Canadian tax residency
We review the move timeline, destination, homes and family ties, along with relevant treaty considerations. Spending time abroad alone does not settle whether Canadian tax residency has ended.
RESIDENCY REVIEW · DEPARTURE TAX · T1161 / T1243 / T1244
Leaving Canada—Departure Tax Consultation
Planning a move abroad or reviewing a departure that has already happened? We help you understand Canadian tax residency, potential departure tax and the filings your circumstances require.
Discuss your departure plansKnow what your move means before filing.
We bring the residency review, asset information and departure return together. Your engagement can include consultation, return preparation and follow-up work, with the scope agreed in advance.
HOW WE CAN HELP
A departure review built around your situation.
Departure tax and asset records
We review the assets you hold, potential deemed dispositions, cost information and departure-date values. We identify where further valuation work or specialist input may be needed.
Departure returns and forms
We prepare departure-year returns and applicable T1161 and T1243 reporting. We can also review a T1244 election to defer departure tax payment and the associated requirements.
Canadian income after departure
We discuss the Canadian income and assets you expect to retain and identify ongoing filing or withholding work. If you will rent out a home, we can coordinate the rental tax engagement.
We confirm the scope, required documents and fee before work begins.
What departure tax means.
When you cease to be a Canadian tax resident, certain property is treated as sold and reacquired at fair market value even without an actual sale. This can create a capital gain or loss. Exceptions include Canadian real estate and many registered plans; each asset needs to be classified.
T1161 lists reportable property when its filing conditions are met. T1243 calculates deemed-disposition gains or losses. T1244 is an election to defer payment of departure tax. It is due by April 30 of the year after departure, and security may be required. These forms serve different purposes; not every departure requires all three.
We review which forms apply and the records needed before preparation. A deferral changes payment timing, not whether the underlying tax exists.
Prepare for your departure consultation.
Bring your expected departure date, destination, citizenship or immigration details, family and housing plans, recent returns, and an asset list with costs and estimated values. Include private-company shares, investments, property and registered accounts.
For example, an owner moving abroad while retaining Canadian company shares and a rental home needs separate reviews of the shares, the property and future income. One result cannot simply be applied to every asset.
If you already left Canada, tell us the departure year, what was reported and whether the CRA has contacted you. We can review the earlier filings and scope any corrective work.
Questions before you get started.
Does leaving Canada automatically make me a non-resident?
No. Residency depends on the relevant facts, including residential ties and any applicable treaty. We review the circumstances around the move rather than relying only on travel dates.
Do I have to sell my investments before I move?
Not necessarily. A departure review considers potential tax and reporting even when you keep the assets. We discuss planned transactions before recommending tax steps.
Can departure tax payment be deferred?
An election may be available. We review timing, security and the property involved before advising whether it fits your circumstances.
What if I keep my Canadian home and rent it out?
We can review the departure and rental issues together. See our Renting out your home after leaving Canada guide for the questions to address.
Can you help with a move to the United States?
Yes. We can coordinate the Canadian departure review with a review of U.S. filing needs. Any treaty or cost-basis analysis is scoped for your particular assets and status.
Official guidance
CRA residency guidance · CRA departure tax and forms
This page provides general information. Your filing requirements and tax treatment depend on your circumstances and the rules for the relevant year.
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CUC Cross Border CPA
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Based in Vancouver BCServing all of Canada and the United States
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