Please note that the following document, although believed to be correct at the time of issue, may not represent the current position of the CCRA.
Prenez note que ce document, bien qu'exact au moment émis, peut ne pas représenter la position actuelle de l'ADRC.
Principal Issues:
Suggested amendments to paragraph 20(1)(c).
Position:
Changes already implemented.
Reasons:
A recent amendment to the Income Tax Act added new section 20.3, which came into force on June 14, 2001.
Signed on February 12, 2002
XXXXXXXXXX
Dear XXXXXXXXXX:
The Honourable Elinor Caplan, Minister of National Revenue, has asked me to reply to your letter of January 14, 2002, addressed to her predecessor, the Honourable Martin Cauchon, concerning your suggested amendments to paragraph 20(1)(c) of the Income Tax Act.
I am pleased to advise you that a recent amendment to the Income Tax Act added new section 20.3, which came into force on June 14, 2001. Section 20.3 limits the deductibility of interest expense, and adjusts foreign exchange gains and losses in respect of weak currency debts, and associated hedging transactions. In general terms, the new rules ensure that a borrower does not obtain an excessive interest expense deduction by arranging a loan in a currency that is expected to decline in value in order to take advantage of higher nominal interest rates, the higher cost of which is to be offset by an anticipated foreign exchange gain on the settlement of the debt.
I trust this is satisfactory. Thank you for your continuing interest in improving our tax system.
Yours sincerely,
Bill McCloskey Assistant Commissioner Policy and Legislation Branch
Norine Storry
957-3499
2002-011999