Supplemental instructions and guidance for filing under the excessive interest and financing expenses limitation rules
The sections Instructions for Form T2SCH130, Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation and Instructions for Form T3SCH130, Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation have been updated to remove content that is no longer relevant.
The excessive interest and financing expenses limitation (EIFEL) rules limit the deduction of excessive interest and financing expenses (IFE) by affected corporations and trusts.
The following supplemental instructions and guidance may assist corporations, trusts or partnerships to fulfil their filing obligations under the rules.
Sections may be updated or added based on feedback received.
For general information on the rules, refer to: Excessive interest and financing expenses limitation rules.
For additional information on the rules, refer to: Explanatory Notes Relating to the Income Tax Act and the Income Tax Regulations.
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Note: All legislative references on this page are to the Income Tax Act (the “Act”), unless otherwise noted
General instructions
Lease financing amount
The EIFEL rules under subsection 18.2(1) include the definition “lease financing amount” (LFA). A LFA must be included in IFE by the lessee or in interest and financing revenues (IFR) by the lessor, unless it is in respect of an “excluded lease” or an election has been filed to treat the LFA as “excluded interest”, both defined under subsection 18.2(1).
A LFA is intended to reflect the financing component of a lease payment. Before calculating the LFA, the taxpayer must:
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Determine the fair market value (FMV) of the leased property at the time the lease began
Under paragraph (a) of the LFA definition, the lease is treated as a notional interest bearing loan received by the lessee at the time the lease began with a principal amount equal to the FMV of the leased property.
In general, the FMV of the leased property is an integral part of a lease agreement, mutually agreed upon by both the lessor and lessee. Both parties should maintain accurate records and the FMV should be properly reflected in the financial statements.
Where the FMV of the leased property for a particular historical lease is not available, the CRA may accept, for the purposes of calculating the LFA, a reasonable estimate of the FMV of the leased property.
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Determine the prescribed rate in effect at the time the lease began
Under paragraphs (b) and (c) of the LFA definition, lease payments are re-characterized as blended payments of principal and interest with the interest (which is the LFA) calculated in accordance with the prescribed rate in effect at the time the lease began, determined under section 4302 of the Income Tax Regulations.
For instructions on determining the prescribed rates under section 4302, refer to: How to calculate Prescribed Interest Rates for Leasing Rules - Canada.ca
For historical rates, going back to January 1957, refer to: Bank of Canada - financial market statistics as at Wednesday.
For leases starting before January 1957, the CRA will accept the use of the implicit rate in the lease agreement rather than the prescribed rate.
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Example – LFA calculation
Facts
- A taxpayer (lessee) leases a property with a fair market value of $1,000,000. The lease does not meet the definition of an excluded lease and no election is made under paragraph (e) of the definition of excluded interest to treat the LFA amounts as excluded interest for EIFEL purposes.
- The prescribed rate at the lease commencement date was determined to be 5%, compounded semi-annually, not in advance.
- A monthly payment of $18,800 is scheduled at the end of each month.
Analysis
Since the payments are made monthly, the prescribed rate of 5% must be converted to an effective monthly rate, which, in this example is 0.4124%.
The LFA for each payment period is calculated by multiplying the principal outstanding at the beginning of the payment period by the effective monthly rate. For example, the LFA for payment period 1 is equal to $1,000,000 multiplied by 0.4124% or $4,124. The LFAs for all 12 payment periods are shown in the table below:
LFA payment periods Payment period Lease payment Principal paydown Interest (LFA) Principal outstanding - - - - $1,000,000 1 $18,800 $14,676 $4,124 $985,324 2 $18,800 $14,737 $4,063 $970,587 3 $18,800 $14,797 $4,003 $955,790 4 $18,800 $14,858 $3,942 $940,932 5 $18,800 $14,920 $3,880 $926,012 6 $18,800 $14,981 $3,819 $911,031 7 $18,800 $15,043 $3,757 $895,988 8 $18,800 $15,105 $3,695 $880,883 9 $18,800 $15,167 $3,633 $865,716 10 $18,800 $15,230 $3,570 $850,486 11 $18,800 $15,293 $3,507 $835,193 12 $18,800 $15,356 $3,444 $819,837
Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses
Amounts under paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFE definition or paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFR definition
Paragraph (a) of variable A of the definition of IFE includes amounts that are paid, or payable in a year, or in respect of a year, as, on account of, in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, interest. Similar wording appears in paragraph 12(1)(c), which contains the rule requiring a taxpayer to include interest received or receivable in computing their income.
Paragraph (a) of variable A of the definition of IFR includes amounts that are received or receivable as, on account of, in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of interest. This paragraph is intended to operate symmetrically with paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFE definition.
According to Canadian jurisprudence and the CRA’s administrative position, for an amount to be considered to have been receivable or payable on account of, in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of interest for the purposes of the Act, the amount:
- must itself be considered interest, or
- must be on account of, in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of an amount that is interest. This requires that there be, or have been, a right to receive interest.
On this basis, it is the CRA’s view that an embedded financing component of a payment that is not otherwise interest for purposes of the Act will not be included in paragraph (a) of variable A of the definitions of IFE or IFR.
However, if a provision of the Act specifically deems an amount to be paid in, or payable in or in respect of a year; or to be received or receivable in or in respect of a year as interest (for example, under subsections 16(1) and 18(9.1)), then those amounts should be included in paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFE or IFR definitions.
For additional information on what qualifies as interest under the Act, refer to Income Tax Folio S3-F6-C1.
Meaning of “received or receivable”
To be included under paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFR definition, an amount must also be received or receivable as interest. Certain amounts, for example, under subsection 12.7(3) or section 17, are included in computing a taxpayer’s income but are not received or receivable as interest or deemed to be received or receivable as such under the Act. These amounts do not, therefore, fall within the scope of paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFR definition.
The CRA intends to apply this narrow approach when determining if an anti-avoidance provision results in an amount being considered received or receivable for the purposes of the IFR definition.
Paragraph (b) of variable A of the IFR definition includes certain deemed amounts, even if they are not considered to be received or receivable under the Act. However, inclusion in the IFR definition under this provision is limited to deemed amounts specifically mentioned in paragraph (b), that is, deemed amounts under subsection 12(9) or section 17.1.
Amounts under paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFE definition and paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFR definition (New)
Overview
Paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE, and paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR, respectively, increase and reduce a taxpayer’s IFE and IFR by amounts in circumstances where the taxpayer, or a person or partnership that does not deal at arm’s length with the taxpayer, enters into a borrowing or other financing (in the case of IFE) or provides or is owed a loan or other financing (in the case of IFR).
The CRA will administer these provisions in accordance with a textual, contextual, and purposive interpretation of the EIFEL rules, including the terms “borrowing or other financing”, “cost of funding”, “loan or other financing”, and “return”.
Where there is a borrowing, loan, or other financing, taxpayers should first determine whether an amount in respect of that borrowing, loan, or other financing constitutes interest, deemed interest or an amount paid in lieu of, or in satisfaction of, interest. If so, the amount should be included, as applicable, under paragraph (a) of variable A of the definitions of IFE or IFR, and not under the provisions in paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B (in the case of IFE), or paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B (in the case of IFR).
When determining whether an amount should be included in or excluded from variable A or variable B of IFE and IFR under these provisions, all relevant agreements or arrangements should be considered. The analysis should take into account the surrounding facts and circumstances, including:
- the terms of the agreements or arrangements, including the character of the amounts and their linkage to a borrowing, a loan, or other financing;
- the conduct of the parties;
- their objective intent; and
- relevant financial reporting, economic or legal considerations.
This approach is intended to ensure that all amounts that, in economic terms, form part of a taxpayer’s (or a non-arm’s length person’s or partnership’s) cost of funding with respect to a borrowing or other financing, or return on a loan or other financing, are included in the determination of IFE or IFR, as applicable, provided the relevant requirements, as described below, are satisfied. Agreements and arrangements entered into by or among non-arm’s length parties will be carefully reviewed.
This guidance builds on the commentary for these provisions contained in the explanatory notes to the Act and is supported by the recommendations in the report under Action 4 of the Group of 20 and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project on which the EIFEL rules are based.
Inclusion of an amount under IFE or IFR
An amount may be included under paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE only if all conditions set out in those paragraphs are satisfied (collectively, the “Cost of Funding Requirements”). An amount may similarly be included under paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR only if all conditions specified in those paragraphs are satisfied (collectively, the “Return on Funding Requirements”).
Accordingly, an amount, including any gain or loss, whether on income or capital account, may be included under these paragraphs in computing IFE or IFR only where all applicable Cost of Funding Requirements or Return on Funding Requirements, as the case may be, are satisfied.
Not all amounts relating to a borrowing or other financing, or to a loan or other financing, will necessarily be included in IFE under the Cost of Funding Requirements, or in IFR under the Return on Funding Requirements. The terms and conditions of all relevant agreements and arrangements must be reviewed in order to determine the character of the amounts and linkage to a borrowing, a loan or other financing. For example, if an amount is not deductible (such as a dividend), or where the amount cannot be considered to adjust a taxpayer’s cost of funding for a particular borrowing or other financing, or a taxpayer’s return on a particular loan or other financing, the amount will not be included in the relevant components of IFE or IFR.
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Table 1 - Summary of Cost of Funding Requirements and Return on Funding Requirements
Table 1 - Summary of Cost of Funding Requirements and Return on Funding Requirements - IFE (Cost of Funding Requirements) IFR (Return on Funding Requirements) Variable A Paragraph (e): Amount included where all of the following are met:
- The amount is paid or payable in a tax year or is a loss for a tax year.
- In the absence of section 18.2, the amount would be deductible (other than under subparagraph 20(1)(e)(i)) in computing the taxpayer’s income or, in the case of a capital loss, the amount would reduce the amount under paragraph 3(b) for the year.
- The amount arises under, or as a result of, an agreement or arrangement.
- The agreement or arrangement is entered into as, or in relation to, an identified borrowing or other financing.
- The identified borrowing or other financing is entered into by the taxpayer or a non-arm’s length person or partnership.
- The amount can reasonably be considered to increase, in whole or in part, the cost of funding in respect of the identified borrowing or other financing, including as a result of any hedge of the cost of funding or of the identified borrowing or other financing.
Paragraph (d): Amount included where all of the following are met:
- The amount is received or receivable (other than as a dividend) or is a gain.
- The amount is included in computing the taxpayer’s income for the year.
- The amount arises under, or as a result of, an agreement or arrangement.
- The agreement or arrangement is entered into as, or in relation to, an identified loan or other financing.
- The identified loan or other financing is owed to, or provided by, the taxpayer or a non-arm’s length person or partnership.
- The amount can reasonably be considered to increase, in whole or in part, the return in respect of the identified loan or other financing, including as a result of any hedge of the return or of the identified loan or other financing.
Variable B Paragraph (a): Amount included where all of the following are met:
- The amount is received or receivable (other than as a dividend or as “exempt interest and financing expenses” as defined in subsection 18.2(1)) in a year or is a gain for a year.
- The amount is included in computing the taxpayer’s income for the year.
- The amount arises under, or as a result of, an agreement or arrangement.
- The agreement or arrangement is entered into as, or in relation to, an identified borrowing or other financing of the taxpayer or a non-arm’s length person or partnership.
- The amount can reasonably be considered to reduce, in whole or in part, the cost of funding in respect of the identified borrowing or other financing.
- The amount cannot reasonably be considered to be excluded, reduced, offset, or otherwise effectively sheltered by virtue of a credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes. (other than foreign withholding taxes).
Paragraph (a): Amount included where all of the following are met:
- The amount is paid or payable in a year or is a loss for a year.
- The amount is deductible in computing the taxpayer’s income for the year or, in the case of a capital loss, reduces the amount determined under paragraph 3(b) for the year.
- The amount arises under, or as a result of, an agreement or arrangement.
- The agreement or arrangement is entered into as, or in relation to, an identified loan or other financing owing to or provided by the taxpayer or a non-arm’s length person or partnership
- The amount can reasonably be considered to reduce, in whole or in part, the return in respect of the identified loan or other financing Footnote 1.
- The amount cannot reasonably be considered to be excluded, reduced, offset, or otherwise effectively sheltered by virtue of a credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes. (other than foreign withholding taxes)Footnote 2.
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IFE - Application of Cost of Funding Requirements
In computing IFE, the Cost of Funding Requirements are applied from the perspective of the taxpayer incurring the cost of funding. Where those requirements are satisfied, amounts paid or payable (or losses, whether on income or capital account) are included under paragraph (e) of variable A of the definition of IFE.
Any inclusions in variable A of the definition of IFE (including under paragraph (e)) are offset by reductions under variable B (including paragraph (a)) of that definition. As a result, amounts received or receivable (or gains whether on income of capital account) that satisfy the Cost of Funding Requirements reduce IFE through their inclusion under paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE.
The netting of amounts under paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE is intended to reflect the real economic cost of funding deductible for a particular tax year in respect of all borrowings and other financings, where each such borrowing or other financing is specifically linked to the procurement of funding by the taxpayer (or a non arm’s length person or partnership) for use in its business or to fund an investment activity intended to earn income.
Meaning of “cost of funding”
The phrase “cost of funding” is used in paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFE definition. Although the phrase is not defined or previously used outside the EIFEL provisions in the Act, the explanatory notes suggest that it contemplates any amount that can reasonably be considered compensation for the time value of money.
Where the effect of an agreement or arrangement is to fund a business or investment, the combined cash flows must, from an economic perspective, include an amount that can reasonably be considered to be in respect of compensation for the use of the cash, cash equivalents or securities that constitute the funding.
In this regard, the explanatory notes suggest that the Cost of Funding Requirements are intended to capture in IFE certain amounts that can reasonably be considered to be part of the cost of funding with respect to a borrowing or other financing, but that are not otherwise included under another paragraph of the IFE definition (for example, an amount that is legally considered interest and included under paragraph (a) of variable A of the IFE definition).
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IFR – Application of Return on Funding Requirements
In computing IFR, the Return on Funding Requirements are applied from the perspective of the taxpayer expecting the return in respect of a loan or other financing. Where those requirements are satisfied, amounts received or receivable (or gains, whether on capital or income account) are included under paragraph (d) of variable A of the definition of IFR.
Any inclusions in variable A of the definition of IFR (including under paragraph (d)) are offset by reductions under variable B (including paragraph (a)) of that definition. Accordingly, amounts paid or payable (or losses, whether on income or capital account) that meet the Return on Funding Requirements reduce IFR under paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR.
The netting of amounts under paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR is intended to reflect the real economic return included in income in a particular tax year in respect of all loans or other financings, where each such loan or other financing is specifically linked to the provision of funding by the taxpayer (or a non arm’s length person or partnership) to another person as part of its business or an investment activity intended to earn income.
Meaning of “return”
Paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFR definition refer to the return realised by the taxpayer or non-arm’s length person or partnership in respect of a loan or other financing.
The word “return” draws its meaning from the requirement that there be a recompense, reward or compensation in respect of a loan or other financing owing to, or provided by, the taxpayer or a non arm’s length party. It is commonly understood to mean the yield or profit generated from such a loan or other financing.
The explanatory notes describe amounts included in IFR under this rule as the converse of amounts included in IFE under the Cost of Funding Requirements. As such, the provision of financing or capital is also fundamental to the underlying purpose of the Return on Funding Requirements.
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Application of the terms “borrowing”, “loan”, and “other financing” in determining inclusion
As set out above, both the Cost of Funding Requirements and the Return on Funding Requirements apply only where amounts arise under, or as a result of, an agreement or arrangement entered into as, or in relation to, an identified borrowing or other financing (for purposes of IFE) or an identified loan or other financing (for purposes of IFR).
To the extent appropriate, the comments below regarding the meaning of “borrowing or other financing” may also bear on the interpretation of that phrase in the definition of “exempt interest and financing expenses” in subsection 18.2(1).
The terms “borrowing” and “loan” refer to a subcategory of debt arrangements generally described as a lender-borrower relationship. While the Act does not define these terms, Canadian courts have generally adopted the view that a lender-borrower relationship exists where one party delivers a sum of money to another pursuant to an agreement, whether express or implied, under which the amount delivered will be paid or repaid by the recipient, with or without interest.
The term “other financing” refers to agreements or arrangements under which funding, linked to a distinct source, is obtained or provided otherwise than through a borrowing or loan. Although the term is not defined in the Act, in its ordinary meaning, “financing” refers to the process of obtaining or providing funds or capital for an investment or business purpose. This position is supported by other provisions in the Act that use the term “financing” in a similar sense, namely, as the provision of funding to, or other capitalization of, a business (for example, paragraph (k) of the definition “forgiven amount” in subsection 80(1), and the definitions of “income bond”, “specified member” and paragraph (e) of “term preferred share” in subsection 248(1)).
For purposes of applying both the Cost of Funding Requirements and the Return on Funding Requirements, the CRA intends to administer the term “other financing” in the definitions of IFE and IFR using a textual, contextual, and purposive approach, including having regard to the economic substance of the relevant agreement or arrangement. In particular, “other financing” will generally apply to agreements or arrangements that, in economic terms, involve the procurement or provision of cash, cash equivalents, or other securities, and where one party provides capital, or its economic equivalent, to another party for present use in exchange for a return that compensates for the time value of money, risk and the deployment of capital, regardless of legal form. Importantly, this administrative approach will likewise be applied in circumstances where agreements or arrangements, notwithstanding their legal form, do not, in economic terms, involve the procurement or provision of cash, cash equivalents, or other securities, and where there is no intention for one party to provide capital, or its economic equivalent, to another party for present use in exchange for a return compensating for time, risk and the deployment of capital.
An amount paid or payable, or received or receivable, as well as any gain realised or loss incurred (whether on income or capital account), under or as a result of an agreement or an arrangement that constitutes an “other financing” must also satisfy all other applicable Cost of Funding Requirements or Return on Funding Requirements. This includes, in particular, the requirement that the amount be deductible or included in income in the particular tax year, and that it reasonably affects the cost of funding or the return in respect of the other financing.
Whether an agreement or arrangement constitutes a borrowing, loan, or other financing depends on an analysis of all relevant facts, including the parties’ intent and the substance of the agreement or arrangement. Accordingly, its characterization may differ for different parties to an agreement or arrangement.
Example 1 – other financing - factoring
The following example illustrates the application of these principles in the context of a factoring agreement.
Facts:
- Canco is a Canadian-resident corporation that sells inventory to customers on credit, thereby generating accounts receivable (A/R).
- To finance its business and convert those A/R into cash, Canco enters into a factoring agreement with FactorCo, another Canadian resident corporation that acquires A/R from various businesses in the ordinary course of its operations.
- Under the factoring agreement, FactorCo regularly purchases Canco’s outstanding A/R at a 10% discount to their face value. As a result, Canco is assured of receiving 90% of the amounts owed by its customers.
- The A/R is sold without recourse:
- Canco provides no guarantees as to collectability.
- Canco is not required to repurchase any uncollectible A/R.
- The discount reflects FactorCo’s expected business profit and its experience with collection delays and bad debts and is not based solely on the time value of money.
- Customers may be required to pay interest to FactorCo in the event of an overdue payment.
- FactorCo notifies Canco’s customers that it has acquired the A/R and that payment must be made directly to FactorCo.
Analysis:
From Canco’s perspective
Amounts received (receivable) by Canco under the factoring agreement would generally not constitute interest. Accordingly, such amounts are not included under paragraph (a) of variable A of the definition of IFR.
Canco’s purpose in entering into the factoring agreement is to monetise its A/R, eliminate collection risk and delays, and obtain cash up front to finance its business operations. The factoring agreement does not constitute a “borrowing” (as it involves the sale of an asset); however, it does constitute an “other financing” entered into by Canco to fund its business. As a result, the agreement must be analyzed to determine the impact on Canco’s cost of funding:
- The loss incurred by Canco on the sale of the A/R (i.e., the 10% discount) is deductible and otherwise meets the Cost of Funding Requirements. Accordingly, the discount should be included in computing Canco’s IFE under paragraph (e) of variable A of the definition of IFE.
- The proceeds received or receivable by Canco under the factoring agreement represent proceeds of disposition of trade receivables, and the income that gives rise to those receivables is included in computing Canco’s income when the related inventory is sold. Accordingly, they cannot reasonably be considered to “adjust” Canco’s cost of funding with respect to an agreement or arrangement that is a borrowing or other financing and, therefore, are not included in Canco’s IFE under either paragraph (e) of variable A or paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE.
From FactorCo’s perspective
Given the nature of FactorCo’s business and the fact that it has acquired the A/R from Canco without recourse, the transaction constitutes, from FactorCo’s perspective, a purchase of trade receivables. It is not, from FactorCo’s perspective, a provision of capital by FactorCo to Canco for Canco’s present use in exchange for a return that compensates for time, risk, and the deployment of capital, nor does it involve an expectation of repayment at some future date. Accordingly, the factoring agreement does not constitute “other financing” from FactorCo’s perspective.
Amounts paid by FactorCo for the A/R constitute costs incurred to earn income from its ordinary business operations. The underlying arrangements are trade receivables and their acquisition by FactorCo should not alter their character. Gains or losses derived from the collection of the trade receivables should therefore be reported by FactorCo as income from its business. Such gains or losses should not be included in computing FactorCo’s IFR under paragraph (d) of variable A or paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR.
Since the factoring agreement is not an “other financing” from FactorCo’s perspective, no amounts should be included in the computation of FactorCo’s IFE under paragraph (e) of variable A or paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE.
Amounts received by FactorCo from customers in settlement of any interest on the principal balances of the A/R would be included in the computation of FactorCo’s IFR under paragraph (a) of variable A.
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Table 2 – Examples of amounts included and excluded under paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFE definition and paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the IFR definition
These examples are illustrative only and not exhaustive. Actual inclusion of an amount as a component of the provisions will depend on the facts and circumstances of that amount and of the particular taxpayer.
Amounts included in the computation of IFE and IFR
- A gain or loss (whether on income or capital account) on a borrowing, loan or other financing, including a foreign currency gain or loss realized on the repayment of a foreign-currency denominated borrowing or other financing.
- An amount paid or payable or received or receivable by one or both counterparties to a derivative contract, that can reasonably be considered, having regard to the circumstances, to include a material financing or funding component. This may include situations where mismatched payment or delivery terms give rise, in economic terms, to an “other financing” provided by or to one or both parties during all or part of the term of the contract (see below for further discussion).
- An amount paid or payable, or received or receivable, in respect of a derivative contract that is not itself a “borrowing”, “loan”, or “other financing” (including any gain or loss realized on termination or settlement of the derivative contract) where the derivative contract hedges an identified borrowing, loan, or other financing, and therefore can reasonably be considered, from an economic perspective, to form part of the cost of funding on the underlying borrowing or other financing or the return, in respect of the underlying loan or other financing.
Amounts excluded in the computation of IFE and IFR
- A gain or loss, whether on income or capital account, arising under or, on the settlement of, a foreign-currency denominated supply invoice for management fees, royalty payments, or other expenses related to day to day business operations, including expenses for components of cost of goods sold, payroll, travel, entertainment, and other head-office costs, as well as reimbursement of such costs.
- A gain or loss, whether on income or capital account, arising as a result of market payment terms for trade receivables or trade payables, including a foreign currency gain or loss on a foreign-currency denominated trade receivable or payable.
- An amount paid or payable, or received or receivable, under a lease that is not an LFA.
- A gain or a loss, whether on income or capital account, arising from market price fluctuations under a commodity trading contract.
- An amount paid or payable, or received or receivable, in respect of a derivative contract that hedges the value of a taxpayer’s equity investment or the foreign-currency-denominated profits of one or more subsidiaries whose shares are held by the taxpayer participating in the derivative.
- An amount paid or payable, or received or receivable, in respect of a derivative contract that is not itself a “borrowing”, “loan”, or “other financing” (including any gain or loss realized on termination or settlement of such a derivative contract) where the derivative contract is considered to be speculative or not linked to an identified borrowing or other financing or loan or other financing, and therefore cannot reasonably be considered, from an economic perspective, to form part of the cost of funding on the borrowing or other financing or the return in respect of the underlying loan or other financing.
Timing of inclusion of an amount in IFE or IFR
Determining timing of inclusion
An amount that is paid or payable by the taxpayer in a tax year, or that constitutes a loss for the tax year will affect the computation of IFE only to the extent that the amount is deductible in computing the taxpayer’s income for that year. A capital loss for a tax year will affect IFE only to the extent that it reduces the amount determined under paragraph 3(b) in respect of the taxpayer or is otherwise deductible in computing the taxpayer’s taxable income for that year.
Similarly, an amount that is received or receivable by the taxpayer in a tax year, or that constitutes a gain (whether on income or capital account) for the year, will affect the computation of IFR only to the extent that the amount is included in computing the taxpayer’s income for that tax year.
Example 2 – Timing - Subsection 10.1(1) election and EIFEL computation
The following example illustrates the application of these principles in the context of making a subsection 10.1(1) election.
Assume that ACo, a Canadian resident taxpayer that is not a financial institution, makes a valid election under subsection 10.1(1) in respect of each eligible derivative it holds in a tax year.
Paragraph 10.1(6)(a) deems the taxpayer to have disposed of the eligible derivative immediately before the end of the year and to have received proceeds or paid an amount, as the case may be, equal to its fair market value at the time of disposition.
As a result of this deemed disposition, ACo is treated as having received or paid an amount in the tax year in respect of each eligible derivative subject to the election.
For purposes of applying the EIFEL rules, the CRA will treat an amount that is deemed to be received or paid by a taxpayer under paragraph 10.1(6)(a) as an amount that may potentially adjust the computation of IFE or IFR in the tax year to which the election applies. However, the mere fact that an amount is deemed to be received or paid under paragraph 10.1(6)(a) does not, in and of itself, result in an adjustment to IFE or IFR. The character of the amount, its deductibility or income inclusion, and its linkage to an identified borrowing, loan, or other financing must be determined, to ensure that the amount will otherwise satisfy the Cost of Funding Requirements or Return on Funding Requirements.
Other considerations affecting the inclusion of an amount in IFE or IFR
Differences in IFE and IFR
While the elements of the definitions of IFE and IFR are generally analogous, differences between the application of the Cost of Funding Requirements and the Return on Funding Requirements may arise in certain circumstances since IFR and IFE computations are applied from the perspective of a taxpayer. In particular, where a transaction involves a single party on one side and multiple unrelated parties on the other, the amounts included in IFE of that party may differ from the amounts included in IFR of the counterparties.
By way of illustration, paragraph (e) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE permit a taxpayer entering into a borrowing or other financing to transact separately for various elements of that borrowing or other financing and to enter into one or more derivative contracts with different counterparties to hedge different portions of its risks. Provided the resulting amounts can all reasonably be considered to affect the taxpayer’s cost of funding in respect of the borrowing or other financing, they are included in computing the taxpayer’s IFE.
Paragraph (d) of variable A and paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR similarly permit a taxpayer providing a loan or other financing to enter into one or more derivative contracts with different counterparties to hedge the various risks associated with that transaction and to include in computing its IFR amounts received or receivable, amounts paid or payable, and gains and losses that increase or reduce its return in respect of the underlying loan or other financing.
In applying these provisions, the requirement that a derivative be connected to an underlying loan or other financing may, depending on the facts, limit the circumstances in which amounts arising to parties other than the provider of that loan or other financing are taken into account in computing IFR. In particular, only amounts received or receivable, amounts paid or payable, or gains or losses arising from an agreement or arrangement that can reasonably be considered to increase the return on an identified loan or other financing are included in the computation of IFR.
Certain derivative agreements may themselves constitute an “other financing”. Examples include certain monetisation or other finance-based derivative transactions that include a material financing or funding component, such as certain prepaid forward contracts, and securities lending agreements and sale and repurchase agreements, whether or not such agreements constitute “securities lending arrangements” for the purposes of section 260. In such cases, transfers of property for cash may occur in the course of the procurement of funding (in the case of IFE) or the provision of funding (in the case of IFR), on terms and conditions under which the payment or receipt can reasonably be considered to form part of the taxpayer’s cost of funding or return in respect of a loan or other financing.
Amounts arising from derivative contracts that do not have this character are, however, included in IFR only where they can reasonably be linked to, and affect the return on, an identified loan or other financing.
More generally, where an agreement or arrangement does not itself constitute a borrowing or other financing (for purposes of IFE), or a loan or other financing (for purposes of IFR), it must be sufficiently linked to an identified borrowing or other financing, or an identified loan or other financing, as applicable. In this context, the agreement or arrangement must be entered into for the purpose of eliminating or mitigating a relevant risk (such as currency, interest rate, or payment risk) associated with that borrowing or other financing or loan or other financing.
The required linkage would not, for example, typically exist in the case of traders entering into speculative derivative transactions in the ordinary course of a securities or derivatives trading business (such as cash settled or physically-settled swap agreements, forward rate agreements, futures, or options), where no connection can be established to a specifically identified underlying borrowing or other financing (for purposes of IFE) or to a specifically identified underlying loan or other financing (for purposes of IFR). In such circumstances, it would generally be unlikely that the speculative derivative constitutes an “other financing,” as the parties would not be procuring or providing funding in furtherance of a business or investment activity.
Example 3 – Differences - Hedge of a borrowing
The following example illustrates the application of these principles in the context of a derivative contract used to hedge a borrowing.
Facts:
- ACo is a Canadian resident corporation.
- ACo borrows funds from a Canadian financial institution (Bank).
- The Loan bears a floating rate of interest and is denominated in US Dollars.
- All payments of principal and interest are to be made in US Dollars by Aco to Bank.
- ACo enters into a derivative agreement with CCo to hedge its interest rate risk associated with the borrowing.
- CCo is a Canadian-resident corporation that is an arm’s length counterparty and is not related to ACo or Bank.
- Under the derivative agreement, ACo is expected to pay amounts to CCo.
- ACo’s stated purpose for the Loan (or from ACo’s perspective the “Borrowing”) is to fund the operating costs of its business.
- Aco does not hedge its currency exposure, as it has trade receivables in US Dollars that it intends to use to repay the borrowing.
- All entities report for Canadian tax purposes in Canadian currency.
Analysis:
From ACo’s perspective
ACo borrowed funds from the Bank and includes the Canadian-dollar equivalent of the interest paid or payable to Bank annually under paragraph (a) of variable A of the definition of IFE.
The derivative hedging arrangement entered into by ACo with CCo is sufficiently linked to ACo’s borrowing from Bank, as it was entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk associated with that borrowing. Although the derivative agreement with CCo is not itself a borrowing or other financing, it is an agreement or arrangement that affects the cost of funding of the borrowing by ACo. Accordingly, provided that the Cost of Funding Requirements are satisfied:
- amounts paid by ACo under the agreement between ACo and CCo increase ACo’s cost of funding in respect of its borrowing and are included in computing ACo’s IFE under paragraph (e) of variable A; and
- if, instead, CCo is required to pay amounts to ACo under the derivative agreement in a particular year, such amounts are included as a reduction to its cost of funding under paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE,
Provided the Cost of Funding Requirements are satisfied, any foreign exchange loss realized by ACo on repayment of the Loan is included in ACo’s IFE for the year under paragraph (e) of variable A of the definition of IFE, while any foreign exchange gain realized on repayment reduces IFE through its inclusion under paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFE.
Any foreign exchange gains or losses arising in respect of ACo’s trade receivables are considered to be adjustments to income from its ordinary business operations. As such, these amounts do not meet the Cost of Funding Requirements and are not included in computing Aco’s IFE under paragraph (e) of variable A or paragraph (a) of variable B.
From Bank’s perspective
Bank has provided a loan to ACo and includes the interest it receives from ACo under paragraph (a) of variable A of the definition of IFR.
If Bank hedges risks associated with the loan provided to ACo by entering into an agreement or arrangement with another financial institution, any amounts paid or payable, received or receivable, or any gains or losses arising under that hedging agreement or arrangement that increase or decrease Bank’s return in respect of the loan, would be reflected in computing Bank’s IFR under either paragraph (d) of variable A or paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR, as applicable, providing the Return on Funding Requirements are satisfied.
Provided the Return on Funding Requirements are met, any foreign exchange gain realized on repayment of the Loan is included in Bank’s IFR for the year under paragraph (d) of variable A, while any foreign exchange loss is included in Bank’s IFR for the year under paragraph (a) of variable B.
From CCo’s perspective
Amounts paid or payable, or received or receivable, by CCo under the derivative agreement do not generally constitute interest. Accordingly, such amounts are included in CCo’s IFR only if they otherwise satisfy the Return on Funding Requirements, which require that the derivative agreement be entered into by CCo as, or in relation to, a loan or other financing owed to or provided by CCo or a person or partnership not dealing at arm’s length with CCo.
Neither CCo nor any non-arm’s length person or partnership in respect of CCo has provided a loan or other financing to ACo or is owed such an amount by ACo. As a result, amounts received by CCo from ACo under the derivative agreement do not increase, in whole or in part, the return in respect of a loan or other financing owing to or provided by CCo or a non-arm’s length person or partnership. Accordingly, such amounts are not included in computing CCo’s IFR under paragraph (d) of variable A of the definition of IFR. Similarly, any amounts paid by CCo to ACo, under the derivative agreement would not be included in CCo’s IFR under paragraph (a) of variable B of the definition of IFR.
If CCo were to hedge its exposure under the derivative agreement with a further arm’s length counterparty, any amounts paid or payable, received or receivable, or any gains or losses arising under that additional derivative agreement would similarly not adjust CCo’s IFE or IFR, as neither arrangement would be linked to the procuring of a borrowing or other financing or the provision of a loan or other financing by CCo or a non arm’s length person or partnership.
Applying non-capital losses (NCLs) in the determination of adjusted taxable income (ATI)
The following information is relevant for taxpayers resident in Canada earning taxable income in Canada only. This information does not take into account amendments to the definition of ATI in Bill C-15 that apply to tax years after August 15, 2025.
ATI, defined in subsection 18.2(1), is a measure of a taxpayer’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) calculated based on tax, rather than accounting, concepts. It is determined by the formula:
A + B − C
Variable A is the positive or negative amount determined by the formula D − E.
- Variable D is generally the taxpayer’s taxable income for the year (determined without regard to subsection 18.2(2), paragraphs 12(1)(1.2) and 111(1)(a.1) and clause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)). Taxable income, as defined under subsections 2(2) and 248(1), includes the deductions from income claimed in respect of NCLs, capital losses and other amounts under section 111. Therefore, taxable income will be reduced if NCLs are carried forward or back from another tax year, subject to the add-backs in paragraphs (h) or (i) in variable B of the definition of ATI.
- Variable E is generally a taxpayer’s NCL for the year.
Variable B provides various add-backs that effectively reverse the impact of certain deductions on the taxpayer’s ATI. This commentary and the examples below focus on the add-backs contained in paragraphs (a), (h), and (i).
- Paragraph (a) adds back IFE for the year.
- Paragraph (h) adds back a NCL (other than a specified pre-regime loss as defined in subsection 18.2(1)) that is deducted under paragraph 111(1)(a) to the extent the NCL is attributable to deductions in respect of IFE, RIFE and other amounts in paragraphs (b) to (g) or (j) to (m) of variable B for the taxpayer’s loss year. This add-back is reduced, by any amounts described in paragraphs (a) to (f), (h) or (j) of variable C of the definition of ATI, and any inclusion in the taxpayer’s income under paragraph 12(1)(l.2) for the loss year.
- Paragraph (i) adds back 25% of a NCL from a tax year ending before February 4, 2022, if an election has been filed to treat the NCL as a “specified pre-regime loss” as defined in subsection 18.2(1). If this election is made, the add-back in paragraph (i) applies instead of the add-back in paragraph (h) in respect of the specified pre-regime loss.
Variable C is made up of various deductions that effectively reverse income inclusions for several amounts that are included in computing a taxpayer’s taxable income.
ATI, once determined, is a component in Variable B of the EIFEL formula in subsection 18.2(2). This subsection limits the deductibility of IFE to the extent of the proportion determined by the formula:
(A − (B + C + D + E)) ∕ F
- Variable A is the taxpayer’s IFE for the year.
- Variable B is the taxpayer’s ratio of permissible expenses for the year multiplied by the taxpayer’s ATI (unless the taxpayer made an election under subsection 18.21(2)). The ratio of permissible expenses is 30% on or after January 1, 2024 (and 40% for the period that begins on or after October 1, 2023 and ends before January 1, 2024).
- Variable C is the taxpayer’s IFR for the year.
- Variable D is the amount by which the received capacity of the taxpayer for the year exceeds the total amount deductible under paragraph 111(1)(a.1) for the year.
- Variable E is the taxpayer’s absorbed capacity for the year; and
- Variable F is generally the amounts that increase a taxpayer’s IFE under variable A of the definition of IFE.
If the result of this formula is positive, a portion of IFE will be non-deductible and a taxpayer will have to carry forward or back additional NCLs, following the application of the EIFEL rules, if they want to bring taxable income down to nil to shelter the income resulting from the application of subsection 18.2(2).
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Example 1 – Application of NCLs to the computation of ATI where no specified pre-regime loss election is made
Facts
- Canco has IFE of $500 in the 2024 tax year.
- Canco has no IFR, absorbed capacity or received capacity in the 2024 tax year.
- Canco had IFE of $500 in the 2021 tax year.
- Canco has no amounts in paragraphs (b) to (g) or (j) to (m) of variable B of the definition of ATI in the 2021 tax year.
- Canco has no amounts in paragraphs (a) to (f), (h) or (j) of variable C of the definition of ATI in the 2021 tax year.
- Canco has $2,000 of NCLs attributable to the 2021 tax year.
- Canco has net income of $1,000 for tax purposes in the 2024 tax year.
Analysis
Computation of ATI
ATI is determined by the formula, A + B − C
Variable A:
- Canco’s taxable income before the application of the EIFEL rules is nil in the 2024 tax year since Canco will reduce its net income of $1,000 by $1,000 in NCLs under paragraph 111(1)(a).
- Thus, variable A of the definition of ATI is nil.
Variable B:
- Paragraph (a) is Canco’s IFE for the year which equals $500.
- Paragraph (h) is the amount determined by the formula I x J / K, where
- Variable I is the amount of NCLs (other than a specified pre-regime loss) deducted for the year under paragraph 111(1)(a) in respect of another tax year (the “taxpayer loss year”). In this example, variable I equals $1,000 (NCLs deducted under paragraph 111(1)(a) in the 2024 tax year).
- Variable K is the NCLs for the taxpayer loss year in which the loss arose. In this example, variable K is $2,000 (NCLs attributable to the 2021 tax year).
- Variable J equals the lesser of NCLs for the taxpayer loss year ($2,000 in this example) and the amount determined by the formula W − X − Y.
- Variable W is the total of all amounts in the taxpayer loss year that are IFE (without regard to any amount that is not deductible because of subsection 18.2(2)), described in paragraphs (b) to (g) or (j) to (m) of variable B of the definition of ATI for the loss year, or deducted under paragraph 111(1)(a.1). In this example, variable W equals $500 (Canco’s IFE for the 2021 loss year).
- Variable X is the total of all amounts in the taxpayer loss year that are described in paragraphs (a) to (f), (h) or (j) of variable C of the definition of ATI or included in the income of the taxpayer under paragraph 12(1)(l.2). Variable X is nil for the 2021 loss year.
- Variable Y relates to the amounts in respect of controlled foreign affiliates that are beyond the scope of this guidance. Variable Y is nil for the 2021 loss year.
- W − X − Y is $500 thus variable J equals $500 (the lesser of $2,000 and $500).
- Paragraph (h) of variable B equals $1,000 × $500 ∕ $2,000 = $250.
- Thus, variable B of the definition of ATI equals $750 ($500 of IFE in paragraph (a) plus $250 in paragraph (h)).
Variable C:
- None of the deductions in variable C apply in this example. Variable C is nil.
Thus ATI is $750 ( A + B − C = $0 + $750 − $0).
Computation of the non-deductible portion of IFE under subsection 18.2(2)
The formula under subsection 18.2(2) is: (A − (B + C + D + E)) ∕ F
Variables A and F are $500.
Variable B is $225 (Canco’s ratio of permissible expenses of 30% multiplied by $750 of ATI).
Variables C, D and E are nil.
The portion of non-deductible IFE under subsection 18.2(2) = (A − (B + C + D + E)) / F = ($500 − ($225 + $0 + $0 + $0)) ∕ $500 = $275 ∕ $500 = 0.55 or 55%.
Thus, IFE of $275 (55% × $500) is non-deductible in the year under the EIFEL rules.
After the application of the EIFEL rules, Canco’s taxable income is $275 in the 2024 tax year. As noted above, if Canco chooses to reduce its taxable income to nil and shelter the $275, it will need to carry forward additional NCLs.
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Example 2 – Application of NCLs to the computation of ATI where a specified pre-regime loss election is made under paragraph (i) of variable B of the ATI definition
Facts
- Canco has IFE of $500 for the 2024 tax year.
- Canco has no IFR, absorbed capacity or received capacity in the 2024 tax year.
- Canco has $2,000 of NCLs attributable to tax years ending before February 4, 2022.
- Canco has net income of $1,000 for tax purposes in the 2024 tax year.
- Canco will elect to apply the 25% add-back in respect of NCLs.
Analysis
Computation of ATI
ATI is determined by the formula, A + B − C
Variable A:
- Canco’s taxable income before the application of the EIFEL rules will be nil in the 2024 tax year since Canco will reduce its net income of $1,000 by $1,000 in NCLs under paragraph 111(1)(a).
- Thus, variable A of the definition of ATI is nil.
Variable B:
- Paragraph (a) is Canco’s IFE for the year which equals $500.
- Paragraph (i) is 25% of Canco’s pre-regime losses for the year which equals $250 (25% × $1,000).
- Thus, variable B of the definition of ATI equals $750 ($500 of IFE plus $250 (25% pre-regime losses)).
Variable C:
- None of the deductions in variable C apply in this example. Variable C is nil.
Thus, ATI is $750 ( A + B − C = $0 + $750 − $0).
Computation of the non-deductible portion of IFE under subsection 18.2(2)
The formula under subsection 18.2(2) is: (A − (B + C + D + E)) ∕ F
Variables A and F are $500.
Variable B is $225 (Canco’s ratio of permissible expenses of 30% multiplied by $750 of ATI).
Variables C, D and E are nil.
The portion of non-deductible IFE under subsection 18.2(2) = (A − (B + C + D + E)) ∕ F = ($500 − ($225 + $0 + $0 + $0)) ∕ $500 = $275 ∕ $500 = 0.55 or 55%.
Thus, IFE of $275 (55% x $500) is non-deductible in the year under the EIFEL rules.
After the application of the EIFEL rules, Canco’s taxable income is $275 in the 2024 tax year. As noted above, if Canco wants to reduce its taxable income to nil and shelter the $275, it will need to carry forward additional NCLs.
Whether the application of paragraph (h) or (i) of variable B of the definition of ATI would yield the same or different ATI and the non-deductible portion of IFE for the year depends on the facts and circumstances of each taxpayer and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Excluded entities
There is some uncertainty on the application of the EIFEL rules in circumstances where a taxpayer, categorized as an excluded entity in prior years, no longer qualifies as an excluded entity in the particular year. For further clarification on the application of the EIFEL rules in such fact-specific situations, consult the Income Tax Ruling Directorate.
Incorporating relevant amounts from a T5013 slip, Statement of Partnership Income
If a taxpayer is a member of a partnership and requires instructions on how to incorporate the relevant amounts from a T5013 slip when completing Schedule 130, refer to: T5013-INST Statement of Partnership Income - Instructions for recipient.
If a partnership receives a T5013 slip that includes an amount relevant to determining the EIFEL under subsection 18.2(2), it must provide a letter to its corporate or trust members informing them of their share of each such amount. For a list of the relevant T5013 slip box numbers, refer to: T5013-INST Statement of Partnership Income - Instructions for recipient.
Failure to file and late filing of Form T2SCH130, Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation or Form T3SCH130, Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation
Subsection 18.2(18) requires a taxpayer that is subject to the EIFEL rules to file Schedule 130 to determine the deductibility of their IFE and to determine their exempt IFE. The CRA has, under subsection 220(2.1), waived this requirement for taxpayers that meet certain conditions in a tax year. For information on these conditions, refer to Excessive interest and financing expenses limitation rules.
If a taxpayer does not file Schedule 130 with its corporation income tax return or trust income tax and information return for a relevant tax year, it will be considered a failure to provide the prescribed information required under subsection 18.2(18). Accordingly, under paragraph 152(4)(b.8), the commencement of the normal reassessment period will be delayed until Schedule 130 is fully completed and submitted.
Although there is no specific penalty for failing to file Schedule 130 or for filing it late, a general penalty, under paragraph 162(7)(b) may apply. The general penalty for failing to comply is $25 per day for up to 100 days (minimum $100 and maximum $2,500).
Errors and omissions on Schedule 130
Schedule 130 should generally be refiled if errors or omissions are discovered after filing. If it is not refiled, paragraph 152(4)(b.8) may apply to delay the commencement of the normal reassessment period until the errors or omissions are corrected.
Requesting a reassessment of a tax return when the EIFEL rules apply
A taxpayer can ask the CRA to reassess its corporation income tax return or trust income tax and information return under certain conditions, for example, to apply a loss to a previous year, correct an error, or include a late-filed election. If the request results in a change to the taxable income or NCL for the year, it will also affect the EIFEL calculations. This means that, in addition to any other applicable schedules, a revised Schedule 130 will need to be submitted with the reassessment request.
For corporations requesting a loss carryback
To carry back a loss to a prior year, a corporation usually submits a request on Form T2SCH4, Corporation Loss Continuity and Application, for the year the loss occurred (the “loss year”).
If the prior year’s corporation tax return included Form T2SCH130, the corporation must also submit, for that prior year:
- a revised Form T2SCH1, Net Income (Loss) for Income Tax Purposes
- a revised Form T2SCH130
These revised schedules should be submitted with the return for the loss year.
Sometimes, carrying back a loss will mean the corporation now needs to submit Form T2SCH130 for a prior year, even if that form was not required when that prior year’s return was originally filed. For example, if a capital loss that is carried back increases IFE in the prior year, a corporation that previously was an excluded entity under paragraph (b) of the excluded entity definition in subsection 18.2(1) may no longer qualify. In such a case, the corporation must submit, with the return for the loss year:
- an original Form T2SCH130 for the prior year
- a revised Form T2SCH1 for the prior year
- a revised return for the prior year
For a trust requesting a loss carryback
To carry back a NCL to a prior year, a trust must file Form T3A, Request for Loss Carryback by a Trust on or before the due date of the trust’s income tax and information return for the loss year.
Where applicable, a trust may need to file Form T3-ADJ, T3 Adjustment Request. If the prior year’s return had Form T3SCH130, the trust must also submit for that prior year a revised Form T3SCH130.
Sometimes, carrying back a loss may mean a trust now needs to submit Form T3SCH130 for a prior year, even if that form was not required when that prior year’s return was originally filed. For example, if a capital loss that is carried back increases the IFE in the prior year, a trust that previously was an excluded entity under paragraph (b) of the definition of an excluded entity in subsection 18.2(1) may no longer qualify. In such a case, the trust must submit, with the return for the loss year:
- an original Form T3SCH130 for the prior year
- Form T3A
- where applicable, Form T3-ADJ with supporting documents for the changes
Keeping records
Corporations, trusts and partnerships are required to keep records of detailed calculations supporting all amounts reported on the Schedule 130 forms and election forms.
For more information on the responsibilities and requirements associated with keeping records, refer to: Keeping records.
Instructions for Form T2SCH130 Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation
Part 1C — Information on borrowings and other financings and related derivatives
Column 2: Report the greatest total amount of borrowing or other financing outstanding at any time in the tax year.
In the case of a public offering or a syndicated financing (other than a private placement), report an estimated breakdown of the amounts between Canadian arm’s length and non-resident arm’s length parties.
Column 3: Report the greatest total of the notional amount of derivatives entered in respect of a borrowing or other financing outstanding at any time in the tax year.
Columns 2 and 3: For additional clarification, the term “borrowing or other financing” refers to any borrowing or other financing of the corporation, including a borrowing or other financing that is non-interest bearing and one that is the subject of an election under the definition of excluded interest in subsection 18.2(1). For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “borrowing or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses.
Columns 4, 5 and 6: The CRA will accept when reporting for tax years ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Part 1D — Information on loans and other financings and related derivatives
Column 2: Report the greatest total amount of loans or other financings owing to or provided by the corporation at any time in the tax year.
Column 3: Report the greatest total of the notional amount of derivatives entered in respect of loans or other financings owing to or provided by the corporation at any time in the tax year.
Columns 2 and 3: For additional clarification, the term “loans or other financings” refers to any loan or other financing owing to or provided by the corporation, including loans or other financings that are non-interest bearing and ones that are the subject of an election under the definition of excluded interest in subsection 18.2(1). For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “loan or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses above.
Columns 4 and 5: The CRA will accept when reporting for tax years ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Part 2B — Capitalized IFE in the cost of depreciable assets
Column 3: Report the net adjustment to the IFE in the undepreciated capital cost of the class of assets as a result of the following:
- Acquisitions
- Adjustments
- Transfers
- Dispositions
This amount can be positive or negative, depending on whether the net adjustment results in an increase in the IFE in the capital cost of the class of assets (positive amount) or a decrease in the IFE in capital cost of the class of assets (negative amount).
Column 4: For additional clarification, adjust column 2 “IFE in undepreciated capital cost (UCC) at the beginning of the year” by the amount reported in column 3 and report the result in column 4. Add a positive amount in column 3 to the amount reported in column 2. A negative amount in column 3 will reduce the amount reported in column 2.
Part 2C — IFE included in resource deductions
Column 4: For additional clarification, adjust column 2 “IFE in the opening balance” by the amount reported in column 3 and report the result in column 4. Add a positive amount in column 3 to the amount reported in column 2. A negative amount in column 3 will reduce the amount reported in column 2.
Part 2F – Adjusted taxable income (ATI) (New)
Bill C-15 received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. As a result, the following changes apply:
Variable E in the definition of ATI has been amended to include new paragraph (a.1) for tax years ending after August 15, 2025. Form T2SCH130 is being updated to reflect this change. Until the revised form is available, amounts related to paragraph (a.1) should be reported on line 080 of Form T2SCH130.
This includes amounts claimed under paragraph 111(1)(a) for the year, to the extent that they do not reduce the corporation’s taxable income for the year, as determined without regard to subsection 18.2(2), paragraphs 12(1)(l.2) and 111(1)(a.1), and clause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D).
Line 094 — Variable B of ATI
As a result of an amendment to paragraph (l) of variable B in the definition of ATI, deemed to have come into force on April 16, 2024, the narrative for line 094 of Form T2SCH130 should now be read as follows: An amount deducted under subsection 127(5) or (6), 127.44(3), 127.45(6), 127.48(3), 127.49(6) or 127.491(10) in respect of a property acquired in a preceding tax year in computing the corporation’s tax payable for a preceding tax year to the extent that it: (i) is included in an amount determined under paragraph 13(7.1)(e), or subparagraphs 53(2)(c)(vi) to (vi.5) or (h)(ii), or for variable I in the definition "undepreciated capital cost" in subsection 13(21), and (ii) was not included in computing the corporation's income for the year or a preceding tax year, and under paragraph (l) of variable B of the definition of ATI in calculating the corporation's ATI for a preceding tax year.
Form T2SCH130 will be updated in a future version to reflect this change.
Part 2I — Cumulative Unused Excess Capacity (CUEC)
Amalgamations: When there has been an amalgamation of two or more corporations (referred to as a “new corporation” and the “predecessor corporations”) under subsection 87(1), report on lines 122, 123, and 124, the total of the amounts of the predecessor corporations for each of the preceding years pursuant to paragraph 87(2.1)(a.1).
Wind-ups: If a subsidiary has been wound up in circumstances described in subsection 88(1.1), report on lines 122, 123, and 124, the aggregate of the amounts of both the parent and the subsidiary corporation for each of the preceding years pursuant to subsection 88(1.11).
If there is an amalgamation, windup, or loss restriction event, the amounts reported on lines 122, 123, and 124 in the current tax year might not match what was reported in previous years. In such cases, the CRA will not automatically make adjustments but may contact the corporation to confirm that the amounts are correct. Known errors in CUEC calculations from prior years should be corrected by submitting an amended Form T2SCH130 for the affected years.
Amounts allocated on Form T2224 Transitional Election Under the Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation Rules:
If the corporation or any of its eligible pre-regime group entities (as defined in subsection 7(2) of Bill C-59) have a ratio of permissible expenses of 40% in the first tax year in which the rules apply, report the amount of group net excess capacity allocated in part 2, section 4 of Form T2224 in Part 2I as follows:
- Report the amount on line 271 of Form T2224 in row 3 of line 122 of Part 2I
- Report the amount on line 272 of Form T2224 in row 2 of line 122 of Part 2I
- Report the amount on line 273 of Form T2224 in row 1 of line 122 of Part 2I
The amounts allocated in part 2, section 5 of Form T2224 are used when completing Part 2I in the two tax years following the first tax year in which the rules apply.
If the corporation and all of its eligible pre-regime group entities have a ratio of permissible expenses of 30% in the first tax year in which the rules apply, report the amount of group net excess capacity allocated in part 3, section 4 of Form T2224 as follows:
- Report the amount on line 371 of Form T2224 in row 3 of line 122 of Part 2l
- Report the amount on line 372 of Form T2224 in row 2 of line 122 of Part 2l
- Report the amount on line 373 of Form T2224 in row 1 of line 122 of Part 2l
Part 2M — Amounts determined under clause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)
Part 2M of Form T2SCH130 must be completed when a controlled foreign affiliate is held directly or indirectly by a corporation. If the affiliate is held through a partnership, then paragraph 12(1)(l.2) applies and Part 2N of Form T2SCH130 should be completed instead.
The first table in Part 2M is used to calculate how much of a controlled foreign affiliate’s relevant affiliate interest and financing expenses (RAIFE) are denied under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I).
RAIFE is defined in subsection 18.2(1) and generally includes the affiliate’s interest and other financing-related expenses described in variable A of the definition of IFE, excluding amounts in paragraph (j), less the amounts described in variable B of that definition.
However, subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I) only applies to amounts that are deductible when determining the income or loss of a controlled foreign affiliate from property, non-active business, and non-qualifying business under subparagraph 95(2)(f)(ii). The amounts described in variable B of the definition of IFE are not deductible under subparagraph 95(2)(f)(ii). Therefore, subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I) does not apply to these amounts.
To determine the amount of RAIFE that is subject to denial under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I):
- Total the affiliate’s IFE described in variable A of the definition of IFE, excluding paragraph (j) amounts.
- Adjust to remove amounts described under paragraph (h) of variable A of the definition of IFE. Paragraph (h) amounts are instead subject to an income inclusion under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(II), which is determined separately in the second table in Part 2M.
- Report the result on line 145 in Part 2M and complete the rest of the table.
The narrative for line 145 of Form T2SCH130 will be updated to clarify that paragraphs (h) and (j) should be excluded when reporting this amount.
Instructions for Form T3SCH130, Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation
Part 1 — General Information
Information on borrowing and other financing and related derivatives:
Second column from the left: In the case of a public offering or a syndicated financing (other than a private placement), report an estimated breakdown of the amounts between Canadian arm’s length and non-resident arm’s length parties.
Second and third columns from the left: For additional clarification, the term “borrowing or other financing” used in the second and third columns refers to any borrowing or other financing of the trust, including a borrowing or other financing that is non-interest bearing. For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “borrowing or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses.
Fourth, fifth and sixth columns from the left: The CRA will accept when reporting for tax years ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Information on loans and other financing and related derivatives:
Second and third columns from the left: For additional clarification, the term “loans or other financing” used in the second and third columns refers to any loans or other financing owing to or provided by the trust, including loans or other financing that are non-interest bearing. For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “loan or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses.
Fourth and fifth columns from the left: The CRA will accept when reporting for tax years ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Part 2H — Cumulative unused excess capacity (CUEC)
Loss restriction events
If there is a loss restriction event, the amounts reported on lines A, B, and C of Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the current tax year might not match what had been reported in previous years. In such cases, the CRA will not automatically make adjustments but may contact the trust to confirm the amounts are correct. Known errors in CUEC calculations from prior years should be corrected by submitting an amended Form T3SCH130 for the affected years.
Amounts allocated on Form T2224, Transitional Election Under the Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation Rules:
If the trust or any of its eligible pre-regime group entities (as defined in subsection 7(2) of Bill C-59) have a ratio of permissible expenses of 40% in the first tax year in which the rules apply, report the amount of group net excess capacity the trust was allocated in part 2, section 4 of Form T2224 in Part 2H as follows:
- Report the amount on line 271 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “First previous year”
- Report the amount on line 272 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “Second previous year”
- Report the amount on line 273 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “Third previous year”
The amounts allocated in part 2, section 5 of Form T2224 are used when completing Part 2H in the two tax years following the first tax year in which the rules apply.
If the trust and all of its eligible pre-regime group entities have a ratio of permissible expenses of 30% in the first tax year in which the rules apply, report the amount of group net excess capacity the trust was allocated in part 3, section 4 of Form T2224 as follows:
- Report the amount on line 371 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “First previous year”
- Report the amount on line 372 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “Second previous year”
- Report the amount on line 373 of Form T2224 on the line for excess capacity in Part 2H of Form T3SCH130 in the column titled “Third previous year”
Part 2L — Amounts determined under clause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)
Part 2L of Form T3SCH130 must be completed when a controlled foreign affiliate is held directly or indirectly by a trust. If the affiliate is held through a partnership, then paragraph 12(1)(l.2) applies and Part 2M of Form T3SCH130 should be completed instead.
Table A in Part 2L is used to calculate how much of a controlled foreign affiliate’s relevant affiliate interest and financing expenses (RAIFE) are denied under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I).
RAIFE is defined in subsection 18.2(1) and generally includes the affiliate’s interest and other financing-related expenses described in variable A of the definition of IFE, excluding amounts in paragraph (j), less the amounts described in variable B of that definition.
However, subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I) only applies to amounts that are deductible when determining the income or loss of a controlled foreign affiliate from property, non-active business, and non-qualifying business under subparagraph 95(2)(f)(ii). The amounts described in variable B of the definition of IFE are not deductible under subparagraph 95(2)(f)(ii). Therefore, subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I) does not apply to these amounts.
To determine the amount of RAIFE that is subject to denial under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(I):
- Total the affiliate’s IFE described in variable A of the definition of IFE, excluding paragraph (j) amounts.
- Adjust to remove amounts described under paragraph (h) of variable A in the definition of IFE. Paragraph (h) amounts are instead subject to an income inclusion under subclause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D)(II), which is determined separately in Table B in Part 2L.
- Report the result in column A of Table A and complete the rest of the table.
Instructions for Form T5013SCH130, Partnership Interest and Financing Expenses and Interest and Financing Revenues
Part 1B — Information on borrowings, loans and other financings
Table for a partnership that has a borrowing or other financing:
Column 2:
- Report the greatest total amount of borrowing or other financing outstanding at any time in the fiscal period.
- In the case of a public offering or a syndicated financing (other than a private placement), report an estimated breakdown of the amounts between Canadian arm’s length and non-resident arm’s length parties.
Column 3: Report the greatest total of the notional amount of derivatives entered into in respect of a borrowing or other financing outstanding at any time in the fiscal period.
Columns 2 and 3: For additional clarification, the terms “amounts borrowed or other financing” in the second column and “borrowing or other financing” in the third column refer to any borrowing or other financing of the partnership, including a borrowing or other financing that is non-interest bearing as well as one that is the subject of an election under the definition of excluded interest in subsection 18.2(1). For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “borrowing or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses.
Columns 4, 5 and 6: The CRA will accept when reporting for fiscal periods ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Table for a partnership that has a loan or other financing:
Column 2: Report the greatest total amount of loans or other financings owing to or provided by the partnership at any time in the fiscal period.
Column 3: Report the greatest total of the notional amount of derivatives entered into in respect of loans or other financings owing to or provided by the partnership at any time in the fiscal period.
Columns 2 and 3: For additional clarification, the term “loans or other financings” used in these two columns refers to any loans or other financings owing to or provided by the partnership, including loans or other financings that are non-interest bearing as well as ones that are the subject of an election under the definition of excluded interest in subsection 18.2(1). For additional guidance on the meaning of the term “loan or other financing,” see guidance in Determining IFE, IFR and exempt interest and financing expenses.
Columns 4 and 5: The CRA will accept when reporting for fiscal periods ending in 2023 and 2024, an estimated breakdown of the information required.
Part 3 — Capitalized IFE in the cost of depreciable assets
Column 3: Report the net adjustment to the IFE in the undepreciated capital cost of the class of assets as a result of the following:
- Acquisitions
- Adjustments
- Transfers
- Dispositions
This amount can be positive or negative, depending on whether the net adjustment results in an increase in the IFE in the capital cost of the class of assets (positive amount) or a decrease in the IFE in capital cost of the class of assets (negative amount).
Column 4: For additional clarification, adjust column 2 “IFE in undepreciated capital cost (UCC) at the beginning of the fiscal period” by the amount reported in column 3 and report the result in column 4. Add a positive amount in column 3 to the amount reported in column 2. A negative amount in column 3 will reduce the amount reported in column 2.
Part 4 — Interest and financing revenues (IFR)
Line 141: For additional clarification, line 141 should be read as: Amounts included in amount A of Part 4 that are exempt from tax under part I of the Act.
Part 5 — Allocation to members of the partnership
When completing part 5 and filling out T5013 slips, do not allocate amounts to persons or partnerships that have been deemed to be members under subsection 18.2(12).
Instructions for election forms
Tax reporting currency and EIFEL elections
Several elections available under the EIFEL rules are required to be jointly filed with other taxpayers. In some circumstances, it may be required that certain amounts reported on the elections forms be converted to amounts expressed in a taxpayer’s tax reporting currency, as defined in subsection 261(1). For guidance on how amounts should be reported in these circumstances, refer to:
- Filing Form T2225 when Canadian group members have different tax reporting currencies or tax reporting currencies that are different from the presentation currency
- Filing Form T2226 when the transferor and transferee have different tax reporting currencies
- Filing Form T2227 when the payer and payee have different tax reporting currencies
Form T2224, Transitional Election Under the Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation Rules
Filing due date
An election under the EIFEL transitional rules should be filed by the filing due date of the group member with the earliest filing due date for the first regime year. However, the CRA will generally accept a late-filed election if reasonable efforts were made to determine all amounts relevant in making the election and the election is filed as soon as circumstances permit. For example, in a situation where each member of a pre-regime group of entities would otherwise have tax years ending on December 31, 2024, but the dissolution of a group member results in that member having a short first regime year, the CRA will generally accept an election filed by the due date for those tax years (for example, June 30, 2025, for corporate members). In all cases, the determination of eligible pre-regime group entity status must still be made at the time of the earliest filing due date of the group members for the first regime year.
A late-filed election will not be accepted in circumstances where:
- it is reasonable to conclude the request was made for retroactive tax planning purposes
- adequate records do not exist to support the election
- it is reasonable to conclude the taxpayer was negligent or careless in complying with the law
- in the opinion of the CRA, it would be inappropriate to accept the election.
Completing Form T2224
For the transitional rules to the legislation, refer to: subsection 7(2) of Bill C-59.
If the result of a calculation required in one of the columns is negative, the amount entered into the column should be “0”.
Although the transitional rules specify that the election is a joint election made by a taxpayer and its eligible pre-regime entities, the CRA will also accept this election when it is made by a taxpayer that is a standalone entity with no eligible pre-regime group entities. When making this election as a standalone entity, answer “No” to the question on line 020: Is the filer an eligible pre-regime group entity filing this election on behalf of one or more other taxpayers?
If an election is made under the transitional rules, the corporation or trust may also, for any of the three pre-regime years, file:
- Form T2225, Group Ratio Rules Election under subsection 18.21(2) and Fair Value Adjustments Election under subsection 18.21(4)
- Form T2228, Specified Pre-regime Loss Election under subsection 18.2(1)
For information on how to file these elections, go to: Form T2225, Group Ratio Rules Election Under Subsection 18.21(2) and Fair Value Adjustments Election Under Subsection 18.21(4) and Form T2228 , Specified Pre-regime Loss Election under Subsection 18.2(1).
For instructions on how to include the allocated group net excess capacity, determined in Form T2224, on the Schedule 130, refer to Part 2I of Instructions for Form T2SCH130 or Part 2H of Instructions for Form T3SCH130.
Determining group net excess capacity when a 40% ratio of permissible expenses applies in the first regime year
A 40% ratio of permissible expenses applies to tax years starting on or after October 1, 2023, and before January 1, 2024. If this ratio applies to the first tax year in which section 18.2 applies (the “first regime year”) to the taxpayer or any eligible pre-regime group entityFootnote 1 in respect of the taxpayer, two allocations of group net excess capacity (GNEC) are required when completing Form T2224.
Step 1: First allocation of GNEC
To complete the first allocation, the taxpayer will need to calculate and report the amounts on lines 212, 213, 232, 233, 252, and 253. These amounts are used to determine the GNEC for the purpose of determining CUEC for the first regime year of the taxpayer and each of its eligible pre-regime group entities (together the “pre-regime group”).
One key variable in these calculations is the ratio of permissible expenses in the first regime year, reported on lines 206, 226, and 246:
- If a pre-regime group member has a ratio of permissible expenses of 40%, then use that ratio in the calculations.
- If a pre-regime group member has a ratio of permissible expenses of 30%, then 30% should be used instead.
The GNEC calculation for the first regime year is completed on line 266.
Step 2: Second allocation of GNEC
To complete the second allocation, calculate and report the amounts on lines 214, 215, 234, 235, 254, and 255. These amounts are used to determine GNEC for the purpose of determining CUEC for the second and third regime tax years, which are the two years immediately following the first regime year.
Since a 30% ratio of permissible expenses applies to all members of the pre-regime group for these two years, use 30% when calculating the amounts for these lines.
The final GNEC calculation for these years is reported on line 286.
Example: Completing Part 2 of Form T2224
This example illustrates how to complete Part 2 of Form T2224, excluding the parts of sections 4 and 5 related to the allocation of GNEC. It has been simplified to include only the relevant lines.
Facts
The pre-regime group is made up of two corporations:
- Corp A’s first regime year is October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The ratio of permissible expenses for the year is 40%.
- Corp B’s first regime year is January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The ratio of permissible expenses for the year is 30%.
Steps
1) Determine excess capacity otherwise determined and excess interest for the first pre-regime year in Part 2, Section 1 of Form T2224.
| - | Amount required for the tax year when a 40% ratio of permissible expenses applies to at least one group member (1st regime year) |
Amount required for the tax years when a 30% ratio of permissible expenses applies (2nd and 3rd regime year) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | ATI | Ratio of permissible expenses |
IFR | IFE | Excess capacity otherwise determined | Excess interest | Excess capacity otherwise determined | Excess interest |
| 201 | 205 | 206 | 207 | 208 | 212 | 213 | 214 | 215 |
| Corp A | $1,000 | 40% | $150 | $1,000 | - | $450Footnote 2 | - | $550Footnote 3 |
| Corp B | $5,000 | 30% | $500 | $75 | $1,925Footnote 4 | - | $1,925Footnote 5 | - |
2) Determine excess capacity otherwise determined and excess interest for the second pre-regime year in Part 2, Section 2 of Form T2224.
| - | Amount required for the tax year when a 40% ratio of permissible expenses applies to at least one group member (1st regime year) |
Amount required for the tax years when a 30% ratio of permissible expenses applies (2nd and 3rd regime year) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | ATI | Ratio of permissible expenses | IFR | IFE | Excess capacity otherwise determined | Excess interest | Excess capacity otherwise determined | Excess interest |
| 221 | 225 | 226 | 227 | 228 | 232 | 233 | 234 | 235 |
| Corp A | $950 | 40% | $200 | - | $580Footnote 6 | - | $485Footnote 7 | - |
| Corp B | $3,000 | 30% | $350 | $125 | $1,125Footnote 8 | - | $1,125Footnote 9 | - |
3) Determine excess capacity otherwise determined and excess interest for the third pre-regime year in Part 2, Section 3 of Form T2224.
| - | Amount required for the tax year when a 40% ratio of permissible expenses applies to at least one group member (1st regime year) |
Amount required for the tax years when a 30% ratio of permissible expenses applies (2nd and 3rd regime year) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | ATI | Ratio of permissible expenses | IFR | IFE | Excess capacity otherwise determined |
Excess interest | Excess capacity otherwise determined | Excess interest |
| 241 | 245 | 246 | 247 | 248 | 252 | 253 | 254 | 255 |
| Corp A | $150 | 40% | $300 | $250 | $110Footnote 10 | - | $95Footnote 11 | - |
| Corp B | $500 | 30% | $150 | $25 | $275Footnote 12 | - | $275Footnote 13 | - |
4) Determine the group net excess capacity to report on line 266.
The GNEC reported on line 266 is for the purpose of determining the CUEC for the first regime year of the pre-regime group.
To calculate GNEC on line 266:
- Total the amounts from lines 212, 232, and 252 (line 263 amounts).
- Subtract the amounts from lines 213, 233, and 253 (line 264 amounts).
Group net excess capacity on line 266 would be ($1,925 + $580 + $1,125 + $110 + $275) − $450 or $3,565.
5) Determine the group net excess capacity to report on line 286.
The GNEC reported on line 286 will be used for the purpose of determining the CUEC for the second and third regime years of the pre-regime group.
To calculate GNEC on line 286:
- Total the amounts from lines 214, 234, and 254 (line 283 amounts).
- Subtract the amounts from lines 215, 235, and 255 (line 284 amounts).
Group net excess capacity on line 286 would be ($1,925 + $485 + $1,125 + $95 + $275) – $550 or $3,355.
Form T2225, Group Ratio Rules Election under subsection 18.21(2) and Fair Value Adjustments Election under subsection 18.21(4)
Filing due date
The group ratio rules election is due by the latest filing due date of a Canadian group member for a relevant tax year. If consolidated financial statements (CFS) are not available by this due date, the amounts relevant to making the group ratio rules election cannot be determined. In these circumstances, each Canadian group member should use the applicable ratio of permissible expenses in applying subsection 18.2(2). The Canadian group members may file the group ratio rules election late and submit amended tax returns for the relevant tax years if they later determine the group ratio rules are beneficial.
Filing Form T2225 when Canadian group members have different tax reporting currencies or tax reporting currencies that are different from the presentation currency of the CFS
Completing Part 3, sections 1 to 5 of Form T2225
Part 3, sections 1 to 5 of Form T2225 are used to determine the group net interest expense (GNIE) on line 249 and the group ratio on line 250, using amounts reported in the group’s CFS. These sections should be completed in the presentation currency of the CFS.
Completing Part 3, section 6 of Form T2225
Part 3, section 6 of Form T2225 is used to allocate the allocated group ratio amount (AGRA) to the Canadian group members. For the purpose of determining the AGRA, amounts may be converted using the “relevant spot rate” method or the “average exchange rate” method, as described below.
Tax reporting currency different than presentation currency:
If the taxpayer filing Form T2225 (the “filer”) has a tax reporting currency that differs from the presentation currency of the CFS, each underlying amount included in the computation of the GNIE would generally need to be converted into the filer’s tax reporting currency using the relevant spot rate, as defined in subsection 261(1), for the day on which the amount arose.
However, the CRA may accept the use of the average exchange rate for the fiscal period of the CFS, if:
- exchange rates do not fluctuate significantly during the period, and
- the use of the average exchange rate provides a reasonable approximation of the GNIE that would otherwise be determined using the relevant spot rate for each underlying amount.
Canadian group members have different tax reporting currencies:
If the filer’s tax reporting currency differs from that of another Canadian group member, each underlying amount included in the computation of that member’s ATI would generally need to be converted into the filer’s tax reporting currency using the relevant spot rate for the day on which the amount arose.
However, the CRA may accept that the member’s ATI be converted using the average exchange rate for the member’s tax year for which the ATI is determined, if:
- exchange rates do not fluctuate significantly during the tax year, and
- the use of the average exchange rate provides a reasonable approximation of the member’s ATI that would otherwise be determined using the relevant spot rate for each underlying amount
Where, for example, another member’s ATI includes a material underlying capital gain, applying an average exchange rate to the ATI as a whole would not provide a reasonable approximation of the ATI that would otherwise be determined using the relevant spot rate for each underlying amount. In such circumstances, the CRA may accept the use of the average exchange rate to convert the portion of the ATI that excludes the capital gain, provided that the conditions described above are met for that portion. The capital gain itself should be converted using the spot rate for each day that is relevant to the computation of the gain.
The same conversion method must be used by all Canadian group members that have the same tax reporting currency. That method must also be applied consistently from year to year in converting the GNIE and the ATI of Canadian group members with different tax reporting currencies.
For more information, taxpayers should consult existing resources, including section 261, Income Tax Folio S5-F4-C1, Income Tax Reporting Currency, and relevant technical interpretations.
Part 2 — Fair Value adjustments election
Subsection 18.21(4) allows Canadian group members to make a joint election to include the net fair value amount in calculating group adjusted net book income (GANBI). GANBI, in essence, is the accounting earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of the consolidated group, adjusted for certain amounts in the CFS.
Although paragraph 18.21(4)(a) specifies that the election is a joint election made by all Canadian group members, we will accept this election when it is filed by a Canadian resident taxpayer who is a standalone entity.
The fair value adjustments election must be made for the first relevant tax year in respect of which a group ratio rules election under subsection 18.21(2) is made. Once a fair value adjustments election is made, it applies to that relevant tax year and all subsequent tax years of each Canadian group member. If the election is not made in the first relevant tax year, it is deemed not to have been made for the first relevant tax year and all subsequent tax years.
A fair value amount is the amount reflected in the net income or net loss from the CFS representing the change in the carrying value of an asset or liability where the carrying value is measured using the fair value method of accounting.
The net fair value amount is the positive or negative amount that is the result of totaling all of the fair value amounts, each of which could itself be a positive or negative amount in the CFS.
In the absence of the fair value adjustments election, changes in the carrying value of fair valued assets or liabilities are included in GANBI because the computations of GANBI begins with the net income or net loss from the CFS which already reflects all fair value amounts.
When the fair value adjustments election is made, the net fair value amount is included in computing GANBI:
- When the net fair value amount for a period is negative, the absolute value of the amount is added when computing GANBI (under paragraph (d) of variable F in the definition of GANBI); and
- When the net fair value amount for a period is positive, the positive amount is subtracted when computing GANBI (under variable K in the definition of GANBI).
The inclusion of the net fair value amount in GANBI results in the fair value amounts reflected in the net income or loss reported in the CFS being excluded from GANBI.
The terms "consolidated financial statements", "consolidated group", and "ultimate parent" are defined in subsection 18.21(1).
Part 3, Section 1 – GANBI
Meaning of “consolidated financial statements”, “consolidated group”, and “ultimate parent”
The terms “consolidated financial statements”, “consolidated group”, and “ultimate parent” are defined in subsection 18.21(1) and are used in the determination of GANBI for purposes of the group ratio rules election. The example below illustrates the application of these terms in a particular fact situation.
Example – Consolidated financial statements, consolidated group, and ultimate parent
Facts
- Family Trust owns 100% of the shares of Canco which owns 100% of the shares of Subco.
- Canco decides not to include Family Trust in the audited CFS prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
- Family Trust is identified as the ultimate parent, because it is the top entity in the group’s organizational structure, and it would be required to prepare CFS if it were subject to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Question
Are Canco and Subco able to file a group ratio rules election using the audited CFS prepared for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024?
Analysis
The CFS used to determine the allocated group ratio amount (AGRA) must be audited and prepared in accordance with relevant acceptable accounting standards. Canco and Subco have met these requirements since the CFS have been audited and prepared using one of the accounting standards identified as acceptable in the definition of acceptable accounting standards in subsection 18.21(1).
An additional requirement is that the CFS include all members of the consolidated group.
A consolidated group means two or more entities, other than an equity-accounted entity but including an ultimate parent in respect of which CFS are required to be prepared for financial reporting purposes or would be so required if the entities were subject to IFRS.
An ultimate parent is the top entity in a group's organizational structure. It is the entity that is required to prepare CFS for financial reporting purposes or would be so required if it was subject to IFRS.
Canco’s CFS do not meet this requirement because the financial results of the Family Trust, the entity identified as the ultimate parent, were omitted from the statements.
Conclusion
Canco and Subco would not be able to file a group ratio rules election using the audited CFS prepared for January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Meaning of “throughout the relevant period” in subsection 18.21(2)
A relevant period is defined in subsection 18.21(1) and means a period in respect of which the CFS of a consolidated group are presented. The term “throughout” is not defined in the Act. In the absence of a definition, the CRA generally applies the ordinary meaning of the word, which is “from the beginning to the end”. In circumstances where there has been an acquisition, incorporation, dissolution, amalgamation or windup in the relevant period, consult the applicable legislative provisions, including subsection 18.2(9) and sections 18.21, 87 and 88.
Part 3, Section 6 - Elected allocated group ratio amount under subsection 18.21(2)
Subsections A and B: Each Canadian group member must be listed in the tables in these subsections, even if that group member has no allocated group ratio amount.
Form T2226, Election to Transfer Cumulative Unused Excess Capacity Under Subsection 18.2(4)
Filing Form T2226 when the transferor and transferee have different tax reporting currencies
A taxpayer (transferor) may jointly elect with another taxpayer that is a corporation or fixed interest commercial trust (transferee) to transfer all or a portion of its CUEC. Form T2226 can be used to make a joint election with a single transferee or with multiple transferees.
Transferor’s reporting requirements:
As Form T2226 is filed by the transferor, it must be completed using the transferor’s tax reporting currency.
Transferee’s reporting requirements:
The transferee must report, on Schedule 130, the amount designated as received capacity on line 205 of Form T2226. If Form T2226 is completed using a tax reporting currency that differs from that of the transferee, each underlying amount relevant in computing the received capacity must generally be converted into the transferee’s tax reporting currency using the relevant spot rate on the day each amount arose.
However, the CRA may accept the use of an average exchange rate to convert the received capacity. As the received capacity is applied as a reduction to the transferor’s excess capacity across particular tax years, the transferee should apply the average exchange rate for each of the transferor’s tax years to which the reduction relates. This position applies where:
- exchange rates do not fluctuate significantly during the relevant tax years; and
- the use of an average exchange rate provides a reasonable approximation of the received capacity that would be otherwise determined using the relevant spot rate for each underlying amount.
The method used to convert received capacity must be applied consistently from year to year.
For more information, taxpayers should consult existing resources, including section 261, Income Tax Folio S5-F4-C1, and relevant technical interpretations.
Form T2227, Excluded Interest Election Under Subsection 18.2(1)
Form T2227 is used by the payer and payee (or, if the payer or payee is a partnership, each member of the payer or payee) to jointly elect to have an amount of interest or a LFA for a tax year or fiscal period excluded from IFE and IFR and thus excluded from the limitation under subsection 18.2(2).
Amendment to paragraph (c) of the definition of excluded interest (New)
Paragraph (c) of the definition of excluded interest was amended in Bill C-15 for tax years ending on or after August 12, 2024. As a result, the bullet on Form T2227 which reads: “If the payee is a financial institution group entity (FIGE), the payer must also be a financial institution group entity” should now be read as follows:
If the payee is a FIGE, the payer must be
- a FIGE; or
- a special purpose loss corporation, if the reference to “financial holding corporation” in paragraph (a) of the definition special purpose loss corporation were read as a reference to “financial institution group entity”
Form T2227 will be updated in a future version to reflect this amendment.
Completing line 100 and line 200 of Form T2227
Line 100 of Form T2227 form requests a “description of debt” for interest paid or payable, and line 200 of Form T2227 requests a “description of the property” for a LFA paid or made payable. We will accept, on these lines, a description that provides sufficient detail to allow us to separately identify the particular debt or property.
Filing Form T2227 when the payer and payee have different tax years or fiscal periods
When filing Form T2227, the payer and payee may have different tax years or fiscal periods. In such cases, and according to the explanatory notes to subsection 18.2(1), “The joint election must be filed in respect of the tax year or fiscal period of the payer and payee in which the amount of interest or the LFA is paid, or in respect of which the amount is payable. It is intended that the election be filed for the year or fiscal period when the amount paid or payable is deductible or is included in income.”
Therefore, it is important to consider the tax years or fiscal periods of both the payee and payer to ensure that the amount elected to be excluded on line 150 or line 280 has been deducted by the payer and included in income by the payee in the tax years or fiscal periods reported on Form T2227.
Example: Filing Form T2227 when the payer and payee have different tax years
The following example demonstrates how to file Form T2227 when the tax years of the payer and payee are not the same.
Facts
- The payer’s tax year is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a filing due date of June 30, 2026.
- The payee’s tax year is December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, with a filing due date of May 31, 2026.
- Interest payments of $100 are made each month between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Therefore, during the relevant period (the period during which the interest accrued), the payer paid a total of $1,200 of interest to the payee ($100 × 12 months).
- The payer and payee are taxable Canadian corporations.
- The payer and payee are eligible group entities with respect to each other.
- Neither the payer nor the payee are financial institution group entities or a partner in a partnership.
- Both corporations report in Canadian dollars.
- The payer and payee want to exclude the entire $1,200 of interest from the limitation under subsection 18.2(2).
Analysis
Since the payer and payee have different tax year ends, their tax years overlap in two distinct periods:
First period: January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025
Second period: December 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025
A separate Form T2227 election will be required to be filed for each period.
Step 1: Completing Form T2227 for the first overlap period
- The tax year of the payer in Part 1, Section 1 of Form T2227 is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
- The tax year of the payee in Part 1, Section 2 is December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025.
- Form T2227 will be due on May 31, 2026, the earliest filing due date of the payer or payee for the tax years reported on the election form.
- The amount reported on line 140 is $1,200, which is the amount of interest that is paid or payable in respect of the relevant period.
- The amount reported on line 150 is $1,100 ($100 × 11 months [January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, the first overlap period]). This amount represents the portion of the amount reported on line 140 that is elected to be excluded. The elected amount must be:
- deductible by the payer and excluded from IFE in its tax year reported in Part 1, Section 1
- included in income by the payee and excluded from IFR in its tax year reported in Part 1, Section 2
Step 2: Completing Form T2227 for the second overlap period
- The tax year of the payer in Part 1, Section 1 of Form T2227 is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
- The tax year of the payee in Part 1, Section 2 is December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026.
- Form T2227 is due on June 30, 2026, the earliest filing due date of the payer or payee for the tax years reported on the election form.
- The amount reported on line 140 is $1,200, which is the amount of interest that is paid or payable in respect of the relevant period.
- The amount reported on line 150 is $100 ($100 × 1 month [December 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the second overlap period]). This amount represents the portion of the amount reported on line 140 that is elected to be excluded. The elected amount must be:
- deductible by the payer and excluded from IFE in its tax year reported in Part 1, Section 1
- included in income by the payee and excluded from IFR in its tax year reported in Part 1, Section 2
Filing Form T2227 when the payer and payee have different tax reporting currencies
All amounts on Form T2227, including excluded interest amounts (lines 150 or 280), are to be reported in the payer’s tax reporting currency.
If the payee’s tax reporting currency is different than the payer’s, the payee must convert excluded interest amounts into its own tax reporting currency, using the relevant spot rate for the day on which the amount arose. Generally, these conversions should be done throughout the payee’s tax year or fiscal period. If certain conditions are met, the CRA may also accept the use of an average of exchange rates over a period of time.
Form T2228, Specified Pre-regime Loss Election under subsection 18.2(1)
The CRA is streamlining reporting requirements for Form T2228. For details, refer to: Excessive interest and financing expenses limitation rules.