Introduction
Shareholder loans are often used as a means of financing or providing liquidity to a corporation’s shareholders. Understanding the tax implications of these loans is crucial for both the shareholder and the corporation. This blog post will discuss the relevant provisions of Section 15 of the Income Tax Act, which deals with shareholder loans and their potential tax consequences.
Taxable Benefits and Shareholder Loans
According to Section 15(2) of the Income Tax Act, a shareholder (or a person or partnership connected to the shareholder) may be deemed to have received a taxable benefit equal to the amount of a loan or debt made by a corporation. This taxable benefit is included in the shareholder’s income for the tax year in which the loan or debt arose.
However, there are several exceptions to this rule. Section 15(2) does not apply in the following situations:
1. Non-resident persons: Section 15(2.2) states that the rule does not apply to indebtedness between non-resident persons.
2. Ordinary lending business: Under Section 15(2.3), the rule does not apply to a debt that arose in the ordinary course of the creditor’s business or a loan made in the ordinary course of the lender’s ordinary business of lending money, provided that bona fide arrangements were made for repayment of the debt or loan within a reasonable time.
3. Certain employees: Section 15(2.4) lists several situations where the rule does not apply to loans made or debts that arose in respect of certain employees, provided that specific conditions are met.
These situations include loans for:
- Individuals who are employees of the lender or creditor but not specified employees.
- Employees (or their spouses or common-law partners) acquiring a dwelling or a share in the capital of a cooperative housing corporation for the purpose of the individual inhabiting the dwelling while it is owned by the corporation.
- Employees to acquire previously unissued fully paid shares of the capital stock of the lender corporation or a related corporation.
- Employees to acquire a motor vehicle for use in the performance of their duties.
4. Certain trusts: Section 15(2.5) provides that the rule does not apply to loans made or debts that arose in respect of a trust under specific conditions, such as when the lender or creditor is a private corporation and the trust facilitates the purchase and sale of shares for employees.
5. Repayment within one year: According to Section 15(2.6), the rule does not apply to loans or indebtedness repaid within one year after the end of the lender or creditor’s taxation year in which the loan was made or the indebtedness arose, as long as the repayment was not part of a series of loans or other transactions and repayments.
Deemed Interest Benefits and Shareholder Loans
Section 15(9) of the Income Tax Act states that if an amount in respect of a loan or debt is deemed by Section 80.4 to be a benefit received by a person or partnership in a taxation year, the amount is deemed to be a benefit conferred on a shareholder for the purpose of Section 15(1), unless the amount is covered by Section 6(9) or Section 12(1)(w).
This means that if a corporation makes a low-interest or interest-free loan to a shareholder or a connected person, the recipient is deemed to have received a taxable benefit equal to the difference between the interest that would have been payable at the prescribed rate and the interest that was actually charged (if any) on the loan. This deemed interest benefit is included in the recipient’s income for the tax year in which the loan was made.
Tax Planning Strategies for Shareholder Loans
To minimize the tax implications of shareholder loans, both corporations and shareholders should consider the following strategies:
- Timely repayment: Ensure that loans are repaid within one year after the end of the lender or creditor’s taxation year, as specified in Section 15(2.6). This can help avoid the application of Section 15(2) and any resulting taxable benefits.
- Charge a market interest rate: By charging a market interest rate on loans made to shareholders or connected persons, corporations can prevent the application of Section 15(9) and the resulting deemed interest benefits. Shareholders should be prepared to pay interest at the prescribed rate to avoid incurring taxable benefits.
- Structure loans as bona fide employee loans: When possible, structure loans to qualify for one of the exceptions listed in Section 15(2.4). For example, corporations can make loans to employees to purchase shares or housing, provided that certain conditions are met.
- Use trusts to facilitate share purchases: Corporations can use trusts, as described in Section 15(2.5), to help employees purchase shares at fair market value. This can help avoid the application of Section 15(2) and any resulting taxable benefits.
- Document the purpose and terms of the loan: Clearly document the purpose and terms of the loan, including repayment schedules and interest rates. This can help establish that the loan was made in the ordinary course of business, as required by Section 15(2.3), or that it meets other conditions specified in the Income Tax Act.
Conclusion
Shareholder loans can be a useful financing tool for corporations and their shareholders. However, it is essential to understand the tax implications of these loans under Section 15 of the Income Tax Act. By carefully structuring and documenting shareholder loans, corporations and shareholders can minimize taxable benefits and ensure compliance with the Act. It is always advisable to consult with a business lawyer to ensure that your specific situation is properly addressed and that any potential tax consequences are minimized.
