Question 1

What is the CRA 90% rule?

Accepted Answer

If 90% or more of your net worldwide income comes from Canadian sources during your period of non-residency, you are permitted to claim the full Canadian non-refundable tax credits (such as the Basic Personal Amount).

Question 2

Is Baddies Abroad tax filing software?

Accepted Answer

No. Baddies Abroad is a paid tax clarity and relocation intelligence platform. We help you understand your residency status, obligations, and exposure — we don't file returns for you.

Question 3

What is a baddie?

Accepted Answer

A baddie is a slang term typically used to describe a highly confident, stylish, and attractive person who lives life on their own terms. A baddies represents someone who is unapologetically themselves, independent, and secure in their own skin.

Question 4

Who is this for?

Accepted Answer

Canadian digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, creators, and online entrepreneurs relocating to or already living abroad.

Question 5

Do you have a free plan?

Accepted Answer

No. Onboarding is required and every user starts with a paid report or membership.

Question 6

What about my TFSA, RRSP, and Canadian accounts?

Accepted Answer

We surface common pitfalls — TFSA contribution penalties while non-resident, RRSP withholding, and departure tax — and point you to the right next step.

Question 7

How is my residency determined?

Accepted Answer

Canadian residency is based on significant residential ties (home, spouse, dependants) and the 183-day deemed-residency rule. Our questionnaire walks you through both tests and produces a residency read with a confidence score.

Question 8

Should I file Form NR73?

Accepted Answer

Filing NR73 (Determination of Residency Status — Leaving Canada) gives the CRA the final say. It can provide certainty but can also work against you if your facts are borderline. We recommend speaking with a cross-border accountant before filing.

Question 9

What is departure tax?

Accepted Answer

When you become a non-resident, the CRA treats most of your property as if you sold it at fair market value on your departure date (deemed disposition). Some assets are exempt — RRSPs, TFSAs, Canadian real estate, and certain pensions. Capital gains realized this way are reported on your final return.

Question 10

What happens to my TFSA when I leave Canada?

Accepted Answer

You can keep your TFSA, but you cannot contribute while non-resident — every contribution is hit with a 1% per-month penalty until withdrawn. Withdrawals are tax-free, but you only regain contribution room the year after you re-establish Canadian residency.

Question 11

What about my RRSP?

Accepted Answer

You can keep your RRSP. Withdrawals are subject to 25% non-resident withholding tax (sometimes reduced by treaty). You may want to consider whether to keep contributing — it depends on your treaty country and future plans.

Question 12

What is Form T1135?

Accepted Answer

T1135 (Foreign Income Verification Statement) is required for Canadian residents who own specified foreign property with a cost basis over CAD $100,000 at any point in the year. Penalties for missing it are steep ($25/day, up to $2,500+).

Question 13

Do tax treaties protect me from double taxation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Canada has tax treaties with 90+ countries that prevent the same income from being taxed twice. Treaties also contain tie-breaker rules to resolve dual-residency situations.

Question 14

What if I return to Canada?

Accepted Answer

You re-establish residency on the date your residential ties resume. You'll need to re-register for provincial health insurance, update your address with CRA, file a return for the year of return, and start declaring worldwide income from that date.

Question 15

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

One-time reports are non-refundable once generated. Memberships can be cancelled anytime — access continues to the end of the paid period.

Question 16

Who processes my payment, and is my card safe?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed securely by Stripe and made to REPDBYLOVE, the company behind Baddie's Abroad, so the charge appears as REPDBYLOVE on your bank or card statement. Your card details go straight to Stripe and are never stored by Baddie's Abroad.

Question 17

How do you handle my data?

Accepted Answer

Data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We never sell your information. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Question 18

Can I use this for US tax questions?

Accepted Answer

We focus on Canadian tax residency and cross-border implications. We surface US-related risks (FBAR, FATCA, dual-citizen issues) but for US filings you should work with a US-licensed cross-border preparer.

Question 19

How accurate is the residency classification?

Accepted Answer

Our classification is informational and based on the inputs you provide. Confidence scores reflect how clear the picture is. For high-stakes decisions, always validate with a cross-border professional.

The questions everyone asks