In this regard, is a CRA clearance certificate necessary?
The legal representative will need a clearance certificate to distribute assets unless the following circumstances apply: the estate or trust continues to exist to pay income to the beneficiaries. enough funds remain in the estate or corporate account to pay amounts owing to the CRA.
One may also ask, why do you need a clearance certificate? A clearance certificate certifies that all amounts for which the taxpayer is, or can reasonably be expected to become, liable under the Act at or before the time of distribution have been paid, or that the Minister of National Revenue has accepted security for payment.
Also, what happens if you don't get a clearance certificate?
If the executor distributes the estate assets to the beneficiaries without obtaining clearance, the CRA can hold the executor of an estate personally liable for any unpaid tax debts up to the amount distributed.
How long does it take for a clearance certificate?
The CRA will send the estate trustee an acknowledgement letter within 30 days of receiving the request for a tax clearance certificate. The CRA's assessment can take up to 120 days, assuming the estate trustee provided all of the necessary supporting documents along with their application.
