Personal Tax Planning

Housing Speculation Tax Challenged in B.C.

We’ve regularly blogged about tax issues arising out of real estate transactions, including taxes being levied against foreign buyers in an increasing number of cities across Canada. We’ve also blogged about taxpayers fighting back against such levies. Now, a group of other taxpayers have launched a legal action against B.C’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax a move which appears to be the only major lawsuit to reach trial. Speculation and Vacancy… Read More

Personal Tax Planning

Nova Scotia Becoming Hot Market for International Home Buyers

We’ve previously blogged about non-resident home buyers and the impact that they have had on housing markets in some of Canada’s largest cities, including Toronto and Vancouver. We’ve also explored the various measures these jurisdictions have taken to address what many see as an increasing problem in an already overheated market. The ongoing and “intense discussion” around real estate has prompted the Canadian Housing Statistics Program… Read More

Personal Tax Planning

Foreign Buyer Challenging $249,000 Vacancy Tax Levied by City of Vancouver

A homeowner in Vancouver has sued the city after being subject to a $249,000 vacancy tax on a property on which she does not reside. The matter has reinvigorated debate and discussion about the impact of foreign buyers and vacant properties on a continually overpriced and hot housing market in Vancouver and other large centers across Canada. The Home at Issue The property at issue, a home located at 4749 Belmont Avenue, was sold for… Read More

Tax Disputes & Litigation

Mark Feigenbaum Files Appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in High-Stakes Cross-Border Tax Issue

Our offices have recently filed a Writ of Certiorari, a request to appeal to the United States Supreme Court, asking that court to review lower court level decisions made with respect to a client who had significant IRS penalties levied against him. What Happened? Our client, an American who has lived in Canada since the 1970’s, had not filed any income tax statements in the U.S. since his relocation north of the border. The man… Read More

Litigation

Ontario Man Accused of Tax Fraud After Alleged Child Tax Credit Scheme

An Ontario man is facing allegations of tax fraud after allegedly claiming more than $60,000 in child tax credits for more than forty fictitious children. What Happened? The 39-year old man is facing four charges under the Income Tax Act. According to the Canada Revenue Agency, the man unlawfully claimed child tax benefits by “making, participating in, assenting to, or acquiescing in the making of a false or deceptive statement” to obtain Canada Child… Read More