Prior to the summer of 2015, CRA often accepted copies of the U.S. tax
returns, as support to claim a U.S. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). The “Federal
Account Transcript” was selected as alternative evidence the return provided
to CRA was filed and assessed as filed.
Some practitioners report that obtaining “transcripts” from the Federal
Government, and State Governments in particular, can be onerous, often
requiring a request from the client rather than a representative.
Form T2209 Federal Foreign Tax Credits sets out the documents required to
support foreign tax credit claims, including federal, state and municipal tax
returns with all associated schedules and forms, a copy of the federal account
transcript and an account statement or similar document from state and/or
municipal tax authorities.
CRA recently changed its requirements, to accept proof of payments made or
refunds received in lieu of a notice of assessment, transcript, statement or
other document from the applicable foreign tax authority (FTA), provided all
of the following information is clearly indicated:
- that the payment was made to or received from the FTA;
- the amount of the payment or refund;
- the tax year to which the payment or refund relates; and
- the date of payment of receipt.
Action Item: Request these documents before a CRA pre- or post-
assessing review letter is received to expedite the FTC Claim.