I am a candian expat and you need to file taxes regardless or status. either as a resident or non resident. they don't give non residency easily and there is a form you can fill and and get a ruling... but you need to do it often as they can change their mind and not bother informing you.
I have never heard of this obligatory filing requirement... and am sceptical of the statement.
If the poster wants to leave Canada, he/she should file an "exit Return" w/ RevCan and take the necessary steps to sever all ties w/ Canada (houses, drivers license,etc including the proper exit forms) so that any future Cdn relationships will be arm's length.
You will probably be able to keep a residence for visiting.
Should the poster choose not to formally leave Canada, Canada and the DR have a tax treaty agreement whereby any taxes deducted from either country are recognised in the other one.... ie where ever the taxes are filed, all taxes paid in either country will be allowed as a credit in the country in which you are filing --- whew!
However, as a practical matter.... the Banana Republic post earlier is the easiest route... forget about it! Just pocket the earnings as if you won it at the casino.
Canadian residents (since 1998) are obliged to report their worldwide income just like Americans. The key diffrence is that Americans are taxed on citizenship (the only country in the world to do so) while Canadians are taxed on residency.... leave the country legally and no taxes need to be paid. US ciizens need to renounce their citizenship to avoid Federal taxes.... not just another passport --- no US passport altogether !
Most countries tax their residents solely on the income earned within that country...... income earned outside the country of residence will remain untaxed.
Swiss banks recently capitulated to the US pressure to release the names of US citizens banking there.
Havoc reigned...... the Swiss banks suffered mammoth withdrawals from their numbered accounts from around the world.
(Rumor has it that Baby Doc sat tight )
Not so widely reported, the Swiss courts have chastised their banks for releasing that information deeming it contrary to their secrecy laws.
Too little, too late.... damage to the bank system's credibility already done.
So for those of you of means, now is the time go to Zurich and hammer out out a deal for your numbered account. They're looking for business
Happy Banking