Canadian Tax Principles, , Vol 2 (Byrd/Chen) (Answers at the end of each chapter)

Canadian Tax Principles, , Vol 2 (Byrd/Chen) (Answers at the end of each chapter) Chapter 11 11.1 Online Exercises 1) ITA 110.2 provides for a deduction of "lump-sum payments", for example a court ordered termination benefit. What tax policy objective is served by this provision? Answer: Such lump-sum payments often reflect compensation for services rendered over several years. The fact that it is received in a single year can result in significant portions of it being subject to income tax rates higher than would have been the case had it been received over the several years during which it was earned. The deduction of such amounts provides the basis for an alternative income tax payable calculation which attempts to adjust the amount paid to the amount that would have been paid if the amount had actually been received over several years. The objective of such provisions is fairness or equity. Type: ES Topic: Lump-sum payments - ITA 110.2 2) The carryover periods for losses varies with the type of loss. Briefly describe the carryover periods that the ITA provides for the types of losses that it identifies. Answer: The carryover periods for the various types of losses identified in the Income Tax Act and covered in the text up to Chapter 11 are as follows: • Non-Capital Losses and Farm Losses (including restricted farm losses): 20 years forward and 3 years back. • Net Capital Loss: Unlimited forward and 3 years back • Listed Personal Property Losses: 7 years forward and 3 years back. • Allowable Business Investment Losses: 10 years, as a non-capital loss then converted to net capital loss with unlimited carry forward in year 11. • Foreign Tax Credits: 10 years forward and 3 years back. Covered in Chapter 18 are limited partnership losses. They have no carry back and an unlimited carry forward, but only against the partnership income to which they relate. Type: ES Topic: Loss carry overs - general concepts 3) When a business has several types of loss carry overs, why is it necessary to keep separate balances for each type? Answer: There are two reasons for having to track each type of loss carry forward separately. First, different types of losses have different carryover periods (e.g., 20 years for farm losses vs. unlimited for capital losses). Second, some types of losses can only be applied against the equivalent type of income (e.g., capital losses can only be carried over and applied against capital gains). Type: ES Topic: Loss carry overs - general concepts