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Lebanon Seeks to Distance State from Hezbollah After Cyprus Drone Incident

                                                         File photo: Youssef Ragg Lebanon has urged Cypriot authorities and the public not to conflate the Lebanese state with Hezbollah following a drone strike that originated from Lebanese territory and hit Cyprus six days earlier. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi emphasized that the attack was carried out independently by Hezbollah and does not reflect the policies, values, or intentions of the Lebanese government.  Raggi stressed that Lebanon rejects any attempt to use its territory for external agendas and reiterated that Hezbollah’s actions fall outside the state’s legal authority. He called on Cyprus to distinguish between the official Lebanese government and groups operating autonomously, noting that Lebanon has consistently affirmed its sovereignty ...
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How to Determine Your Tax Withholding and Avoid Surprises Next Filing Season

 

Navigating the Canadian tax system can be complex, but understanding your tax withholding is crucial to avoid unexpected bills during tax season. Let’s explore how you can determine the right withholding and ensure a smoother financial journey.

Residency Status Matters

Before diving into tax withholding specifics, let’s address residency status. Your residency status impacts your tax obligations in Canada. Consider the following factors:

  1. Residential Ties: Significant ties to Canada include having a home, spouse, dependents, personal property, social ties, economic connections (like bank accounts), a Canadian driver’s license, or health insurance with a Canadian province or territory.
  2. Factual Resident: You may be considered a factual resident if you maintain residential ties with Canada while temporarily working abroad, teaching, commuting, or vacationing outside Canada.
  3. Emigrant: If you establish a permanent home in another country and sever ties with Canada, you cease to be a resident.
  4. Deemed Non-Resident: You maintain significant ties with Canada but establish residency in a country with a tax treaty. The same rules apply as for non-residents.

Tax Withholding Rates

When withdrawing funds from an RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), your financial institution withholds tax based on your residency and withdrawal amount:

  • For Canadian residents:
    • 10% (5% in Quebec) on amounts up to $5,000
    • 20% (10% in Quebec) on amounts from $5,000 to $15,000
    • 30% (15% in Quebec) on amounts over $15,000
    • Provincial tax is also withheld for Quebec residents.
  • For non-residents:
    • Withholding is 25% unless reduced by a tax treaty.

Practical Steps

  1. File Online: Register for direct deposit and file your return online using certified tax software. It’s faster and more efficient.
  2. Know Deadlines: For most Canadians, the filing deadline is April 30, 2023 (considered on time if received by May 1, 2023). Self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2023.
  3. Get Free Tax Help: If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, consider free tax clinics.

Remember, understanding your residency status and managing tax withholding ensures a smoother tax season. Take control now to avoid surprises later!

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