no longer be mandatory for these taxpayers, every file, including T1 returns, must be risk assessed from a PIA perspective.

For more information on the PIA risk assessment measures, go to May 31, 2012, memorandum, Frequently Asked Questions #2 on the revised Provincial Income Allocation Audit Policy.

If material PIA issues are identified, auditors should exercise professional judgment and do a PIA audit, as warranted. If the file is assessed as low PIA risk and no audit is done, the decision and rationale to forego a PIA audit must be clearly documented in section J of Form T20, Audit Report, and must refer to sections B and C of the Provincial Income Allocation Audit Plan (PIAAP). All factors supporting the decision taken must be well documented in the working papers.

A separate workload, entitled the PIA Audit Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises, was launched for 2012-2013 and subsequent years. This initiative will maintain an audit presence for PIA files in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) population and will monitor the compliance level.

For more information, go to June 1, 2012, memorandum, Provincial Income Allocation Audit Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises.

12.14.6 Exception (Non-agreeing provinces and single permanent establishment) – Under review

The Provincial Income Allocation Audit Plan (PIAAP) is mandatory for all PIA audits; however, if the auditor has verified that there is only a PE in one province or only PEs in the non agreeing provinces (T2 – Alberta and Quebec, T1 – Quebec), fill in only Sections B and C of the PIAAP.

For more information, go to Communiqué AD-02-03R2 Provincial Income Allocation Audits.

12.14.7 Dispute resolution with non-agreeing provinces – Under review

The CRA and non-agreeing provinces (NAPs), including the agreeing province of Ontario, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Corporations, MOU Ref. # B7.0.

The purpose of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to set up a process to:

  1. identify potential disputes between parties about the application of a taxpayer’s business operations allocation formula; and
  2. allow disputes between the parties to be resolved to avoid double tax.

Statute of limitations and waivers for non-agreeing provinces

The statute-barred dates normally differ for the CRA and each NAP.

Identification of the statute-barred dates is critical. The MOU signed by the CRA and the NAPs provides that no party may issue a proposal to adjust the allocation formula less than 120 days before the earliest statute-barred date of all the other affected parties.

The intention of this time limit is to make sure the affected party has enough time to verify the proposed reassessment.

However, the 120-day limitation does not apply if fraud or misrepresentation has occurred on the part of the taxpayer or if all affected parties agree not to apply this limitation. If a taxpayer has filed legally binding waivers with all affected parties, the 120 day limit will not apply.

When NAPs are involved, the auditor should ask for a copy of the related provincial assessment notice at the beginning of the PIA audit to identify any statute-barred issues. If the taxpayer delays or refuses to give a copy, the auditor should at once contact their large file case manager or team leader for help.

As well, although NAPs have legislation that allows them to re-open a statute-barred year in PIA cases to reassess and avoid double tax, it is not an automatic or routine procedure. For CRA, only HQ will determine if paragraph 152(4)(d) will be applied case-by-case.

Requests for waivers, Form T2029, Waiver in respect of the normal reassessment period or extended reassessment period, should always be considered when there is a NAP involved. The request should be made to the taxpayer in writing and recommends that the taxpayer file a waiver with the NAPs to avoid double tax.

12.14.8 Multiple jurisdictions – Documents and processing requirements for Headquarters – Under review

Once a PIA audit is completed and reviewed by the large file case manager or the team leader, the PIA audit package will be sent to HQ. This package may include the:

For change files

The auditor must send a paper copy of the completed PIA audit package to the HQ address:

Canada Revenue Agency
PIA Control Administrator 

The auditor must also email an encrypted electronic package to CP-PO_Provincial_Audit-Vérification_Provinciale.

Proposed adjustments affecting the allocation formula about the NAPs must be sent to these provinces, by HQ, at least 120 days before the provincial tax return becoming statute barred.

At the same time the file is referred to HQ, the taxpayer should be informed, by the CRA auditor, of the PIA audit referral process and that CRA is proposing adjustments to the components of the income allocation formula to the NAPs. The documents to support the PIA audit findings should be given to the taxpayer at this time. The taxpayer should be informed that the adjustments would be formally proposed to them at the end of the referral process.

Once the NAPs complete their review of the proposal, HQ will inform the TSO in writing and the auditor can complete the audit.

The PIAAR, PIAAP, and the related schedules should be updated to reflect any changes agreed to be made to the proposal and to reflect any more audit work that was done. The revised package should then be sent to HQ.

If the resolution of the proposed PIA audit adjustments will unduly delay the processing of other audit adjustments, if the taxpayer agrees, a reassessment may be issued. The taxpayer should be informed, in writing, that necessary adjustments to the allocation formula would be made once the outstanding issues have been resolved.

Note that auditors are responsible for managing the statute-barred dates for all change files until the PIA audit is closed.

For no-change files

A paper copy is no longer required for HQ for no-change files. However, the auditor must email all no-change files in an encrypted electronic format to CP-PO_Provincial_Audit-Vérification_Provinciale.

All no-change files must include, at least, the:

Working papers should be kept at the TSO or with the T2 return, according to CRA retention policies.

In summary, PIA change files must still be sent in paper and electronic format, while no change PIA files only need to be sent electronically. For detailed procedures, go to memorandum, Changes to the audit processing procedures – PIA and M&PP deductions/credits, and the YMETC, dated July 22, 2011.

As well, when changes are made to the allocation amounts, the auditor fills in and attaches to the report the MJIR schedule.

12.14.9 Reference material – Under review

Provincial Income Allocation Section – Reference Material is under review.

12.15.0 Offsetting adjustments

12.15.1 Offsetting adjustments – general information

The auditor’s role is to address non-compliance and to establish the correct tax payable. An increase in income may result in income tax payable. If the taxpayer did not claim the maximum amounts allowable for items, such as CCA or business-use-of-home expenses, ask the taxpayer if they want to increase the deduction from income. Take into account other offsetting amounts uncovered during the audit, whether they relate to the proposed adjustments.

12.15.2 Revising capital cost allowance and other permissive deductions

The CRA considers changes or adjustments to permissive deductions according to Income Tax Information Circular IC84-1, Revision of Capital Cost Allowance Claims and Other Permissive Deductions. This policy also applies to:

A taxpayer may ask for an amendment or claim a discretionary deduction in a previous tax year for many reasons. For example, a taxpayer in a loss position may choose not to claim CCA in the loss year because unclaimed CCA can be carried forward indefinitely, while non-capital losses expire in twenty years. Two years later, the company reports a profit. The CCA for the previous year is claimed to increase the loss carry-forward. If claiming more CCA increases the loss, there is no change to income tax payable.

Amendments to previously filed returns are permitted, but there is no provision that gives the taxpayer the right to amend a return in all circumstances.

The Federal Court of Appeal in The Queen v Godfrey G.S. Moulds, 78 DTC 6068 at 6073, stated that:

"The principle invoked by Counsel for the Appellant that "a person may not approbate and reprobate" has no application in this case because the Respondent never had the right to elect between two inconsistent courses of action. His only choice was to claim or not claim a capital cost allowance; once he had decided to claim it, he had to calculate its amount in the manner prescribed by the Statute."

The CRA is not obligated to accept amended returns. The Tax Court of Canada in James Stephenson v M.N.R., 86 DTC 1520 (TCC) verifies this principle. The taxpayer elected to use forward averaging (subsection 110.4(1)). The taxpayer later discovered that they had inadvertently not claimed certain expenses, which lowered their income. The CRA (Revenue Canada, at the time) reassessed for many of those expenses, but would not reassess to permit a new forward averaging election. The Court upheld the CRA's position in denying the new election stating:

"When assessing a taxpayer the Minister considers the information in the taxpayer's return of income, and if he has good reason disallows certain deductions claimed by the taxpayer. The Minister however has no authority to arbitrarily vary an election made by a taxpayer, even if his assessment cries out for revision.

Adverse tax consequences may flow to taxpayers who, like the appellant, file their income tax returns in good faith, but because of facts not known to them at the time, the returns filed are assessed tax differently from which they anticipated when they filed their returns and elections under subsection 110.4(1) of ITA. The inability to amend the election and the return of Income in such circumstances is a serious gap in the tax system."

Other cases include:

12.15.3 Unrelated downward adjustments

Generally, when a return is opened to process an upward adjustment beyond the normal reassessment period, the taxpayer is allowed any unrelated downward adjustments when the net of all changes is an increase. Review downward adjustments to make sure that the amounts comply with all requirements.

Do not process adjustments that result in a net credit, or credit adjustments alone under subparagraph 152(4)(a)(i).

Auditors must offset a debit adjustment or assessment with credits noted during the audit. Also, before calculating penalty and interest on an assessment, consider outstanding refunds and rebates filed in periods before the audit assessment period.

If credits are outstanding on other accounts, such as GST/HST, custom duties, source deductions, and excise tax, Collections will usually transfer the credit from one account to the account with the balance owing.

12.16.0 Requesting a real estate appraisal or business equity valuation

12.16.1 General comments

There are many sections of the ITA that refer to value and fair market value (FMV). FMV is commonly defined as the highest price, expressed in terms of money or money’s worth, obtainable in an open and unrestricted market between knowledgeable, informed, and prudent parties acting at arm's length, neither party being under any compulsion to transact.

As soon as the auditor or team leader identifies an appraisal or a valuation issue, a request for assistance should be made to the proper Real Estate Appraisal (REA) or Business Equity Valuation (BEV) section in the CRA. The REA Program determines the value of real property, including land, improvements and chattels, leasehold improvements, and other tangible property, such as listed personal property and personal use property. The BEV Program determines the value of ownership interests held in a private or public corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or franchise, and the value of intangible assets such as goodwill, patents, copyrights, trademarks, licenses, and royalties.

Auditors should request assistance from REA and BEV early in the audit process. Both sections welcome informal discussion of issues prior to formal referrals for valuation. REA and BEV team leaders maintain an open door policy to discuss compliance issues with auditors, even when information may be incomplete or limited. When formally requesting assistance from REA or BEV, the auditor has to create a case in Integras and have it approved by their team leader. For detailed instructions on how to create a REA or BEV case in Integras, go to the Integras Reference Guide.

For information about the regional REA sections, go to Valuation Section - Real Estate Appraisal Services Contacts and Real Estate Appraisal Program (REAP).

For information about the regional BEV sections, go to Business Equity Valuation Program contacts.

The auditor should consult with REA or BEV to determine information requirements so that all relevant documentation can be requested of the taxpayer at the outset of the audit engagement. As the appraisal or valuation progresses, there may be a need for further information requests. Relevant information depends on the type of property and includes, but is not limited to:

Real Estate Appraisal

Refer to Form T104R, Request for appraisal assistance

Date of appraisal

Full description of property being valued

The basis of the declared values

Copy of appraisal reports of the subject property

List and description of the property to be  appraised, helpful information includes:

Business Equity Valuation

Refer to Form T104V, Business Equity  Valuation Requisition

Date of valuation

Description of property being valued

Taxpayer's basis for arriving at the fair market value reported, if available

Shareholder's agreement / partnership agreement

An analysis of the fiscal impact justifying a referral to the Business Equity Valuations section 

Copy of any previous asset appraisals or valuations of the subject entity

If the property to be valued is shares, list and description of property to be valued, such as:

12.16.2 Business Equity Valuation

Contact the Valuation Section, Business Equity Valuation Program, for help to determine FMV arising from dispositions or deemed dispositions in these ITA sections:

Section 6: Value of benefits to employees

Section 7: Value of benefits to employees (share issues)

Section 15: Appropriation by shareholder

Sections 38 through 55: Capital gains and losses

Section 52: Dividends in kind

Section 55: Avoidance

Subsection 56(2): Indirect payments (transfer of property)

Section 68: Allocation of proceeds of disposition

Section 69: Non-arm's length transactions

Section 70: Deemed disposition on death

Section 73: Gifts to children, small business, or farm corporations

Section 74.1 through 74.5: Attribution rules

Section 76: Security in satisfaction of income debt

Section 84: Deemed dividend, increase in paid-up capital

Section 84.1: Non-arm's length sale of shares

Section 85: Rollovers

Section 86: Re-organizations, share exchanges

Subsection 98(2): Deemed proceeds, partnership property

Section 116: Disposition by non-residents

Section 160: Tax liability of non-arm's length transfers

Section 212.1: Non-arm's length sales of shares by non-residents

It is important to note that transactions involving some of these situations may not result in income tax consequences immediately and may not be disclosed at the time of transfer. It is essential for auditors to examine shareholders' registers, corporate minute books, trailing documents, and associated T1 income tax and benefit returns to make sure all transactions are correctly reported.

12.16.3 Real Estate Appraisal

Contact REA to determine FMV arising from dispositions and deemed dispositions in the ITA sections listed below.

Sections 6 and 15: Value of benefits to employees and shareholders

Section 10: Inventory valuations

Section 15: Capital gains and loses

Section 52: Avoidance

Subsection 56(2): Indirect payments (transfer of property)

Section 69: Non-arm’s length transactions

Section 68: Allocations of proceeds of disposition

Section 73: Gifts to children, small business or farm corporations

Section 74.1 through 74.5: Attribution rules

Section 85: Rollovers

Subsection 98(2): Deemed proceeds, partnership property

Section 110.1(1) and 118.1: Gifts of real property and other tangible property. Except:

Section 110.6: Capital gains provisions, FMV at deemed disposition (that is at date of death, change of use)

Section 116: Disposition by non-residents

Section 160: Collections assessments, tax liability of non-arm's length transfers

Section 212: Non-resident

12.16.4 Referral procedures

For REA requests, use Form T104R, Request for appraisal assistance, and Form T104R-INST, Request for Appraisal Assistance - Instructions for Auditors. For more information, go to Referral to Real Estate Appraisal Program – Job Aid.

For BEV requests, use BForm T104V, Business Equity Valuation Requisition.

The auditor will then upload Form T104R and/or Form T104V to the Integras secondary cases created using the Create Case feature. Once the forms are approved by their team leader, the Integras case will be assigned to the proper REA or BEV team leader responsible for the geographic area where the property or the auditor is located.

For detailed instructions on how to create a REA or BEV case in Integras, go to Integras Reference Guide. 

Form T104R, Request for appraisal assistance

REA services are explained at Real Estate Appraisal Program (REAP).

For the appraisal of real property and other tangible property, fill in Form T104R, Request for appraisal assistance. For more information on how to fill the form, consult Form T104R-INST, Request for Appraisal Assistance – Instructions for Auditors. A separate Form T104R is usually needed for each property to be appraised. If there are many properties, discuss the request with the regional team leader, regional coordinator, or team leader of the proper REA section before filling in the T104R forms. More than one Form T104R may be needed for administration or statistics.

Fill in all the fields that apply on Form T104R, including:

The conclusion of the REA valuation analysis will be communicated at the earliest date given the complexity of the referral, the taxpayer’s cooperation in providing the pertinent information, and the level of urgent workload in progress. REA’s objective is a turnaround time of 60 days from the date the case is assigned to an appraiser. The auditor requesting assistance will be kept informed on the progress of the case.

The auditor requesting assistance must inform the taxpayer or their representative that a referral to the REA has been made. REA will subsequently contact the taxpayer or their representative to obtain any additional necessary information to conduct the appraisal mandate. The appraiser may contact the auditor for assistance. The appraiser will be available to explain the findings of the completed task to the auditor and/or the taxpayer, if required.

Appraisals of other tangible property

Form T104R, Request for appraisal assistance, is also used to request the appraisal of cultural property or tangible property other than real estate. When making a request for a tangible property appraisal, include:

Information available in the REA Section

Most REA sections have ownership and other property-related information to help the auditor complete many audit procedures and steps. The information varies from a tax services office (TSO) to another, depending if the information is available from outside sources such as provincial property assessment databanks.

All TSOs have a Valuation Day (V-Day) databank of sales information and listings. This information is generally kept in the enquiries area or within the REA Section and is available to the public. 

Form T104V, Business Equity Valuation Requisition

BEV services are explained at Valuation services provided by the BEV Program. An attachment to Form T104V, Business Equity Valuation Requisition, outlines the basic documents to provide with the referral. According to the Notice to requestor, included in the Form T104V attachment:

A separate Form T104V is required for each valuation request. When FMV determination is required on different property types, such as different classes of shares or different companies (parent and subsidiary), prepare a separate Form T104V. Also prepare separate T104V forms when there is more than one effective date that needs a valuation.

Filling in Form T104V

The auditor should complete all sections of Form T104V. Referrals should be made under the case and file numbers of the taxpayer that is ultimately to be reassessed as a result of an examination of the declared FMV of property.

Clearly show the reason and tax implications of the request for the valuation on Form T104V. 

Documents and statements required for the valuation of proprietorships, partnership interests, and equity interests (shareholders) include, but are not limited to:

Depending on the type of organization, include for:

REA and BEV reports

The type of REA or BEV report prepared varies, depending on the factors surrounding the case or specific requirements. For example, full narrative appraisal reports are prepared by REA for more complex files and/or court proceedings, due to the detail of documentary supporting evidence required. In other cases, REA may prepare a short narrative, form, or consulting report. BEV may prepare a calculation, an estimate, or a comprehensive valuation report, depending on the referral and information available. It is important for the auditor to disclose the specific details or special requirements at the time of the request so that the REA or BEV report meets the requirements of the requesting area.

Real estate appraisers and business equity valuators are members of professional associations. These associations set and administer certain procedural and reporting standards that the members must follow. The CRA real estate appraisers and business equity valuators are also bound by these standards and so, they work and issue reports according to the accepted standards and practices of their respective professional associations.

Completion time for a REA or BEV

The time to complete a REA or BEV depends on the nature and complexity of the request. The auditor should discuss timelines with the real estate appraiser and business equity valuator when the referral is made. The section team leader or real estate appraiser/business equity valuator assigned to the file may be contacted for a status report at any point in time. If the request is complex or the property is in a remote area or outside Canada, there may be a delay.

Refusal of REA or BEV request

If an appraisal or a valuation is requested and rejected, the REA or BEV case is closed (“downscreened”) in Integras by selecting the appropriate reason. The originator is generally notified within 10 days of the request. The request for a REA or BEV may be rejected because of low potential or the taxpayer's value is being accepted as declared.

Discussions are held between the auditor and the REA and BEV unit about the reasonableness of the taxpayer's declared value or how the file has low potential. If the auditor is satisfied that there are no material differences, the auditor should accept the real estate appraiser’s or business equity valuator’s recommendations by accepting the value declared by the taxpayer.

Recording of income and tax changes in Integras 

Income and tax change must be recorded in Integras for income tax audits. The codes are:

Results for audit files that involve both REA and BEV should be allocated 50/50 to each program. Please review the October 16, 2020, communication, Coding Allocation Relating to Audit Files Involving both Real Estate Appraisals and Business Equity Valuations, issued jointly by REA and BEV HQ. 

These codes are recorded in Integras under the Finalize folder, Audit Result Codes tab, and are memo entry codes that do not offset or replace the auditor's present and future tax or income changes recorded on the same case. The appraisal and valuation changes are recorded under the Integras case number. If a separate principal or secondary file needs to be closed, the auditor informs the REA or BEV section before doing so. For more information on how to add Audit Result Codes in a REA or BEV Integras case, refer to the Integras Reference Guide.

The REA/BEV section must close related supplementary files before the case is closed by Audit.

Disagreements about value

When the REA or BEV has completed the work, a report will be prepared for the auditor, which will include a conclusion of FMV. The auditor will use this value in the proposal to the taxpayer.

The areas of REA and BEV are not an exact science. Therefore, taxpayers or their representative may have an opinion of the value that differs significantly from the value determined by the appraiser or valuator.

Some valuation components determined by BEV are subjective and, therefore, a business equity valuator may know before issuing the valuation report to the auditor that the taxpayer disagrees with the value. The valuator may have already received and considered more information from the taxpayer.

Because the FMV calculated is required to apply a particular section of the ITA, REA or BEV will not negotiate the value for settlement. If the taxpayer disagrees with the auditor’s proposal, and in particular the FMV that has been determined by REA or BEV, the auditor should contact the appraiser or valuator to discuss the reasons for the taxpayer’s disagreement. If at this stage, the taxpayer produces more information, the appraiser or valuator will review the information and inform the auditor as to the impact, if any, on the value conclusion. If the auditor meets with the taxpayers or their representative to discuss the disagreement in value, the appraiser or valuator is available to inform about the areas of contention in the value conclusion.

Request for a copy of appraisal or valuation by the taxpayer

If the taxpayer asks for a copy of the REA report, the auditor should provide a copy to the taxpayer after discussing the issue with the real estate appraiser. Some information referenced within the reports might not be able to be released, because of confidentiality concerns, and will need to be addressed before its release. If the taxpayer asks for a copy of the BEV report, the auditor can provide the final copy of the valuation report to the taxpayer upon request.

12.17.0 Consultations with Excise Duties and Taxes Division

12.17.1 Introduction

As well as GST/HST, excise tax and/or excise duty is applied to certain products manufactured or produced in Canada. These levies are applied to a limited range of goods at different rates and in different ways, depending on the product or the product's use.

Excise tax is imposed at the time of delivery to a purchaser. Excise taxes apply on insurance premiums for contracts of insurance with unauthorized insurers, motive fuels, fuel-inefficient vehicles, and automobile air conditioners under Parts I and III of the Excise Tax Act.

For more information, go to the Excise Tax, N15 and Air Travellers Security Charge Audit Manual.

Excise duty is imposed at the time of manufacture. Wine, spirits, and tobacco products are subject to excise duty under the Excise Act, 2001, while beer is subject to excise duty under the Excise Tax Act.

The Excise Duties and Taxes Division of the Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch is responsible for the audit of excise licensees and registrants. The Division is also responsible for the audit of registrants under the Softwood Lumber Products Export Charge Act, 2006. This Act imposes a charge on certain exports of softwood lumber products to the United States.

For information on excise duties or the softwood lumber export charge, visit Excise Duties and Taxes Division.

For more technical information, go to:

Appendix 12.1.0 Letters

The letter templates are available in the Integras Template Library. Please refer to the library for the current version.

The letter templates are also available at Letters (CRA Electronic Library > Compliance Programs Branch > Audit > Income Tax - Forms and Letters > Letters). If there are changes to the letters, the templates in the CRA Electronic Library are updated when the library material is published, usually every two months. 

There are two versions of the letters: electronic and paper.

Use the electronic version to write to the taxpayer or their representative through Audit enquiries in the My Account, My Business Account (if a T2 audit), or Represent a Client portals. Otherwise, use the paper version.

There are differences between the electronic and paper versions of the letters. In the electronic version:

To identify the electronic version, the filenames include ED (electronic document) between the letter’s number and title; for example, A 12_1_3 ED Proposal – Disallow Farm Loss. There is no change to the paper version filenames.

Appendix 12.2.0 Forms, templates, and checklists

A-12.2.1 Sample request to issue Form T67AM, Notice of determination/redetermination of a loss

Loss determination or redetermination letter for the purposes of the ITA

To: REVENUE CONTROLS

From: Compliance Programs Branch, TSO

Attention: Assessment Control, TC

Re: Loss determination or redetermination

Please issue Form T67AM, Notice of determination/redetermination of a loss to:

Name of taxpayer:
Address:
City, Province
Postal Code
Taxpayer Number:

Period:

Non-capital loss:

Net capital loss:

Restricted farm loss:

Farm loss:

Name:
Assistant Director
Audit Division

A-12.2.2 Taxable benefits checklist

Purpose

To determine if the taxpayer accounts for taxable benefits according to legislation.

Procedures

Use these procedures as a guideline. Other benefits may become evident during the audit. Consult the Employer Compliance Audit Program when there is doubt about the tax status of a particular benefit. 

Taxpayer identification
Taxpayer:       
                                                                                     
Address:
  
BN/SIN:
  
General organizational information
Type of organization:     
                                                                                     
Names of shareholders:
  
Number of years in operation:
  
List major products or services. 
  
Where is the payroll prepared?
  
Who prepares the payroll?
  
Briefly describe how travel expenses are handled:
  
Review of specific benefits
Vehicle and vehicle allowance benefits
  Yes  
  No  
  WP   Ref  
 1.   Are vehicles available to shareholders and/or employees? If yes, describe how benefits are calculated.
      
2. Is a log of mileage kept? 
      
3. Was GST/HST remitted on any taxable benefits?
      
4. Is any other type of vehicle available to shareholders and/or employees (for example, boat or aircraft)?
      
5. Were any vehicle allowances paid to employees? Were the allowances paid based on mileage or flat rate by month/week/day?
      
6. Were any input tax credits (ITCs) claimed on reimbursements?
      
Parking provided by the employer
7. Did any employees receive parking space from the employer at no cost to the employee?
      
Interest-free, low-interest, and forgiven loans
8. Were any interest-free or low-interest loans made to employees or shareholders?
      
9. Were any loans forgiven on termination or retirement?
      
Stock purchase options
10. Does the employer offer any stock purchase or incentive plans? Detail if it applies. 
      
11. Were any stock options exercised or disposed of during the review period? Detail if it applies.
      
12. Is any benefit reported?
      
Incentives, holidays, or prizes
13. Are any incentives and/or awards available to employees or shareholders?
      
14. Does the taxpayer own any vacation properties? Detail if possible.
      
15. Does the taxpayer have a sports box?
      
16. Does the taxpayer give employees tickets to sporting and/or cultural events?
      
Gifts
17. Are any gifts claimed as an expense by the taxpayer? List any and all gifts that may be taxable, including the names of recipients.
      
18. Are employees given long service awards? Detail if it applies.
      
Relocation expenses
19. Were any relocation expenses paid to employees during the review period? List recipients if it applies.
      
20. Are expenses reimbursed based on vouchers?
      
21. Is there a flat unaccountable allowance?
      
Insurance plan premiums
22. Are any life insurance premiums paid by the taxpayer? Detail if it applies.
      
Wage loss replacement plan
23. Does the taxpayer have any wage loss replacement plan? Detail if it applies.
      
Rent-free or low-rent housing or board
24. Is any rent-free or low-rent housing or board available to employees?
      
25. Did the taxpayer pay any remote work site or northern allowances?
      
Retirement payments and allowances
26. Were any retirement payments or allowances made during the review period?
      
Termination payments
27. Were any termination payments made during the review period?
      
Employer contributions to registered retirement savings plans
28. Were any contributions made to registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) by the taxpayer during the review period?
      
Travel and meal allowances
29. Were any unaccountable travel allowances paid to employees?
      
30. Were any unaccountable meal allowances paid to employees?
      
Tuition fees, scholarships, and bursaries
31. Were any tuition fees reimbursed to employees or paid by the taxpayer for the employee?
      
32. Was Form T4A, Statement of pension, retirement, annuity, and other income, prepared for any payments?
      
Personal expenses
33. If it applies, get employer policies for:
      

Moving expenses

      

Commuting expenses

      

Patronage allocations

      

Signing bonuses

      

Personal expenses paid by the employer

      
Assets
34. Is there any audit evidence of asset purchases or incentives that may be for personal use? Detail if it applies.
      
Other services provided by the employer
35. Were any services such as limousine, club membership, or dues paid by the employer for the employee?
      
36. Does the employer provide or subsidize any recreational facilities?
      
37. How does the employer handle frequent flyer programs?
      
Decision
  Yes
 No
 WP
Ref
Is a referral to the Employer Compliance Audit Program warranted?
      
Signatures  
Auditor:                         
  Date:                  
   
Team Leader:  Date:
   
General information
Type of organization:     
                                                                                     
Names of shareholders:
  
Number of years in operation:
  
Major NAICS:
  
Description of products/services:
  
Were tax credits or refunds used?
   Yes  
  No  
  WP   Ref  
Were any material credits that offset the assessment noted (for example, maximize CCA, business-use-of-home expense, or other credits)?
      
Have credits been applied to the related reporting period to correctly calculate penalty and/or interest?
      
Have outstanding credits or refunds on the taxpayer's account been applied to reduce the amount payable (for example, GST/HST refund, income tax refund, or source deductions)?
      

A-12.2.3 Section 85 - Audit Checklist

Specific information
Election Date:                               
 Auditor's Name:                                 AIMS Case #
                          
Transferor Name:   Account Number:   AIMS File #
  
Transferee Name:   Account Number:    
Steps, references, and actions related to the use of Section 85
Step Reference Action Required Action Completed
 1.  Type of Election:
a) Form T2057
b) Form T2058
Ss 85(1)
Ss 85(2)
    
 2. 

Administration of Elections:
a) On-time?

If yes, continue to step 3.
If no, continue to step 2(b).

 IC 76-19R3, par 15-22

Ss 85(6)
    

b) Late-filed?
Has the penalty been paid?

If no, contact transferor for payment.
If yes, continue to step 3.

 Ss 85(7)



    

c) Later than late?
Who in your TSO has delegated authority?
Have they provided written reasons & are they just & equitable?
Has the penalty been paid?

If no, contact transferor for payment.
If yes, continue to step 3.

Complete a Recommendation Report.
Was election approved?

If yes, continue to step 3.
If no, review disposition under general rules of ITA.

Ss 85(7.1)






 

Subdiv c & Sec 69

    

d) Amended?
Who in your TSO has delegated authority?
Is the transaction statute barred?
Have they provided written reasons & are they just & equitable?
Has the penalty been paid?

If no, contact transferor for payment.
If yes, continue to step 3.

Complete a Recommendation Report.

Was the election approved?

If yes, continue on to step 3.
If no, review disposition under general rules of ITA.

 Ss 85(7.1)










Subdiv c & Sec 69
    
 3.  Basic Conditions:
a) Have the prescribed forms been signed and filed by all parties (for T2058, all partners must sign)?
      
b) Is the transferee a Taxable Canadian Corporation?
 Ss 89(1)
    
c) Does the consideration issued to transferor include at least 1 share?
 Ss 85(1),(2)
    

d) Was the share(s) issued on the date of the election?

(i) If no, is there is a written agreement between transferor & transferee that required the transferee to issue the required share(s) by that date? Request a copy. OR
(ii) Did the transferee immediately carry out the necessary legal steps to authorize the issuance of the required share(s)?

 Ss 85(1),(2)

IT 291

IT 291
    
e) Are the shares authorized (a special resolution) & issued
(shared register)? Request copies.
 IT 291
    

f) Is the transferor allowed to transfer the property? Refer to the 4 conditions below.

i) Transferor is a Canadian resident taxpayer - all eligible property per subsection 85(1.1) can be transferred.
ii) Transferor is a non-resident taxpayer - all eligible property in 85(1.1), except real property, can be transferred under 85(1).
iii) Transferor is a non-resident taxpayer - real property can only be transferred under subsection 85(1) if 85(1.1)(h) and 85(1.2) are met.
iv) Transferor is a taxable Canadian partnership, only property in ss 85(2) can be transferred.

      
4. Valuation / Appraisal required?
a) Should the FMV of property transferred be referred?		 Local policy
 		    
b) Should the FMV of non-share consideration (other than money or debt) be referred?
      
c) Should the FMV of share consideration be referred (there are unusual terms and conditions)?
      
d) Should the ACB of property transferred be referred (has the property been owned since V-day or was it acquired non-arms length)?
      
5. Determine the AA & POD of property transferred by applying the following:
a) General Test: The FMV of the property transferred & FMV of the NSC (remember that debts securities are allocated to specific assets) 		 Par 85(1)(b),(c)

IT 291, par. 17
    
b) Specific Tests: Based on the type of property transferred.
 Subpar 85(1)(c.1),(d),(e)
    
c) Tiebreaker: The greater of the General Test & Specific Test limits.
 Par 85(1)(e.3)
    
d) Gifting: Increases the AA, except for paragraphs 85(1)(g) & (h).
 Par 85(1)(e.2)
    
6. Rules/reminders for transferring specific properties
a) Ensure that inventory is not real property.
Par. 85(1.1)(f)
    
b) Ensure a section 22 election was not previously filed for Accounts Receivables.
 Sec 22 & IT 188
    

c) Ensure that 'ineligible' properties were not included in the rollover/election. 

If yes, ignore for sec 85 and if it was disposed of, determine the capital gain.
Also, the shares received by the transferor may have to be revalued if ineligible property is not allowed in the rollover (remember the rollover must balance).

Ss. 85(1.1)

 

Subdiv c & Sec 69

    
d) Ensure that 'intangible' properties (e.g.: goodwill) have been included in the election in situations where the transferor is transferring all or substantially all of his business assets 
 Sec 54.2
    

e) Where depreciable properties are being transferred, determine if all the properties in a class are being transferred.

If the taxpayer retained some of the properties in a class, has a terminal loss been claimed for that class?

 Ss 13(21.2)
    

f) When depreciable property is transferred, consider:

(i) the order of assets transferred
(ii) stop loss rules [Ss 14(2), 40(3.4), 40(3.5), 13(21.2)] if affiliated
(iii) the half year rule
(iv) prorating the CCA claim
(v) if it is in the proper class [Reg 1102(14) if transfer was non-arm’s length]
(vi) passenger vehicle restrictions
(vii) deemed capital cost & CCA preservation rules
Par. 85(1)(e.1)
Ss 13(21.2) & Par 13(7)(e)
Reg 1100(2)
Reg 1100(3)
Reg 1100(2)(14)
Par 85(1)(e.4)
Ss 85(5),(5.1)
    
g) Is the PUC [Par 89(1)(c)] of the shares transferred greater than the final AA minus the FMV of the NSC?
 Ss 85(2.1)
    
h) If eligible capital property is transferred, consider subsections 14(3) & (12).
 Ss 14(3),14(12)
    

i) Is there a PAC in the conditions of share consideration?

If yes, consult with a technical advisor on legal effectiveness.

 IT 169
    
7. Rules/Reminders for all Elections:
      
a) Has there been a change in control?
 Sec 256
    
b) Can the transfer be regarded as a dividend strip?
 Ss 55(2)
    
c) Can the transfer be regarded as an avoidance transaction?
 Ss 245(2) & 55(2)
    

d) Is the property transferred to a non-affiliated person?

Is the AA < FMV?

Has the non-affiliated person disposed of the property, or made arrangements to dispose of the property, within 3 years from the date of the rollover?

Did the non-affiliated person benefit from this series of transactions by being able to utilize losses, capital gains deduction or any other outlay or deduction to reduce taxable income or tax payable?

If yes to the above, consider the application of subsection 69(11) and consult with local Tax Avoidance section.

Sec 251.1

 

Sec 110.6

    
e) Consider thin capitalization rules if the transferor is a non-resident and debt is issued as consideration.
 Ss 18(4)
    
f) Consider section 116 (issuance of a certificate of compliance) if the transferor is a non-resident. Discuss with International Audit. Sec 116
    
   8.    GST/HST Issues or Considerations:
      
a) Is the transferor registered for GST/HST purposes?      
b) Is the transferee registered for GST/HST purposes?
      
c) Is a business, as defined in the ETA, being transferred by this rollover?
 ETA, Sec 123
    

d) Has a section 167 election been made? This election is not allowable if: 

i) the property is not used 90% or more in a commercial activity of the transferee?

ii) less tan 90% (all or substantially all) of the assets of the
transferor's business were not rolled over to the transferee?

iii) the transferor is a registrant and the transferee is not.

iv) the transferee is not a registrant and the asset to be transferee is real property. GST/HST will apply to the supply of the real property. 

(v) the assets are not supplied (transferred) from:

      (A) a business or part of a business which was established           and carried on by the transferor, or
      (B) a business that was established and carried on by                     someone else and then acquired by a transferor.

(vi) the asset transferred is a supply of a property by way of lease, licence or similar arrangement

ETA, Sec 167

 

 

 

 

 

ETA, Ss 167(1.1)

 

 

 

 

 

ETA, Ss 167(1.1)

    
e) If no section 167 election is made - is this a non-arm's length transaction? Did the transferor charge GST/HST on the FMV of the property?
 ETA, Sec 165
    

f) A GST/HST assessment should be raised if:

     (i) A transferee claimed an ITC on the property rolled over and a        section 167 election was made for the same property.

     (ii) The transferor did not remit the GST/HST on the transfer of            the property and no election was made.

      
g) Consult a Technical Advisor or Team Leader if you are unsure if there are GST/HST issues or if you have questions with regard to the transfer.
      

Appendix 12.3.0 For future use

Appendix 12.4.0 T2 CORTAX

T2 Corporation Tax Processing System (CORTAX) applies only to income tax.

A-12.4.1 Introduction

This topic is an overview of CORTAX and gives users information sources to enhance the content and use of CORTAX.

A-12.4.2 CORTAX definition

CORTAX is a processing system that assesses taxes, penalties payable, and refundable tax credits for corporate income tax returns. CORTAX replaces the Corpac Departmental Contact System (CORPAC) and gives online access to all data for T2 assessments.

A-12.4.3 T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu

The options on the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu include information the taxpayer gave on TYE 1993 and later income tax returns, as well as on TYE 1993 and earlier year returns processed by CORTAX.

A-12.4.4 Notes to financial statements not accessible online for paper filers

The CRA requires that notes to financial statements be sent to the General Index of Financial Information for Corporations (GIFI). Notes to financial statements sent electronically with the return are available on CORTAX consultation screens.

Given the high cost of transcribing paper return notes sent by taxpayers, these notes are not available on CORTAX consultation screens.

If needed, ask for the notes through the TC using the online document loading system. These notes are included in the documents received when a return is requested.

A-12.4.5 Access the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu

Use the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu screens to view information in the CORTAX database.

A quick procedure is attached to help Option RR.6 users to view and navigate the screens.

A series of selections must be made on several screens before the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu screen is displayed.

To access the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu, follow these instructions:

Single Logon Panel Screen or TPX Menu

The TPX menu is displayed when the session opening procedure is completed on the Single Logon Panel (SLP) screen. This screen gives access to all internal systems, and is used to select any viewing or work subsystem.

From the SLP screen or the TPX menu, select CORTAX, by keying:

and press ENTER.

S CORTX CORTAX System Command ==> CORTX

SA / T2 Main Menu

The next screen displayed is the SA / T2 Main Menu.

To view the menu in French, press PF5.

From this screen, select the T2 CORTAX Menu, by keying:

and press ENTER.

S 4. + T2MEN T2 CORTAX Menu

Command ==> 4 or T2MEN

T2 CORTAX Menu

You have now accessed the T2 CORTAX Menu. From this screen, select the Enquiry Menu option, by keying:

and press >ENTER.

S 1. + T2DEM Enquiry Menu

Command ==> 1 or T2DEM

Enquiry Menu

You now have access to the Enquiry Menu, which gives access to options, including:

S 1. RSD Return and Schedule Display

_ 2. TYE Taxation Year-end Table

_ 3. BAL Balance Verification

_ 4. HIST History of Line Changes

_ 5. EDI Electronic Data Interchange

_ 6. AGRE Agreements Filed Independently

_ 7. MISC Miscellaneous Information

_ 8. HYPOCAL Hypothetical Calculations

Make a selection.

Command ==> 1 or RSD

When you select one of these options, it displays the taxpayer's T2 corporation income tax return information.

Before viewing specific information, fill in:

For the TYE field, use the YYYY-MM-DD format. A list of choices is available, as shown by the + symbol. To access the list, place the cursor on the input field or on the + symbol, and press F4.

After confirming that the BN, taxpayer's name, TYE, and the version on the screen are correct, press ENTER. A list of all the schedules for this version is displayed on the screen.

Navigate through the T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu screens and information on each page. Since these screens are used only to get information, no action can be taken on them.

A-12.4.6 CORTAX, related systems, and profiles

T2 CORTAX Enquiry Menu

Standardized Accounting (SA) System

Business Client Communication System (BCCS)

Business Number (BN) System

T2 CASE Management System for CORTAX

T2 CORTAX

Office Workload Organization System (ORG)

Profiles:

Note 1: Users such as SR&ED auditors, Science Officers and Audit Division CORTAX coordinators who, in carrying out their duties, need to view corporate assessing data.

Note 2: The names of the Audit Divisions CORTAX coordinators and the SR&ED CORTAX coordinators are entered into ORG by HQ. ORG interacts with the T2 CASE Management System for CORTAX to manage the assignment of employee tasks. Do not assign this profile to an auditor unless they are also a CORTAX coordinator.

A-12.4.7 Glossary of terms

For the glossary for the T2 Assessing Case Management System (CMS), used to manage the work in progress in the T2 assessing workflow, go to T2 Assessing Case Management System (CMS).

A-12.4.8 CORTAX information sources on InfoZone

For information on CORTAX, all Audit Division employees using CORTAX, including CORTAX coordinators, may go to learning product TD4403-000, CORTAX.

The learning product shows how to:

Learning product TD4403, CORTAX, includes these topics:

A-12.4.9 Coordinators

For more information, consult the CORTAX coordinator, the GIFI coordinator, and the EFILE coordinator in your TSO.

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