Selling Property Or Filing Taxes In Canada As A Non-Resident?

Can-Am CPA Professional Corporation has helped non-resident sellers and cross-border filers recover withholding tax and stay compliant with the CRA since 1975.

  • Serving clients since 1975
  • Toronto-based CPA firm
  • Quality service, competitive price
1975Firm Founded
25%Standard CRA Withholding
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Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

  • “And a new business owner, having just completed my doctoral training, Vijay made filing seamless. He was incredibly knowledgeable and acted as a source of clear information (which was important given the variety of tuition, employment and self-employment ventures I had taken on over the years). I would highly recommend Can-Am CPA Professional Corporation for filing your taxes!”

    -Melissa Paniccia

The Basics

What Is Non-Resident Withholding Tax?

Non-resident withholding tax

When a non-resident of Canada sells Canadian real estate, the Income Tax Act requires a portion of the sale price to be withheld and remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency under what’s commonly called the Section 116 rules. Without the right paperwork filed in advance, a buyer’s lawyer may need to hold back 25% (or more) of the gross sale price until the CRA issues clearance. Our team prepares the Section 116 filing, applies for the Certificate of Compliance, and works to reduce that holdback to the actual tax owed rather than the full withholding amount.

The Process

How The Process Works

Four steps from first review to refund.

  • STEP 01

    We review your property sale or filing situation and confirm your non-resident status.

  • STEP 02

    We prepare and file the Section 116 request with the CRA before or shortly after closing.

  • STEP 03

    We prepare and file the Section 116 request with the CRA before or shortly after closing.

  • STEP 04

    We file your Canadian non-resident tax return (Section 216/217 as applicable) to close out the file and claim any refund owed.

Who We Help

Common Situations We Handle

  • Selling a Canadian property while living in the US or elsewhere abroad

  • Canadian rental income being reported from outside Canada

  • Cross-border tax filing for US citizens or residents with Canadian income or property

  • Withholding tax recovery after a property sale has already closed

  • CRA correspondence or compliance questions for non-residents

How We Work With You

For Sellers, And For The Lawyers Representing Them

If you're the seller

If You’re the Seller

We handle your Section 116 application, communicate directly with your real estate lawyer, and file your non-resident return to recover any excess withholding.

Why Can-Am

Why work with Can-Am

  • Serving clients since 1975

  • Quality service, competitive price

  • Direct experience with CRA Section 116 filings and non-resident returns

  • Open, friendly, and responsive; no junior staff hand-offs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much of my sale proceeds will be withheld?

  • How long does the CRA take to process a Section 116 application?

  • I already sold my property and the full amount was withheld. Can I still get money back?

  • Do I need to be physically in Canada to work with you?

  • Is this only for property sales?

Talk to a CPA About Your Situation

Get In Touch

Book your free consultation

Tell us a little about your accounting or tax needs, and one of our CPAs will follow up within one business day.

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Can-Am CPA Professional Corporation is a licensed CPA firm operating in Ontario, Canada. This page provides general information only and is not tax advice; every non-resident tax situation is different, and we recommend a consultation before making filing or withholding decisions.