Income Tax Severed Letters - 2010-12-03

Ministerial Correspondence

Unedited CRA Tags: 
54; 40(2)

Principal Issues: What are the tax implications when a taxpayer disposes of a duplex at a loss?

Position: Question of fact. Depends, amongst other things, on whether the duplex - or one of its units - constitutes the principal residence of the taxpayer.

Reasons: A principal residence is a personal use property. The ITA does not recognize, for tax purposes, losses that arise from the disposition of PUP.

Technical Interpretation - External

Unedited CRA Tags: 
14(5); 18(1)(a); 18(1)(b); 20(1)(b); 54.

Principal Issues: Whether the acquisition of farm quota under the particular fact situation qualifies as a deductible business expense pursuant to paragraph 18(1)(a) of the Act.

Position: No.

Reasons: In the fact situation provided, the acquisition of the farm quota with an unlimited life is an eligible capital expenditure and is not deductible in the current period pursuant to paragraph 18(1)(b) of the Act. Instead, 75% of the expenditure is added to the cumulative eligible capital account and the taxpayer may claim, on a declining-balance basis, up to 7% of the balance of the account at the end of its taxation year as a deduction under paragraph 20(1)(b) of the Act.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
13(21); 20(1)a); 44h) de la Loi de l'interprétation;

25 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0377841E5 F - Catégorie d'amortissement - bateau -- attach -- Paragraph 7(c)

“vessel” includes a moored boat without a motor

The engine of a boat has been removed (so that to be moved, it would need to be towed) and it is kept moored at a dock for use in an (unspecified)...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Statutory Interpretation - Interpretation Act - Section 44 - Paragraph 44(h) “vessel” informed by meaning in replacement Canada Shipping Act 166
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 13 - Subsection 13(21) - Vessel "vessel" now defined in (replacement) Canada Shipping Act, 2001 55

25 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0377841E5 F - Catégorie d'amortissement - bateau -- attach -- Paragraph 44(h)

“vessel” informed by meaning in replacement Canada Shipping Act

In determining that a boat that lacked means of propulsion qualified as a “vessel” per Class 7(c), CRA stated:

Subsection 13(21) defines a...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Regulations - Schedules - Schedule II - Class 7 - Paragraph 7(c) “vessel” includes a moored boat without a motor 133
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 13 - Subsection 13(21) - Vessel "vessel" now defined in (replacement) Canada Shipping Act, 2001 55

25 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0377841E5 F - Catégorie d'amortissement - bateau -- attach -- Vessel

"vessel" now defined in (replacement) Canada Shipping Act, 2001

In determining that a boat that lacked means of propulsion qualified as a “vessel” per Class 7(c), CRA found that, in light of s. 44(h)) of...

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Words and Phrases:

Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Regulations - Schedules - Schedule II - Class 7 - Paragraph 7(c) “vessel” includes a moored boat without a motor 133
Tax Topics - Statutory Interpretation - Interpretation Act - Section 44 - Paragraph 44(h) “vessel” informed by meaning in replacement Canada Shipping Act 166

Principales Questions: Dans une situation particulière, dans quelle catégorie d'amortissement pour les fins de la déduction prévue à l'alinéa 20(1)a) serait compris un bateau qui aurait été converti en vue d'exploiter une entreprise de XXXXXXXXXX ?

Position Adoptée: Catégorie 7

Raisons: Dans la présente situation, le bateau serait visé par la définition de navire à 13(21).

Unedited CRA Tags: 
18(1)(b), 20(1)(a), Schedule II of the Regulations

Respecting whether expenditures made by a taxpayer to develop a web page on the Internet would be a capital or current expense, CRA stated (per...

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24 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0380521E5 - Web page costs -- attach -- Class 12

CRA indicated that the costs of application software purchased from third parties to develop a web page, and the labour costs of development,...

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Principal Issues: Whether expenditures made by a taxpayer to develop a "web page" on the Internet would be a capital or current expense.

Position: Where the "web page" will only have a relatively short useful life the related costs should be treated as a current expense. However, if the "web page" is expected to have a long useful life then the costs should be treated as a capital expense.

Reasons: Guidelines explained in the Interpretation Bulletin IT-128R, entitled Capital Cost Allowance - depreciable property at paragraph 4.

Principal Issues: Whether an indoor golf simulator that cost approximately $50,000 would qualify as a class 52 asset.

Position: This property is a mixture of class 8, 12, and 52 assets.

Reasons: The golf simulator computer which is used principally as electronic process control or monitor equipment would be excluded from class 52 and thus be a class 8 asset along with other components like the cameras, projectors and enclosure/structure. The high definition golf software package is considered to be applications software and is thus a class 12 asset. The optional golf center management system that utilizes a Dell Precision T3500, 19 inch monitor and management software should be treated as a class 52 asset for the computer and systems software with the management software being applications software and a class 12 asset.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
110.6(1)

22 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0374861E5 F - Actions - société agricole familiale -- attach -- Paragraph (b)

test in para. (b) is applied re the use of the property throughout the period of the taxpayer’s ownership

An individual (Mr. Y) acquired the shares of Farmco (a CCPC whose only property, being farmland and farm equipment, had been used principally in...

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Principales Questions: Est-ce que les actions vendues par Monsieur Y se qualifient à titre d'"actions du capital-actions d'une société agricole familiale" telle que définie au paragraphe 110.6(1) si Monsieur Y n'utilise plus les biens dans le cadre de l'exploitation d'une entreprise agricole au moment de la vente.

Position Adoptée: Pour établir si un bien a été " principalement " utilisé dans le cadre d'une entreprise agricole au Canada, on doit considérer l'usage du bien tout au long de la période où le contribuable en est propriétaire.

Raisons: Libellé de la définition d'actions du capital-actions d'une société agricole familiale tel que prévu à 110.6(1).

Unedited CRA Tags: 
55(2), 55(3)(a), 55(3.01)(a)(i), 55(4), 55(5)(e)(i), 251(2), 251(3)

9 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0380661E5 F - Internal Reorganization -- attach -- Subparagraph 55(3)(a)(ii)

two siblingcos, although not related to each other, were related to dividend recipient on spin-off transaction

Son Inc. and Daughter Inc. (wholly-owned by Son and Daughter) and Father Inc. (owned by Father, Son and Daughter and a family trust with them as...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 55 - Subsection 55(4) potential application of s. 55(4) where increase of interest of siblings companies is sheltered by control of Father – unless he held his shares to protect his “economic interests” 371

9 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0380661E5 F - Internal Reorganization -- attach -- Subsection 55(4)

potential application of s. 55(4) where increase of interest of siblings companies is sheltered by control of Father – unless he held his shares to protect his “economic interests”

Son Inc. and Daughter Inc. (wholly-owned by Son and Daughter) and Father Inc. (owned by Father, Son and Daughter and a family trust with them as...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 55 - Subsection 55(3) - Paragraph 55(3)(a) - Subparagraph 55(3)(a)(ii) two siblingcos, although not related to each other, were related to dividend recipient on spin-off transaction 278

Principales Questions: Whether paragraph 55(3)(a) of the Act would apply to the hypothetical situation described in the letter to exclude from the application of subsection 55(2) of the Act the deemed dividends resulting from the cross redemption of shares between two corporations as a result of an internal asset spin-off.

Position Adoptée: General comments provided.

Raisons: Although none of the situations described in subparagraphs 55(3)(a)(i) to (v) seems to occur, the question of determining whether subsection 55(4) is applicable in the particular situation is a question of fact.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
Regulations 1100(1)(a.2) and 101(5b.1)

Principal Issues: Can the election be made by a partnership? If so, how is it made?

Position: Yes and see response.

Reasons: The law.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
122.7

9 November 2010 External T.I. 2010-0357091E5 F - Prestation fiscale pour le revenu de travail -- attach -- Eligibile Dependant

qualification as an eligible dependant

Two separated spouses share custody of their child, with neither paying support, and neither having remarried. Of whom is the child an eligible...

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Principales Questions: (1) De qui un enfant d'un particulier et de son ex-conjointe sera-t-il la personne à charge admissible aux fins de la prestation fiscale pour le revenu de travail?
(2) Comment expliquer la variation au niveau des montants versés au titre de la PFRT au Québec, selon la situation familiale du particulier demander cette prestation?

Position Adoptée: (1) Question de fait.
(2) Le montant auquel un particulier a droit au Québec sera fonction, notamment, du montant que le particulier aura droit au titre de la Prime au travail, prévue par la Loi sur les impôts.

Raisons: (1) Une personne à charge admissible d'un particulier est un enfant du particulier qui, à la fin de l'année, à la fois:
(a) réside avec le particulier;
(b) est âgé de moins de 19 ans;
(c) n'est pas un particulier admissible.
(2) Pour plus de détails, voir la publication RC4227 de l'ARC.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
70(9), (9.01), 110.6(1), (1.3), (2) and 69(11)

Principal Issues: Income tax consequences on the transfer of land on death of a parent to a child that was at one time used in a farming business by that individual's parent but is now being rented to an arm's length farmer and a possible sale by that child of such land.

Position: While a question of fact but it is possible that property may qualify for the rollover to the child under the rules in 70(9) and/or qualify as QFP for the purposes of the capital gains exemption in subsection 110.6(2) to the deceased individual and that individual's child. The requirements of these provisions are generally discussed.

Reasons: The law.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
89(1), 89(11), 125(7), 249(3.1), 249(4), 256(9).

20 October 2010 External T.I. 2010-0377251E5 F - Canadian Controlled Private Corporation -- attach -- Subsection 89(11)

s. 89(11) election required to be made before target elected to cease to be a public corp so as to oust s. 249(3.1)

On May 15, 20-A, Corporation A, a Canadian-controlled private corporation (a "CCPC"), acquired all the shares of Corporation B, a public...

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Principales Questions: On May 15, 20-A, Company A, a CCPC, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of Company B, a public corporation, causing an acquisition of control of the latter. Consequently, Company B had a deemed year-end on May 14, 20-A by virtue of subsections 256(9) and 249(4) (no election under subsection 256(9) was done). Company B decided to establish the end of its fiscal period on May 14 of each year. On June 1, 20-A, Company B elected not to be a public corporation under subparagraph (c)(i) of the definition of "Public Corporation" in subsection 89(1). Company B became a CCPC and had a deemed year-end on May 31, 20-A by virtue of subsection 249(3.1). Company B elected not to be a CPCC by virtue of subsection 89(11) by filing the prescribed form on November 14, 20-B. Whether, in the particular situation, Company B would have a deemed year-end on May 31, 20-A by virtue of subsection 249(3.1).

Position Adoptée: Yes.

Raisons: Since Company B elected not to be a public corporation under subparagraph (c)(i) of the definition of "Public Corporation" in subsection 89(1) as of June 1, 20-A, Company B became a CCPC on June 1, 20-A. Thus, by virtue of subsection 249(3.1), Company B's taxation year would be deemed to end immediately before June 1, 20-A, i.e. on May 31, 20-A, notwithstanding the subsection 89(11) election filed by Corporation B on November 14, 20-B. In order to avoid a May 31, 20-A year-end, Company B had to file the election not to be a CCPC under subsection 89(11) on or before the filing deadline of this particular year which would be November 30, 20-A. Moreover, a subsection 89(11) election cannot be late-filed under subsection 220(3.2) since that election is not prescribed for the purpose of section 600 of the Income Tax Regulations.

Technical Interpretation - Internal

Unedited CRA Tags: 
230(1) LIR

Principal Issues: Whether loss claimed by a corporation can be disallowed on the basis that there is no satisfactory evidence to support them.

Position: The corporate taxpayer must be able to support and prove the deductions claimed. If, after the CRA has informed the taxpayer of its concerns resulting from the lack of supporting documents, the said taxpayer still does not have sufficient and satisfactory proof of the loss claimed by it, it would be reasonable for the CRA to disallow the deduction of such loss. Of course, the taxpayer would have the right to object to an assessment or a loss determination issued in such a context.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
8(1)(n)

Principal Issues: Is an annual bonus and relocation payment (previously included in employment income) repaid to the employer when the employee terminates his employment contract early, deductible under paragraph 8(1)(n) of the Act?

Position: Yes

Reasons: The word "period" in paragraph 8(1)(n) of the Act refers to the critical day or days under a contract that the employer must have worked to retain a bonus. Where the employee is required to repay the entire bonus if he did not work the very last day of the contract, then that day is the critical "period throughout which" he did not perform the duties of the office or employment which gives rise to the repayment.

Unedited CRA Tags: 
70(6);40(4); 54

30 September 2010 Internal T.I. 2010-0373901I7 F - Bigamie fiscale - transfert de biens au décès -- attach -- Paragraph 70(6)(a)

s. 70(6)(a) could apply simultaneously to the devise of House A to surviving spouse and of House B to surviving common-law partner

The taxpayer lived with his spouse in Immovables A, but thereafter commenced to live separate and apart from her, but did not divorce from her,...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 40 - Subsection 40(4) - Paragraph 40(4)(b) - Subparagraph 40(4)(b)(i) application of s. 40(4)(b)(i) by both surviving spouse re House A and surviving common-law partner re House B – but not for overlapping years 244

30 September 2010 Internal T.I. 2010-0373901I7 F - Bigamie fiscale - transfert de biens au décès -- attach -- Subparagraph 40(4)(b)(i)

application of s. 40(4)(b)(i) by both surviving spouse re House A and surviving common-law partner re House B – but not for overlapping years

The taxpayer lived with his spouse in Immovables A, but thereafter commenced to live separate and apart from her, but did not divorce from her,...

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Locations of other summaries Wordcount
Tax Topics - Income Tax Act - Section 70 - Subsection 70(6) - Paragraph 70(6)(a) s. 70(6)(a) could apply simultaneously to the devise of House A to surviving spouse and of House B to surviving common-law partner 103

Principales Questions: 1) L'alinéa 70(6)a) s'applique-t-il aux dispositions réputées des immeubles A et B survenues suite au décès d'un contribuable dont l'immeuble A a été légué à son épouse et l'immeuble B a été légué à sa conjointe de fait? 2) Lors de la vente ultérieure des immeubles A et B par l'épouse et la conjointe de fait, ces dernières pourront-elles désigner leur propriété comme étant leur résidence principale en présumant qu'elles auront, de façon respective, normalement habité leur immeuble tout au long de la période où le contribuable en a été le propriétaire et ultérieurement jusqu'au moment de la vente?

Position Adoptée: 1) Oui, les dispositions de l'alinéa 70(6)a) s'appliquent bien par bien. 2) Commentaires généraux concernant l'application du paragraphe 40(4)

Raisons: Application de la Loi.