Non Resident Tax Checklist: What You Need Before Filing Canadian Taxes from Abroad

Managing Canadian tax from outside Canada requires careful preparation. Whether you own rental property, are selling Canadian real estate, or receive Canadian income, having the right documents ready makes the process faster and reduces the risk of costly errors.

General Information

Before starting any Canadian tax filing as a non resident, gather the following:

  • Full legal name as it appears on Canadian documents
  • Social Insurance Number or Individual Tax Number (ITN) if assigned
  • Country of residence and treaty country if applicable
  • Canadian mailing address or agent address
  • Banking information for direct deposit of any refund
Property Sale (T2062 Clearance Certificate)

If you are selling Canadian property, collect:

  • Original purchase agreement and closing documents
  • Purchase price and closing costs paid at the time of original purchase
  • Capital improvements made during ownership with receipts
  • Sale agreement and statement of adjustments
  • Closing date and expected proceeds
  • Name and contact for the lawyer or notary handling the sale
  • Any prior clearance certificates if this is not your first Canadian property sale
Rental Income (Section 216 and NR6)

If you earn Canadian rental income, gather:

  • Rental income records for the calendar year
  • All rental expense receipts including mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, and property tax
  • Name and address of Canadian agent collecting rent on your behalf
  • Copies of any NR6 applications filed in prior years
  • NR4 slips received from the agent or payer
  • Prior year Section 216 returns if applicable
Withholding Tax Review

If you receive Canadian dividends, royalties, pension income, or other payments:

  • Copies of NR4 slips showing amounts paid and tax withheld
  • Documentation of the income type and payer details
  • Treaty claim information if you believe a reduced rate applies
Identification Documents
  • Passport copy or government issued identification
  • Current country of residence documentation if requested by CRA
  • Prior year Canadian tax returns or CRA correspondence if available
What to Expect From the Process

Once documents are organized:

  1. Your tax professional reviews the situation and identifies what forms apply
  2. Required filings are prepared including T2062, Section 216, or other returns
  3. Documents are submitted through the secure client portal
  4. The CRA processes the filing and issues the clearance certificate or assessment
  5. Any withholding is reconciled against the final tax result

Proficiency Tax supports non residents through every step of this process remotely. If you are not sure what applies to your situation, contact us for a review before a deadline arrives.

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