The Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) is a provincial tax in Ontario that targets foreign homebuyers. It was first introduced in 2017 at 15% for properties in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region and has since expanded to a 25% tax province-wide on applicable residential real estate transactions. This guide provides an up-to-date explainer on Ontario’s NRST as of 2025 – including the current 25% rate, who exactly has to pay it, recent rule changes (like the March…
Many Canadian taxpayers notice the name Bob Hamilton – the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency – prominently displayed on their CRA Notice of Assessment or Reassessment. It’s not uncommon for a frustrated taxpayer to consider writing a letter to the Commissioner personally, thinking that addressing their tax dispute to the head of the CRA will lead to a quick resolution. In reality, writing to Bob Hamilton directly is typically a misstep. This article explain…
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) imposes significant fines – known as promoter penalties (formally known as third-party civil penalties) – on tax shelter promoters and advisors. These penalties target individuals who make false or misleading statements in tax schemes or who assist others in filing improper tax returns. Any person involved in developing or marketing a tax shelter can face steep penalties for false statements or misuse of the tax shelter identificatio…
Multinational companies operating in Canada must navigate complex transfer pricing rules to satisfy the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These rules follow the OECD’s arm’s length principle, meaning transactions between related entities must be priced as if the parties were unrelated. Non-compliance can trigger costly audits, adjustments, and penalties. This article summarizes the CRA’s expectations around intercompany pricing under Canadian federal law. At Taxpayer La…