Respecting a query as to the tax implications of paying a retiring allowance to a terminated employee in the calendar year following the year of termination at the election of the employee, CRA referred to its position in Folio S2-F1-C2, para. 2.26 that an employee can choose, on or before termination of employment, to receive a lump sum in instalments – which are taxable in the years of receipt, and stated:
This position applies equally where payment of the lump sum is deferred to a subsequent year, provided that the individual chooses the deferred option on or before termination of employment.