T5001-INSTR Instructions for applying for a tax shelter identification number

Table of Contents

What is a tax shelter?

The Income Tax Act defines “tax shelter” and “gifting arrangement” in subsection 237.1(1).

Generally, a tax shelter is:

  • a gifting arrangement described under (b) below
  • a gifting arrangement described under (a) below or an investment in property (other than prescribed property or flow-through shares) where it is reasonable to consider, based on statements or representations made or proposed to be made in connection with the gifting arrangement or the property, that within the first four years of buying an investment in the property or entering into the gifting arrangement, the buyer or donor will have losses, deductions, or credits equal to or greater than the net cost of the original investment or of the property acquired under the gifting arrangement

“Net cost” is net of any prescribed benefits expected to be received or enjoyed, directly or indirectly, by the person or another person with whom the person does not deal at arm’s length.

Note

Prescribed property in relation to a tax shelter is defined in the Income Tax Regulations section 3101 and includes property that is:

  • a registered pension plan
  • a registered retirement savings plan
  • a deferred profit-sharing plan
  • a registered retirement income fund
  • a registered education savings plan
  • shares of:
    • prescribed venture capital corporations
    • prescribed labour-sponsored venture capital corporations
    • taxable Canadian corporations held in a prescribed stock savings plan

Prescribed benefits in respect of an interest in a tax shelter are defined in the Income Tax Regulations subsections 3100(1), 3100(2) and 3100(3), and include tax credits, revenue guarantees, contingent liabilities, limited-recourse amounts, and rights of exchange or conversion.

Generally, a gifting arrangement is any arrangement under which it may reasonably be considered, based on statements or representations made or proposed to be made in connection with the arrangement, that a person entering into the arrangement would do one of the following:

  1. make a gift to a qualified donee, or make a political contribution, of property acquired by the person under the arrangement
  2. incur a limited-recourse debt that can reasonably be considered to relate to a gift to a qualified donee or a political contribution

A political contribution refers to a monetary contribution to a registered party, a registered association, or a candidate as defined in the Canada Elections Act.

For more information about limited-recourse debt in respect of a gift or monetary contribution, see the definition in Appendix A.

Representations made in connection with the property

The definition of what constitutes a tax shelter depends entirely on the reasonable inferences that we can draw from representations made in connection with the property.

Representations include:

  • written representations such as those contained in sales brochures or advertisements
  • verbal representations such as those made in public or private information, or in sales meetings

Gifting arrangements

The tax shelter rules for gifting arrangements generally apply to gifts, monetary contributions, and representations made and property acquired under the gifting arrangement after February 18, 2003.

As part of the overall gifting arrangement, documents such as purchase agreements, transfer agent agreements, deeds of gift, and other documents may be used at some future date. The promoter has to provide unsigned copies of such documents with their application to get a tax shelter identification number.

Appraisals for donations of gifts in kind

Generally, appraisals are central to the success of gifting arrangements, and may be produced after the tax shelter identification number has been issued.

We require that appraisals of gifts in kind be produced as they become available after we have issued the tax shelter identification number. The promoter has to include these reports when they file the Form T5003SUM, Tax Shelter Information Return, in the following year. If the number of appraisal reports is substantial (more than 10), we will accept a listing of the appraisers along with one completed and representative report from each appraiser. The list has to be prepared in the format provided on Form T5001, Application for Tax Shelter Identification Number and Undertaking to Keep Books and Records.

The appraiser should be at arm’s length from the donor or the institution receiving the donation. A fair market value (FMV) evaluation should be obtained from a dealer or appraiser who is active in the marketplace for the object donated.

Notes

If an appraisal is needed and you think the FMV of the gift is $1,000 or less, a qualified staff member of the institution receiving the gift can appraise it.

If there is difficulty in finding an independent appraiser, or if it involves an unreasonable expense, qualified staff members of the institution accepting the gift can appraise it, even though the FMV might be more than $1,000.

Who has to register a tax shelter?

Under subsection 237.1(2), promoters of tax shelters have to use Form T5001, Application for Tax Shelter Identification Number and Undertaking to Keep Books and Records, to register a tax shelter with, and to apply for a tax shelter identification number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

A promoter will have to apply for a new tax shelter identification number where the previous number is no longer valid. Under subsection 237.1(3), the CRA will issue a tax shelter identification number when we receive an application, if the application includes:

  • all the prescribed information
  • an undertaking that is satisfactory to us for the custody of the tax shelter’s books and records. We will usually accept an undertaking by the promoter responsible for the tax shelter’s books and records to keep such documents at the promoter’s usual place of business in Canada

When should the promoter register a tax shelter?

Under subsection 237.1(4), promoters have to have a tax shelter identification number before selling, issuing, or accepting a contribution towards acquiring an interest in the tax shelter (including gifting arrangements). Preliminary promotions are not affected, as long as no actual sales are concluded or contributions received before we issue the identification number.

In addition, for applications made on or after March 29, 2012, the promoter may sell, issue, or accept consideration in respect of the tax shelter only for the calendar year designated by the Minister as being applicable to the identification number. Tax shelter identification numbers that were applied for before March 29, 2012 (or that had been issued as of that date) will be valid only until the end of 2013. As such, a promoter will need to obtain a new identification number for a tax shelter before selling, issuing or accepting consideration in respect of that tax shelter if the previous number is no longer valid.

Who is a promoter?

You are a tax shelter promoter if, in the course of a business, you:

  • sell, issue or promote the sale, issuance or acquisition of, the tax shelter
  • act as an agent or advisor for such activities
  • accept consideration for the tax shelter, either as principal or agent

There may be more than one promoter for the same tax shelter. In this case, there will be a principal promoter. You are a principal promoter if you have been involved in tax shelter sales, including this tax shelter, and you are the leader behind this promotion.

Note

Where there is more than one promoter of the same tax shelter, only one promoter has to apply for a tax shelter identification number. An application by one of the promoters will discharge the others from the obligation to make an application.

When is an advisor a promoter?

We consider that a promoter includes an advisor who establishes, organizes, or sponsors a tax shelter. We will view a person as being a promoter where in the course of providing tax advice, they are “responsible for and contribute to the design of any of the tax avoidance elements” of the arrangements or proposed arrangements. For example:

  • An adviser who is consulted on the design and explains why the design does not work, or offers suggestions for changes to it may be a promoter
  • An accounting firm that is consulted for accounting may be a promoter if, in the course of carrying out its responsibilities, it provides tax advice for the design of any of the tax avoidance elements
  • A law firm (which has a relevant business that includes giving tax advice) that is consulted may be a promoter if, in the course of carrying out its responsibilities, it provides tax advice for the design of any of the tax avoidance elements

We will not view a person as being a promoter where in the course of providing tax advice, they are not responsible for, nor do they contribute to, the design of any of the tax avoidance elements.

Tax shelter identification number

The promoter of a tax shelter has to get a tax shelter identification number before selling, issuing, or accepting a contribution towards acquiring an interest in a tax shelter (including gifting arrangements). The tax shelter identification number consists of two alphabetic characters (TS) followed by six numeric characters.

The tax shelter identification number does not in any way confirm the entitlement of an investor to claim any tax benefits associated with the tax shelter.

We use the tax shelter identification number for administrative purposes, such as identifying tax shelters for audit. Under the Income Tax Act, we can get or verify information about any tax shelter that applies for an identification number, even if no taxpayer has filed an income tax return claiming a loss or deduction, or a gift or monetary contribution tax credit, related to the tax shelter.

Applying for a tax shelter identification number

The tax shelter promoter must use Form T5001, Application for Tax Shelter Identification Number and Undertaking to Keep Books and Records, to apply for a tax shelter identification number. Before we will issue a tax shelter identification number, the promoter has to provide us with prescribed information including a copy of an offering memorandum, and with a statement that the promoter will keep the books and records in Canada. For more information about completing Form T5001, see How to complete Form T5001.

Providing a tax shelter identification number

Under paragraph 237.1(5)(a) promoters of a tax shelter have to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the identification number assigned to a tax shelter is provided to every person who acquires an interest in the tax shelter:

  • In the case of a sale or issuance of an interest by any promoter of a tax shelter, the promoter has to provide the identification number to the purchaser directly.
  •  For subsequent sales of interests in the tax shelter for which the promoter is not directly involved, the promoter’s duty will normally be satisfied by clearly including the identification number on each certificate of ownership.
Mandatory statement

Further, under paragraph 237.1(5)(c) every promoter of a tax shelter has to include on every written statement that refers to the identification number of the tax shelter the following statement:

“The identification number issued for this tax shelter shall be included in any income tax return filed by the investor. Issuance of the identification number is for administrative purposes only and does not in any way confirm the entitlement of an investor to claim any tax benefits associated with the tax shelter.”

Statement of earnings

Under paragraph 237.1(5)(b) each promoter who prepares a statement of earnings for a tax shelter shall prominently display the tax shelter identification number on the upper right‑hand corner of the statement. If an identification number is not obtained in advance, no person may claim any deduction for the tax shelter until the number is obtained, and the promoter pays a penalty. Tax shelter investors have to provide the tax shelter identification number on their claim for tax benefits for any investment in a tax shelter.

Note

We will deny tax benefits claimed by tax shelter investors if they participate in a tax shelter arrangement that does not have a tax shelter identification number.

Form T5001, Application for Tax Shelter Identification Number and Undertaking to Keep Books and Records

Identifying tax shelter participants

Any person who organizes or sells an interest in any tax shelter also has to keep a list showing the name, address, and identification number of each participant.

As a tax shelter promoter, you have to use this form to apply for a tax shelter identification number. If a tax shelter has more than one promoter, only one promoter has to apply. However, you have to give information about the principal promoter.

How to complete Form T5001

You have to complete all the sections on Form T5001. If there is not enough space for any section, attach a separate list or sheet. If you do not enter all the information we ask for in each section, or do not send all the documents we require, we may contact you to get the missing information. Missing information can delay our issuing a tax shelter identification number.

Note

Full disclosure is required of all documents relating to this application. All the information requested in this form and in the documents supporting your application is “prescribed information.” If the information you provide for any section is insufficient, your application will be treated as invalid and the issuing of the tax shelter identification number may be delayed, or even refused.

The promoter has to provide us with prescribed information on the application, including:

  • references to the precise location of each item of information (for example, responses such as “see prospectus” are incomplete – you have to provide the precise annex number, page number, and paragraph/clause reference)
  • a copy of an offering memorandum
  • a statement that the promoter will keep the books and records in Canada

Section A – Identification information

Tax shelter

Tax shelter’s name and address – Enter the name and complete address of the tax shelter entity in left block of Section A. If the tax shelter consists of activities and there is no tax shelter entity, enter the principal promoter’s name and complete address instead.

Complete address – Wherever a complete address is requested on this application form, use the following codes:

  • Province or territory – Use the two‑letter code from “Appendix A – Canadian province, or territory, or U.S. state, territory, or possession codes” in the T4068, Guide for the T5013 Partnership Information Return (T5013 Forms), for the name of the Canadian province or territory. For all other countries, leave this area blank.
  • Postal code – Enter the Canadian postal code.
  • Country – Enter “CAN” or the appropriate three letter code from “Appendix B – Country codes” in the T4068, Guide for the T5013 Partnership Information Return, for any other country.
  • State – Use the two letter code from “Appendix A – Canadian province, territory, or U.S. state, territory, or possession codes” in the T4068, Guide for the T5013 Partnership Information Return, for the name of the U.S. state. For all other countries, use the two-letter code for your state or province if it has one.
  • U.S. zip code – Enter the U.S. zip code. For all other countries (except Canada), use the postal code if that country has one. Otherwise, leave this area blank.

Contact person’s name and telephone number – Enter the name and daytime telephone number of the person we can contact if we need more information about the tax shelter. If the tax shelter consists of activities and there is no tax shelter entity, enter the principal promoter’s daytime telephone number.

Principal promoter

Principal promoter’s name, address, and telephone number – Enter the name, complete address, and daytime telephone number of the tax shelter’s principal promoter in right block of Section A. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

Identification number – Enter the principal promoter’s identification number:

  • For an individual, enter the social insurance number (SIN).
  • For a partnership, enter the partnership’s account number, or the Business Number (BN) for that partnership.
  • For a trust, enter the trust account number for that trust.
  • For a corporation, enter a “0” followed by the corporation’s BN.
If the promoter applying for the tax shelter number is not the principal promoter

Promoter’s name, address, and identification number – If you are not the principal promoter, enter your name, complete address, telephone number, and identification number in the bottom block of Section A. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

If there are other promoters for this tax shelter, complete Section D – Other promoter information to provide the information about the other promoters.

Section B – Tax shelter information

1. The tax shelter property is:

Tick (✓) the appropriate box, and enter the information required about that selection in the space provided:

  • If the tax shelter property is an interest in a partnership, and there are more than two activities relevant to the operation of the tax shelter, enter the description that best describes the principal operation of the tax shelter.

Enter the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code in the space provided. Use the appropriate NAICScode from the Industry Canada website (search “NAICS”).

  • If you check “Other,” specify the type of organization or structure in the space provided.
2. Details of tax shelter investment units:

Date to be offered for sale – Enter the date you propose to offer the tax shelter investment units for sale.

Tax shelter units and price – Enter the information for the proposed number of units, proposed price, and amount you expect to raise.

3. Is there a pre-arranged loan with this tax shelter?

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes, you have to complete Section E – Financing information.

Note

We consider that a pre-arranged loan is one where the lender forms an integral part of the tax shelter arrangement whether or not the lender is viewed as being at arm’s length. Usually the lenders in these arrangements are those other than Canadian chartered banks or credit unions.

4. Designated calendar year of tax shelter sales

Enter the calendar year for which the identification number is to be valid for sales of interests in this tax shelter. A person may sell, issue, or accept consideration in respect of a tax shelter only for the calendar year designated as being applicable to the identification number.

Note

The tax shelter number is only valid for sales of the tax shelter property or agreements to enter the gifting arrangement tax shelter for the one calendar year you designate in response to question # 4 of the T5001 tax shelter identification number application form that you file.

5. Expected deductions in the first four years to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit in the tax shelter:

Code – Enter the code from the following list for the largest deduction (in dollar terms) represented as being potentially allowable to an investor in the tax shelter.

Codes and description for deductions allowable to an investor
CodeDescription
1Capital cost allowance
2Financing charges
3.Interest expense
4Legal expenses
5Rental expenses
10Management fees
11Consulting fees
12Loan placement fees
13Marketing fees
19Fees – other
20Distribution of a renunciation – mining
21Distribution of a renunciation – oil and gas
22Distribution of a renunciation – Canadian resource and conservation expense (CRCE)
23Depletion – oil and gas
24Depletion – other
25Royalties – oil, gas, and mineral
26Royalties – other
27Mining development costs
28Intangible drilling costs
30Research and development expenditures
31Demolition expenses
32Guaranteed payments
33Loss from sale of an asset
34Rehabilitation expenses
35Soil and water conservation expenditures
36Feed expenses
99Other (see note)
Note

If you enter code 99, describe the expected deduction in Section L – Outstanding items.

Years 1 to 4, and Total – In the space for each of the first four years, enter the dollar amount of gross deductions to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit in the tax shelter. Enter the total amount of the gross deductions in the designated space.

6. Entitlements to amounts or benefits with respect to the investment in this tax shelter:

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes, you have to complete Sections F and M. For Section F – Entitlement to amounts or benefits, list the name of the entity providing the entitlement or benefit, their complete address, and indicate whether they are at arm’s length with the principal promoter by ticking yes or no. For Section M – Summary of arrangements, you have to describe the nature of any amount or benefit listed, including the timing, the parties involved, and whether they deal at non-arm’s length with the buyer or the promoter.

For more information about the amounts and benefits, see:

  • subsection 96(2.2) for the partnership at-risk rules
  • section 143.2 for the limited-recourse and tax shelter at-risk rules
  • section 3100 of the Income Tax Regulations for the definition of prescribed benefit
  • the Income Tax Folio S1-F5-C1: Related Persons and Dealing at Arm’s Length

Section C – Gifting arrangement information

1. Expected amount of cash payments from donors:

Enter the amount you expect to raise.

2. Expected amount of donation receipts to be issued to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit:

Code – Enter the code from the following list for the largest credit or deduction (in dollar terms) represented as being potentially allowable to a participant in the tax shelter.

Code and Description for credit or deduction allowable to a participant
CodeDescription
40Gifting arrangement – art
41Gifting arrangement – education
42Gifting arrangement – health
43Gifting arrangement – software
44Gifting arrangement – timeshare
49Gifting arrangement – other
Note

If you enter code 49, describe the expected credit or deduction in Section L – Outstanding items.

Years 1 to 4, and Total – In the space for each of the first four years, enter the dollar amount of total credits or deductions potentially allowable to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit in the tax shelter. Enter the total amount of the gross deductions or credits in the designated space.

3. The property to be gifted is:

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

4. Will the gifting arrangement involve a pre-arranged loan?

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes, you have to complete Section E – Financing information.

Note

We consider that a pre-arranged loan is one where the lender forms an integral part of the tax shelter arrangement whether or not the lender is viewed as being at arm’s length. Usually the lenders in these arrangements are those other than Canadian chartered banks or credit unions.

5. Will the gifting arrangement include a security deposit, investment, insurance policy, or other arrangement?

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes, you have to complete Section G – Security deposit, investment, and insurance policy information.

6. Was a valuation or appraisal report used to support the value used on acquisition or donation?

Tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes, you have to complete Section J – Valuation and appraisal information.

If you answer no, you have to complete Section L – Outstanding items, to explain how the value of the gift will be determined.

7. How will the donor acquire the property?

Tick (✓) the appropriate box, and complete whichever of the following sections that applies to your response:

  • Section H – Trust information
  • Section I – Purchase and sale information
  • Section L – Outstanding items
Note

As part of the overall gifting arrangement, documents such as purchase agreements, transfer agent agreements, deeds of gift, and other documents may be used at some future date. You have to provide unsigned copies of such documents with this application.

8. Donee information:

Donee’s name and identification number – Enter the donee’s name and identification number for each of the organizations involved.

Name and telephone number of donee contact person – Enter the name and daytime telephone number of the person we can contact for more information for each of the organizations involved.

Agreements – For each donee, tick (✓) the appropriate column under “Agreements.”

If you answer yes, attach to the application a copy of any agreements entered into or being contemplated.

If you answer no, you have to complete Section M – Summary of arrangements to describe how the recipients will be involved, and what responsibilities they will have in the arrangement. Include any documents that were presented to the recipients to explain the arrangement, or the involvement of the recipient in the arrangement.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate list using the same format as on the form.

Section D – Other promoter information

Promoter’s name, identification number, address, and telephone number – Enter the name, identification number, complete address, and daytime telephone number for each promoter of this tax shelter, including any broker being used to promote or market the product. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

For more information about who we consider to be a promoter, see Who is a promoter?

Type of promoter – Enter the code in the last column to identify the type of promoter. Use the code:

1” for an individual, other than a trust
2” for a trust
3” for a corporation
4” for a partnership
5” for a nominee or agent that holds an interest in the partnership as nominee or agent for another person

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on the form.

If you enter code 2, 3, or 4 for any promoter, provide the additional information requested below.

Additional information required – Attach a separate sheet to provide the following information. If the promoter is:

  • a trust, provide a list of the trustees and beneficiaries
  • a corporation, provide a list of the major shareholders and employees
  • a partnership, provide a list of the general partners

Section E – Financing information

If you answered yes to question 3 in Section B, or to question 4 in Section C, you have to complete Section E and provide the additional information requested below.

Lender’s name and address – Enter the name and complete address of each lender for this tax shelter. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

You have to list all the entities involved in providing financing to participants, starting with the one lending to the person acquiring the tax shelter. Include:

  • the arrangement entities
  • any related or non-arm’s length entities
  • “preferred investment dealers” (those promoted by any of the arrangement entities, or a promoter or any associated entity that will provide financing to participants)
  • any series of financial arrangements flowing through other persons or entities (include a flowchart showing the flow of funds)

Arm’s length with the principal promoter? – For each lender, tick (✓) the appropriate column.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Arm’s length refers to a relationship or a transaction between persons who act in their separate interests. An arm’s length transaction is generally a transaction that reflects ordinary commercial dealings between parties acting in their separate interests.

“Related persons” are not considered to deal with each other at arm’s length. Related persons include individuals connected by blood relationship, marriage, common-law partnership or adoption (legal or in fact). A corporation and another person or two corporations may also be related persons.

“Unrelated persons” may not be dealing with each other at arm’s length at a particular time. Each case will depend upon its own facts. The following criteria will be considered to determine whether parties to a transaction are not dealing at arm’s length:

  • whether there is a common mind which directs the bargaining for the parties to a transaction
  • whether the parties to a transaction act in concert without separate interests; “acting in concert” means, for example, that parties act with considerable interdependence on a transaction of common interest
  • whether there is de facto control of one party by the other because of, for example, advantage, authority or influence

For more information, see Income Tax Folio S1‑F5‑C1, Related persons and dealing at arm’s length.

Non arm’s length generally refers to a relationship or transaction between persons who are related to each other.

However, a non-arm’s length relationship might also exist between unrelated individuals, partnerships or corporations, depending on the circumstances. For more information, see the definition of “arm’s length.”

Additional information required – Attach to the application any draft agreement, note, or similar document that will be used in respect of the loan. If all agreements are the same, send one blank copy. If agreements vary from one participant to another, send one copy of each agreement that is different. Include financing arrangements between potential investors and third parties (where such financings are to be used to promote the sale of the tax shelter, or forms part of the arrangement).

Section F – Entitlements to amounts or benefits

Name and address of the entity providing the entitlement or benefit – Enter the name and complete address of each entity providing an entitlement or benefit to a participant for this tax shelter. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

You have to list any of the arrangement entities that will be supplying the investment or insurance contracts to the person acquiring the tax shelter. Include:

  • the arrangement entities
  • any related or non-arm’s length entity
  • “preferred investment dealers” (those promoted by any of the arrangement entities, or a promoter or any associated entity to provide investments or insurance to participants)
  • any series of arrangements flowing through other persons or entities (include a flowchart showing the flow of funds)
  • for tax shelters other than gifting arrangements, if there are investments or insurance contracts, you have to list any of the entities providing an entitlement to an amount or benefit that would have the effect of reducing in whole or in part, the impact of any loss on their investment in the tax shelter to participants. These amounts or benefits include:
    • contingent liabilities
    • guarantees
    • securities
    • indemnification agreements
    • limited-recourse amounts
    • government assistance
    • revenue guarantees
    • debt forgiveness

Arm’s length with the principal promoter? – For each entity, tick (✓) the appropriate column.

Additional information required – Attach to the application any draft agreement or similar document that will be offered to the participants. If all agreements are the same, send one blank copy of the agreement. If agreements vary from one participant to another, send one copy of each agreement that is different. Include arrangements between potential participants and third parties (where such arrangements are to be used to promote the sale of the tax shelter, or forms part of the arrangement).

For more information, see Income Tax Folio S1‑F5‑C1, Related persons and dealing at arm’s length.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section G – Security deposit, investment, and insurance policy information

If you answer yes to question 5 in Section C, you have to complete Section G and provide the additional information requested below.

Name of the entity holding the security deposit or instrument, or issuing the insurance policy – Enter the name and complete address of each entity holding a security deposit, supplying the investment, or issuing an insurance policy for this tax shelter, and provide the additional information requested below. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

Arm’s length with the principal promoter? – For each entity, tick (✓) the appropriate column.

Additional information required – Attach to the application any draft agreements or similar document that will be offered to the participants. If all agreements are the same, send one blank copy of the agreement. If agreements vary from one participant to another, send one copy of each agreement that is different. Include arrangements between potential participants and third parties (where such arrangements are to be used to promote the sale of the tax shelter or forms part of the arrangement).

For more information, see Income Tax Folio S1‑F5‑C1, Related persons and dealing at arm’s length.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section H – Trust information

If you answer Distribution from a trust in question 7 in Section C, you have to complete Section H and provide the additional information requested below.

Trust’s name, address, and trust account number – Enter the name and complete address, and the trust number for each trust that has a trust agreement with this tax shelter. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address.

Settlors’ and Trustees’ name – Enter the name of all settlors and trustees of each trust that has a trust agreement with this tax shelter.

Is there an application to become a beneficiary of trust? – For each trust, tick (✓) the appropriate column. If you answer yes, attach a copy of the application to become a beneficiary of the trust. If there is no application, complete Section M – Summary of arrangements to provide a description of how a person becomes a beneficiary and what the criteria is for accepting them.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section I – Purchase and sale information

If you answer Purchase in question 7 in Section C, you have to complete Section I and provide the additional information requested below.

Vendor’s name and address – Enter the vendor’s name and complete address for each transaction concerning the purchase and sale of property in the tax shelter. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address. Include all entities involved in the purchase and sale of the property in the tax shelter.

Note

An entity is involved in the tax shelter if, by their absence, the tax shelter arrangement would not provide the benefits expected by the participant.

Description of property and Cost to purchaser – Enter the description and cost to the purchaser of the property for each transaction concerning the purchase and sale of property in the tax shelter.

A transaction includes all of the factual elements relevant to the expected tax treatment of any investment, entity, plan, or arrangement, and includes any series of steps carried out as part of a plan.

Valuation or appraisal to determine cost? – For each purchase, tick (✓) the appropriate column. If you answer yes, complete Section J – Valuation and appraisal information.

Additional information required – If the principal promoter or an entity not dealing at arm’s length with the principal promoter purchased the property, provide the information on the arm’s length vendors, and attach a copy of the purchase agreement. If property to be sold to the tax shelter investors is being held by arm’s length vendors, provide the information on the vendors and attach a draft purchase agreement.

For more information, see Income Tax Folio S1‑F5‑C1, Related persons and dealing at arm’s length.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section J – Valuation and appraisal information

If you answer yes in question 6 in Section C, or to the question “Valuation or appraisal to determine cost?” in Section I, you have to complete Section J and provide the additional information requested below.

Valuator’s name and address – Enter the name and complete address for each valuator involved, or that will be involved in the arrangement. Follow the instructions in the section Complete address. Include the valuators and appraisers who are expected to prepare reports if the reports have not been prepared yet.

If the arrangement is dependent on a valuation, but a valuation has not been made yet and you do not know who the valuator will be, complete Section L – Outstanding items providing an explanation.

Number of reports – Enter the number of valuation and appraisal reports prepared by each valuator. Attach a copy of each report, or a draft if final copies are not available, to this application. Send the final copies when they become available.

If no valuations have been made yet but the valuators are known, enter “nil” in this column, and when the reports become available, send a copy to us.

Notes

Fair market value (FMV) generally means the highest price that a property would bring, expressed in dollars, in an open and unrestricted market, between a willing buyer and a willing seller who are both knowledgeable, informed, and prudent, and who are acting independently of each other.

FMV does not include any amounts paid or payable to other parties, such as commissions to sales agents or sales taxes like the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) or provincial sales taxes.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section K – Promotional and other information

Will the following material to be used to promote the sale of the tax shelter? – For each item in the list, tick (✓) the appropriate box.

If you answer yes for any item, attach all documents (or a draft if final copies are not available) to the application, and send in the final copies when they become available.

If you will be making presentations to potential participants in the tax shelter arrangement in which you will be using overhead, electronic or other presentation materials, send a paper copy of the presentation with this application.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Section L – Outstanding items

Complete this section to provide an explanation why any section of this form was not completed, or why any documents we requested have not been provided. For example, if when you complete:

  • Section B, you enter code 99 in question 5, Expected deductions in the first four years to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit in the tax shelter, describe the expected deduction
  • Section C, you enter code 49 in question 2, Expected amount of donation receipts to be issued to the purchaser of a minimum investment unit, describe the expected credit or deduction
  • Section C, you answer no in question 6, Was a valuation or appraisal report used to support the value used on acquisition or donation?, explain how the value of the gift will be determined
  • Section C, you answer Other in question 7, How will the donor acquire the property?, describe how the donor will acquire the property
  • Section J, you know that the arrangement is dependent on a valuation, but a valuation has not been made yet and you do not know who the valuator will be, provide an explanation
  • Section J, a valuation has not been made yet but the valuators are known, provide an explanation and send us a copy when the reports become available.
  • Section M, you are unable to provide copies of each document, explain why you are unable to do so

    Note
    If you do not enter all the information we ask for in each section, or do not send all the documents we require, and you do not complete Section L to provide an explanation, we may decline to issue a tax shelter identification number

Section M – Summary of arrangements

Complete this section to provide an explanation for the following situations:

  • If you answered yes to question 6 in Section B, describe the nature of any amount or benefit listed, including the timing, the parties involved, and whether they deal at non-arm’s length with the buyer or the promoter.
  • If you answered no in question 8 in Section C, describe how the recipients will be involved, and what responsibilities they will have in the arrangement Include any documents that were presented to the recipients to explain the arrangement, or the involvement of the recipient in the arrangement.
  • If you answered yes to the question “Is there an application to become a beneficiary of the trust?” in Section H, but there is no application, provide a description of how a person becomes a beneficiary and what the criteria is for accepting them.
  • Provide a brief overview of the arrangement (1-2 pages) as described in the next section.

If there is not enough space, attach a separate sheet using the same format as on this form.

Overview of the arrangement

The information in the brief overview of the arrangement must be sufficient so we can comprehend the manner in which the arrangements are intended to operate. This should be a straightforward description highlighting:

  • the aim of the arrangements
  • the entities involved and the relationships, contractual or otherwise, between the entities
  • the steps involved and the tax law, if any, which the arrangements rely on

Where complex transactions are involved, include a flowchart of the arrangements and parties involved. For example, any proposal for any promoter-preferred financing should be disclosed.

Include information explaining each “element” of the proposed arrangements from which the expected tax advantage obtained under those arrangements arises (including the way in which the arrangements are structured).

Provide references to the precise location of each item of information (for example, responses such as “see prospectus” are incomplete – you have to provide the precise annex number, page number, and paragraph or clause reference).

What is an element?

An element is “any element of the arrangements (including the way in which they are structured) from which the tax advantage expected to be obtained arises.” An element includes, but is not limited to:

  • a financial product
  • a way of combining that financial product with other elements of the arrangements
  • a way of interpreting the tax legislation in relation to the financial arrangements, that is, the tax analysis which underlies the structuring of the arrangements
  • the responsibilities and duties of each person involved in the arrangement
  • the benefits to be obtained
  • the method for participation in the arrangement
  • any agreements or proposed agreements between the arrangement entities and the applicant (or any entity associated with applicant) including loans, subcontracting arrangements, arrangements relating to the acquisition of assets and the distribution of profits arising from the arrangement

You have to provide copies of each document with the application. If you are unable to provide a document, complete Section L – Outstanding items to explain why you are unable to do so. Where available, also provide copies of the following documents:

  • management agreements
  • loan agreements and other finance documentation
  • marketing materials and any promotional material issued or to be issued to participants, financial planners or advisers or commission agents
  • any written information to be provided to participants regarding their investment
  • any other agreements or contracts including purchase agreements, rental agreements, franchise agreements
  • flow chart(s) detailing the flow of funds (as amounts per participant) between the participant, promoter, financier, trustee, manager and any other entity in receipt of the investment funds (including directors, officers, shareholders, partners and beneficiaries of these entities, as well as their residency status)
  • working papers and any other materials used in setting the fees payable by a participant

If not included in the documents, describe:

  • the training or expertise of the persons involved with the activity
  • your plan to make the activity profitable
  • the capability of the venture as capitalized to show a profit

Section N – Undertaking to keep books and records

You have to complete the undertaking and sign it. If the promoter does not sign the undertaking, we will not issue a tax shelter identification number. The promoter’s (or authorized person’s) signature must be an original signature for us to process the application.

We will issue a tax shelter identification number only when we receive all the prescribed information, and if we are satisfied with the undertaking to keep the tax shelter’s books and records.

Notes

An undertaking by a person, who proposes to sell or issue interests in a tax shelter, to keep the requisite books and records at that person’s normal place of business in Canada will normally be satisfactory.

An example of an unacceptable undertaking would be if the promoter’s place of business is in Toronto, Ontario but the books and records are maintained in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, as Whitehorse is not the promoter’s place of business, even though it is in Canada.

Section O – Certification

Form T5001 must be signed and dated by the tax shelter promoter.

Where to send completed Form T5001

Send the completed application, documents, and information to:

Canada Revenue Agency
Business Returns Division
Prince Edward Island Tax Centre
275 Pope Road
Summerside PE  C1N 5Z7

Penalties

False or misleading information

Under subsection 237.1(7.4), every person:

  • who files false or misleading information in Form T5001 – Application for Tax Shelter Identification Number and Undertaking to Keep Books and Records, or
  • who as a principal or as an agent sells, issues or accepts consideration in respect of a tax shelter before the minister of national revenue has issued an identification number

is liable to a penalty that is the greater of:

  1. $500, and
  2. 25% of the greater of:
    1. the total of all consideration received or receivable in respect of the tax shelter before the correct information is filed with the Minister, or the identification number is issued, and
    2. the total of all amounts stated or represented to be the value of property a person who acquires or invests in the tax shelter could donate to a qualified donee, if the tax shelter is a gifting arrangement and consideration has been received or is receivable before the correct information is filed with the Minister, or the identification number is issued

Failing to file a return

Under new subsection 237.1(7.5), every person who fails to

  • file an information return in response to a demand by the CRA, or
  • report in the return:
    • the name, address and either the social insurance number or business number of each participant who acquires or otherwise invests in the tax shelter in the year, or
    • the amount paid by a participant in respect of the tax shelter

is liable to a penalty that is 25% of the greater of:

  1. the total of all consideration received or receivable in respect of a tax shelter from a particular person in respect of whom the required information had not been reported at or before the time that the demand was issued or the return was filed, and
  2. if the tax shelter is a gifting arrangement, the total of all amounts stated or represented to be the value of property that the particular person could donate to a qualified donee

Misrepresentation of a tax matter by a third party

The Income Tax Act provides for third-party civil penalties to deter third parties from making false statements or omissions in relation to income tax or GST/HST matters. The following penalties are directed at ensuring tax compliance and deterring inappropriate behaviour. For more information about why third party civil penalties were introduced, see Third party civil penalty.

Penalties for misrepresentation in tax planning arrangements

Under subsection 163.2(2), every person:

  • who makes or furnishes a statement, who participates in the making of a statement, or who causes another person to make or furnish a statement, and

in respect to the statement,

  • who knows it is a false statement, or who would reasonably be expected to know it is a false statement but for circumstances amounting to culpable conduct, and another person could use the false statement for a purpose of this Act,

that person is liable to a penalty in respect of the false statement.

Under subsection 163.2(3), the penalty for the false statement is:

  • if the statement was made in the course of a planning activity or a valuation activity, a minimum of $1,000, to a maximum of the person’s total gross entitlements at the time at which the notice of assessment of the penalty is sent to the person, and
  • in any other case, $1,000
Penalties for participating in a misrepresentation

Under subsection 163.2(4), every person:

  • who makes a statement, who participates in the making of a statement, who assents to the making of a statement, or who acquiesces in the making of a statement, and

the statement is made to another person, or by another person, or on behalf of another person, and in respect to the statement,

  • the person knows it is a false statement, or would reasonably be expected to know it is a false statement but for circumstances amounting to culpable conduct, and another person could use the false statement for a purpose of this Act,

that person is liable to a penalty in respect of the false statement.

Under subsection 163.2(5), the penalty for the false statement is:

  • a minimum of $1,000,

to a maximum of whichever of the following amounts is less:

  • the penalty under subsection 163(2) that the other person would be liable for if the other person made the statement in a return filed for the purposes of the Act and the other person knew that the statement was false, or
  • the total of $100,000 plus the person’s gross compensation at the time at which the notice of assessment of the penalty is sent to the person if the statement could be used by or on behalf of the other person

Failing to provide the tax shelter identification number

We can assess a penalty of $100 for each failure if the tax shelter identification number is missing on a form.

Providing an incorrect tax shelter identification number

If you give an incorrect tax shelter identification number, you may be guilty of an offence and, if convicted, liable to:

  • a fine from 100% up to 200% of the cost of the tax shelter interest
  • imprisonment up to two years
  • both a fine and imprisonment

Appendix A – Definitions

Limited-recourse amounts in respect of a tax shelter

A “limited-recourse amount” is the unpaid principal amount of any indebtedness for which recourse is limited in any way. If a person (or any other person not dealing at arm’s length with the person) incurs a limited-recourse amount, the amount of any tax benefits to which the person would otherwise be entitled to may be reduced.

For example, the amount of any expenditure that is the cost or capital cost of the person’s tax shelter investment is reduced by the amount of any related limited-recourse amount incurred by the person (or any other person not dealing at arm’s length with the person).

This provision is meant to ensure that participants’ deductions will be limited to funds that are actually at risk.

Example

A taxpayer reports an investment of $100,000 in a tax shelter. The investment is composed of $10,000 in cash, and financing of $90,000.

Where, for example, the only collateral for the debt is the tax shelter property itself, or potential income from that property, the $90,000 would be considered to be a limited-recourse amount. As such, under the tax shelter rules, the cost of the investment would be $10,000 and not $100,000.

We also consider the unpaid principal amount of a financed investment to be a limited-recourse amount unless all of the following requirements are met:

  • interest is payable at least annually at a rate equal to or greater than the prescribed rate of interest at the time the indebtedness arose, or during its term
  • interest is paid every year during the term of the indebtedness no later than 60 days after the end of the taxation year
  • there are bona fide arrangements in writing, at the time the indebtedness arose, for repayment of all principal and interest and the repayment will occur within a reasonable period not exceeding 10 years

However, in some circumstances we may consider loans repayable within 10 years to be a limited-recourse amount. For example, the maximum 10 year time period for repayment cannot be avoided through a series of loans and repayments. Also, where the investor is a partnership, the indebtedness is a limited-recourse amount if recourse against any member of the partnership is limited in respect of the unpaid principal amount.

Limited-recourse debt in respect of a gift or monetary contribution

A “limited-recourse debt” in respect of a gift or monetary contribution made after February 18, 2003 includes all of the following:

  1. each limited-recourse amount that relates to the gift or monetary contribution that is incurred by a person (or any other person not dealing at arm’s length with the person)
  2. each limited-recourse amount that relates to the gift or monetary contribution that is incurred by another person dealing at arm’s length with a person but that directly or indirectly holds an interest in the person
  3. any other amount that is unpaid indebtedness of a person described in a. or b. that relates to the gift or monetary contribution, if there is a guarantee, security or other indemnity or covenant in respect of that or any related indebtedness

A limited-recourse debt includes the unpaid principal of any indebtedness, that can reasonably be considered to relate to the gift or monetary contribution, for which recourse is limited, even if that limitation applies only in the future or contingently. It also includes any other indebtedness of the person that can reasonably be considered to relate to the gift or monetary contribution if there is a guarantee, security or similar indemnity or covenant in respect of that or any other indebtedness.

For example, if a donor enters into a contract of insurance whereby all or part of a debt will be paid upon the occurrence of either a certain or contingent event, the debt is a limited-recourse debt in respect of a gift if it is in any way related to the gift.

Such indebtedness is also a limited-recourse debt if it is owed by another person dealing at non-arm’s length with the person or by another person who holds an interest in the person.

Property

Property is defined in subsection 248(1) of the Income Tax Act and means property of any kind whatever, whether real or personal and whether tangible or intangible, including a right of any kind and a share or a chose in action (right to sue). Two types of properties excluded from the definition of a tax shelter are flow-through shares and prescribed property.

Third-party civil penalty

The objective of the third party civil penalties is to deter third parties from making false statements or omissions in relation to income tax or GST/HST matters. These penalties are directed at ensuring tax compliance and deterring inappropriate behaviour.

Section 163.2 was added in 2000 to address promoters of abusive tax shelters, and also all tax professionals dealing with the Income Tax Act. It is applicable to statements made after June 29, 2000.

Information circular IC01-1, Third-Party Civil Penalties, outlines the guidelines and processes of the CRA for the application of third-party penalties. The legislation provides for two penalties – one directed primarily at those who prepare, sell or promote a tax shelter or tax shelter-like arrangements, and the other directed at those who provide tax-related services to a taxpayer. These may apply to, among others, tax return preparers, accountants, advisors, practitioners, brokers, tax or financial planners, appraisers, valuators, and tax shelter promoters.

The third-party civil penalties are meant to apply to those persons who counsel and assist others in making false statements when they file their returns or who are wilfully blind to obvious errors when preparing, filing or assisting another person in filing a return. They are also intended to apply to arrangements and plans that contain false statements, often without the knowledge of the client.

For more information

If you need more information after reading this information sheet, go to Tax shelters. To get our forms and publications, go to Forms and publications or call 1-800-959-7775.

Link to Source:https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/t5001-instr/instructions-applying-a-tax-shelter-identification-number.html

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