The ideal value-added tax (VAT) would carry an economic efficiency ratio of 100 as, in theory, VAT should not be susceptible to exemptions and rate variations. However, practical reality tells a different story, and it will come as no surprise to learn that the VAT systems of almost all countries remain far from the benchmark, and that this is particularly the case when VAT is applied to real estate. This book describes and analyses VAT treatment of real estate transactions in six representative countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. As in any jurisdiction, the VAT schemes covered must accommodate complex factual matrices that demand consistent, fair, and equal treatment. Among these VAT determinants the authors, each an expert in the national tax law of one of the six countries, address the following: types of real estate sales; long versus short term leases; commercial versus residential use; newly constructed versus existing property; status of the parties involved as taxable or non-taxable for VAT; taxable and tax-free supplies; special rules for charities, mooring facilities, aircraft, sports facilities, etc.; subdivision of apartments into title units; commercial residential premises; construction work; cross-border supply of construction work and services; and transfer of a ‘going concern’. The discussions also include the practical areas of accounting for VAT, administrative compliance, personal tax liability, and VAT refund and overpayment certification processes, as well as thorough consideration of relevant case law and examination of frequently litigated matters. Each author has designed his or her chapter to ensure that the technical nuances of each system are explained. An introductory chapter outlines economic theory and preferred VAT treatment of real estate transactions, and compares the variety of solutions applied in the six countries covered. Although a number of legal works exist on real estate under VAT in single jurisdictions, this is the first book to combine a multi-jurisdictional approach with attention to relevant economic theory, allowing for a very useful assessment of best practices. For this reason it is sure to be welcomed by practitioners and academics not only as an overview of the problem areas encountered when designing VAT policy, but also as a reference in applying VAT to real estate transactions.

This study compares cross-border consumption taxation of digital supplies in business-to-consumer transactions from an international coordination perspective. Hence, the various classifications of digital supplies and the provisions for deciding the place of taxation are compared and examined to identify cases of double taxation and unintentional nontaxation or potential risks thereof. In addition, possible remedies for double taxation and unintentional non-taxation are discussed.

From the Bestselling Author of Real Estate Investing in Canada 2.0 What can you learn from four Canadian real estate experts who have 100-plus years of collective investing experience? Whether you are a beginning investor or own a portfolio of residential properties, 97 Tips for Canadian Real Estate Investors, 2nd Edition provides you with insights, strategies and success stories to build your wealth according to a proven system. Investors will learn about how to adapt to shifting market conditions, and financing and marketing strategies designed to improve cash flow and attract long-term tenants. You’ll discover the challenges and pitfalls that investors experience and how to avoid them. At your fingertips and success strategies based on the Authentic Canadian Real Estate System. From understanding the principles and economics of Investing, to sourcing properties and financing, closing deals and becoming a landlord, 97 Tips is chockfull of great ideas for investors who want to achieve beyond their dreams. Praise from Canadian Investors for Real Estate Investing in Canada and the Acre System “This material was absolutely essential for getting my investing jumpstarted. Thank you!” –Marianne Malo Chenard “To compare this system to other real estate investing educators is like comparing day to night. I get all the information on a proven system I need. I don’t have to pay thousands of extra dollars to get the ‘Next level’ of training.” –Michael Colson “If you are serious about taking control of your finances through real estate, this book is the perfect starting point.” –Joe Iannuzzi “Excellent advice on how to make profitable business decisions and how to know what the red flags are. –Kimberley Pashak Special Bonus Stay ahead of the real estate market. As a bonus, every registered reader of 97 Tips will receive a free CD covering the latest market changes. Register at www.realestateinvestingincanada.com.

A newly updated edition for the fast-changing real estate market in Canada! Over the last two decades Canadians have become convinced that real estate is the “safe haven” investment. This widely held belief and obsession with real estate led millions of Canadians to take on massive amounts of debt — tripling their collective financial burden — ensuring that Canada is one of the most indebted nations on the planet. Drawing on dozens of interviews and even more conversations with individual Canadians and couples, this second edition also tackles the economic conditions and regulatory rules that allowed such a dangerous situation to develop in Canada, formerly a nation of conservative and prudent citizens. Hilliard MacBeth argues that Canada is in the midst of an unprecedented real estate bubble and that there will soon be a crash in house prices, triggering a financial crisis. Individual Canadians and families can still take action to protect themselves from the fallout of the bubble bursting — if they act quickly.

Legal, Tax and Accounting Strategies for the Canadian Real Estate Investor begins and ends with the premise that buying property in Canada can be a smart, safe and successful way to invest your money. However, like most things in life, success requires hard work. You need to do your homework, understand what you are buying, and know the pros and cons of various decisions. Most importantly, you also need to know how to structure and maintain your investment. That's where we come in. Experience is a good teacher-but its lessons can be nasty and, in the real estate business, mistakes can cost you big bucks. Our goal with this book is to help you do it right-the first time. Rest assured that this book covers a vast range of topics and you're going to appreciate its breadth and depth if you're wondering about things like whether: You should opt for a sole proprietorship versus a partnership or corporate ownership strategy. There are things you can do to manage the way HST impacts your real estate investment business. You need information about the tax implications of a real estate disposition. You can change your bookkeeping system to better meet your needs and those of your accountant. Who Are We? This book was written by two individuals whose collective experience in helping Canadians make wise property investment decisions spans several decades. Steve Cohen is a securities lawyer with a great deal of experience in the real estate sector. George Dube is a chartered accountant whose knowledge is based on many years of helping clients with their property buying needs. Both Steve and George are real estate investors themselves. Working from this foundation, we have put together the definitive guide on how to build a successful real estate portfolio in Canada from a legal, tax and accounting perspective.