Service Areas

International Athletes and Entertainers

Athletes and entertainers have unique tax issues that require specialized consideration.

We are very experienced in analyzing the tax affairs of athletes and entertainers who come to Canada to work, perform, or participate in an event. We can sometimes structure creative and effective tax-planning arrangements to substantially reduce Canadian tax. We can also attend to all government filings, including obtaining a waiver or reduction in withholding tax, filing tax returns, and claiming tax refunds.

People who work in Canada in support of entertainers (such as directors, producers, camera operators, make-up artists, and so on) are often not taxable in Canada if they are resident in a treaty country. In such cases, we can obtain a full refund of any withholding tax deducted.

Starting in 2001, actors involved in Canadian films or videos may elect to pay a flat 23 percent tax on gross receipts and benefits instead of paying regular tax. This simplifies tax filings and may reduce the overall tax rate. We can advise on whether this is advisable.

It may also be possible to reduce Canadian tax by structuring a retirement plan.