Things to know
- Thin-capitalization rules restrict the ability of Canadian corporations and trusts to deduct interest expense on debt owing to certain related non-residents. The thin-capitalization rules also apply to Canadian branches of foreign corporations.
- Generally, thin-capitalization restrictions apply if the non-resident owns 25% or more of the shares of the debtor corporation (by vote or value) or 25% or more of the interests in the debtor trust (by value).
- Interest deduction will be limited proportionally if a debtor’s outstanding debts to related nonresidents exceed 1.5 times the debtor’s equity.
- Any non-deductible “excess” interest is treated as a dividend for withholding tax purposes, and would trigger withholding tax at a rate of 25% subject to reductions under an applicable tax treaty.
- Specific rules exist to address, among other things, back-to-back loan arrangements and borrowings by partnerships.
Things to do
- Keep the thin-capitalization rules in mind when planning how to finance your Canadian subsidiary and determining how much equity and how much debt to contribute.
- The intra-group debt-to-equity ratio of Canadian members of a corporate group should be monitored periodically to ensure compliance with the thin-capitalization rules.
Canada Company Registration
Company Formations Canada offers fast and easy company registration in Canada for non-Canadian residents and foreign companies wishing to operate and do business in Canada.
Register a new company in Canada as a non-Canadian resident
https://companyformations.ca/canada-corporations-non-canadian-residents/
Register a foreign company in Canada
https://companyformations.ca/extra-provincial-corporations-licence-outside-canada/
Canada Registered agent services for foreign companies and non-Canadian residents.
https://companyformations.ca/canada-registered-agent-service/
Canada Nominee director services for foreign companies and non-Canadian residents.
Shared from: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt llp Publication
