by As cryptocurrency continues gaining worldwide acceptance, Canadian investors are increasingly engaging in blockchain transactions for digital assets created outside Canada’s borders. These activities, ranging from trading on international exchanges to participating in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) abroad, come with their unique set of tax considerations.
Understanding the classification of these transactions from a tax perspective is essential for all Canadian investors. As soon as you decide to participate in international (or domestic) crypto activities, you are required to keep a detailed record of every transaction and report your activities accurately on your tax return to remain compliant with Canadian tax laws.
Navigating CRA Cryptocurrencies Regulations Across Borders
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats cryptocurrencies as fully reportable for taxation purposes. Consequently, Canadiantaxpayers participating in cross-border cryptocurrency transactions must adhere to the CRA cryptocurrencies guidelines, which mandate the reporting of any capital gains or losses from these transactions on their tax returns. Crypto earnings may also be classified as income depending on how they were generated (e.g., interest, fees, etc.) and the amount or frequency of your crypto activities.
This ambiguity is why, before investing in crypto and before filing your taxes in a year you made crypto transactions, you should consult a Canadian tax lawyer specializing in crypto taxation. They will provide guidance for filing your taxes accurately and tax planning based on your specific crypto-related activities.
The global nature of cryptocurrencies poses unique challenges, including currency conversion, identifying the cost basis of transactions, and understanding the tax implications of the jurisdiction of the transaction, in addition to your Canadian tax obligations.
Here’s a general overview of the steps for individuals to report foreign crypto earnings on their Canadian tax returns:
1. Determine the Type of Income
First, you need to identify the type of income or loss you’re dealing with. International sources can include employment income, business income, income from property (such as rental income), and capital gains or losses from the sale of assets, including cryptocurrencies or investment income from staking.
2. Convert Income or Losses into Canadian Dollars
All foreign income, losses, and capital gains or losses must be converted into Canadian dollars (CAD) for reporting purposes. The CRA requires that you use the Bank of Canada’s exchange rate on the day the income was received or the expense was paid. If the income or loss occurred over an extended period, you may use the average annual rate provided by the Bank of Canada.
3. Report on the Appropriate Tax Forms
4. Claim Foreign Tax Credits
If you paid taxes on this income earned from cryptocurrency to another country, you might be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit to avoid double taxation. This is done through Form T2209, Federal Foreign Tax Credits, for federal taxes, and Form T2036, Provincial or Territorial Foreign Tax Credits, for provincial or territorial taxes. These forms help you calculate the amount of tax credit you’re entitled to, which can be used to reduce your Canadian tax liability.
5. Disclosure of Foreign Assets
If at any time during the tax year you own specified foreign property costing more than $100,000 CAD, you must file Form T1135, Foreign Income Verification Statement. This form requires detailed information about your foreign investments, including the maximum cost amount during the year, the cost amount at year-end, and the income or gains generated from these assets.
6. Consult with a Tax Professional
Given the complexity of reporting international income and crypto-based revenue in general, the potential for double taxation, and the CRA scrutiny involved, it’s prudent to consult with a tax professional. A licensed crypto tax expert can provide tailored guidance, including how to apply tax treaties, how to maximize foreign tax credits, and how to ensure all your international income is reported correctly to the CRA.
