A win for Leafs' John Tavares in face-off with Canadian tax court: Report
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The CRA contended the bonus should be treated as salary and taxed at 50%, close to $8 million Canadian. Tavares' representatives counter that it qualifies for a preferential 15% rate under the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty, a deal covering income earned by non-residents providing services in Canada.
Such cases, when adjourned, usually are not pursued by the government. Postmedia's request for comment from Tavares' agent, Pat Brisson, was not immediately returned.
Last week, THN reported the tax court ordered the CRA to disclose key internal records and notes related to its reassessment after initially denying to answer questions from the appellant about how the findings in his audit and comparables were used. The CRA had cited privacy concerns about releasing the data.
The case is closely being watched by Canada's pro sports teams hoping to lure more stars north to the seven NHL franchises, as well as the Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors.
The CRA has been unsuccessful in similar proceedings against the contracts of one-time Jays Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin, but is appealing.
Tavares, who wants to stay a Leaf and was nearly at point-a-game production this past season at age 34, is expected to get somewhere between $4 million and $5 million per year on his next contract.
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