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Cross-Border Tax Shake-Up: What It Means for Canadian Investors

A proposed Republican tax change in the United States could significantly impact Canadians who hold U.S.-listed securities. This measure, introduced as a response to what the U.S. perceives as "discriminatory taxes" by foreign nations, including Canada's digital services tax, aims to increase the tax burden on foreign investors. If passed, Canadian investors may face a sudden spike in the taxes owed on their U.S. investments, potentially altering the financial landscape for cross-border portfolios.  This development underscores the interconnected nature of global financial policies and the importance of staying informed about international tax changes. For Canadian investors, it might be time to reassess strategies and consult financial advisors to navigate these potential shifts.

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Richmond Man Fined $2M for Tax Evasion After Flipping 14 Homes

 

A serial property flipper in British Columbia, Balkar Bhullar, has been fined over $2 million for tax evasion. Bhullar, who flipped 14 homes between 2011 and 2014, failed to report nearly $7.5 million in earnings. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that Bhullar was given a conditional sentence of two years less a day on December 19, 2024, and fined $2.15 million, matching the amount of unpaid federal income tax.

Bhullar pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on August 3, 2023, relating to undeclared income from assignment fees on the properties. The CRA has been making significant progress in uncovering and addressing tax cheating in the real estate sector. 

In response to such cases, a new home-flipping tax will come into effect in B.C. on January 1, 2025, with a tax of up to 20% applying to homeowners who sell properties within two years of buying. The revenue collected from this tax will go toward housing programs.

B.C.'s Finance Minister Brenda Bailey stated that measures like the home-flipping tax aim to ensure more affordable homes for buyers and renters and discourage speculative investors from buying houses for a quick profit.

The B.C. Real Estate Association has criticized the tax, arguing that it may cause sellers to delay listing their homes, lowering resale housing supply and tightening market conditions.




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