CANADA EXIT PLANNING · OUR SPECIALTY
Moving abroad? Don't let the CRA haunt you
Expert tax and financial planning for Canadians relocating abroad. Get support for before, during and after the move.
How it works: Blueprint connects you with credentialed planners (CFP, CPA) and cross-border specialists who deliver the tax and planning services described here.
THE PROBLEM
You can leave Canada, but your taxes might not
The rules for leaving Canada can be overwhelming. You might be asking:
- How do I file my departure tax return?
- What happens to my TFSA, RRSP, CPP or corporation?
- Will I still owe Canadian taxes while I'm abroad?
- How do I avoid double taxation and limit CRA audits?
- Is there a way to legally reduce the taxes I owe before and after I leave?
We get it.
Non-residency, deemed dispositions and foreign reporting are complicated, especially if you own a lot in Canada or run a business. The consequences are decided in the year before you go and reported in the year after.
That's why we plan the whole timeline, not just the tax return.
THE OUTCOME
Here's what a clean exit looks like
Three things every Blueprint client walks away with.
Plan around your tax bill
Know what you'll owe before you go.
Your planner will walk you through departure tax, withholding tax and the treaties that apply to you, and look for legitimate ways to reduce what you pay.
Stay compliant, stay protected
Avoid costly CRA mistakes.
Your planner will help you report your assets, file your departure return and follow the exact steps the CRA requires when you leave Canada.
Gain financial clarity
Know exactly what to do with your Canadian accounts and assets.
Your planner will build a custom exit plan that works for your goals, timeline and destination.
MAKE YOUR EXIT FROM CANADA COUNT
Leave Canada with confidence
I'm Christopher Liew, founder of Blueprint Financial, and we're here to help you leave Canada with confidence.
Moving abroad isn't just about booking a flight. It comes with major tax implications, financial decisions and long-term planning that most people overlook. That's where we come in. We connect you with Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) experienced in expat tax law and cross-border strategy.
Exit planning is led by Obed Maurice
Dual-designated CPA, Canada and U.S. · 15+ years
A cross-border tax strategy and wealth planning expert, helping Canadians reduce taxes and build long-term financial success as they move abroad.
Whether you're unsure about what to do with your TFSA, how to avoid departure tax surprises, or how to protect your assets abroad, your planner will guide you through it.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG
If you don't exit Canada properly
Leaving Canada without the right strategy can lead to major financial and legal trouble. We've seen Canadians face six-figure penalties, back taxes and years of stress, all from missing a few key steps.
YOUR EXIT TEAM
A group of cross-border professionals dedicated to you every step of the way
- Jason PiseskyJD · Tax lawyer
- Simon WongMBA, CFP® · Integrated planner
- Christopher LiewCFA, CFP® · Founder
- Obed MauriceCPA (CA & U.S.) · Exit planning lead
- Anass MebtoulCPA · Tax compliance
- Barb FouillardYour first point of contact
YOUR ACCOUNTS AFTER YOU LEAVE
What happens to each account, at a glance
General rules. Treaties and your destination country change the answer, which is exactly what your plan works out.
TFSA
- In Canada
- Stays tax-free in Canada
- Once you're a non-resident
- Often fully taxable abroad (U.S., many EU countries). No new contributions, 1% per month penalty if you do
- What your plan decides
- Decide before departure: keep, draw down, or close
RRSP / RRIF
- In Canada
- Can stay. Withdrawals face 25% withholding
- Once you're a non-resident
- Many treaties cut periodic withdrawals to 15%. Some countries tax the growth annually
- What your plan decides
- Model withdrawals per treaty; often keep
RESP
- In Canada
- Can stay, but no further grants
- Once you're a non-resident
- Subscriber residency affects grants and the account's tax status abroad
- What your plan decides
- Usually wind down or transfer to a resident family member
CPP / OAS
- In Canada
- Paid to you anywhere
- Once you're a non-resident
- CPP: 25% withholding unless treaty. OAS needs 20 years of adult residence to collect abroad
- What your plan decides
- Check your years; time the application
Non-registered
- In Canada
- Deemed sold on departure day
- Once you're a non-resident
- Departure tax on unrealized gains. Can elect to defer with security
- What your plan decides
- Crystallize or defer; the biggest line in most plans
Corporation
- In Canada
- Can keep it
- Once you're a non-resident
- Residency follows where it is managed and controlled. Dividends to a non-resident face withholding
- What your plan decides
- Restructure before leaving; this is where the lawyer comes in
YOUR EXIT, STEP BY STEP
The decisions start well over a year before you fly
Every stop is covered in your Blueprint. Timelines vary by situation
18+ months out
Residency memo, corporate review, decide what to sell or keep
12 months out
Restructuring and crystallizing gains. Complex structures take longer
Departure day
Deemed disposition. Ties cut, date documented
Next April
Final departure return and deferral election
Every year after
Non-resident filings for rentals, pensions, NR4s
TRUSTED BY CANADIANS MOVING AROUND THE WORLD
Here are just a few of the countries we've helped clients move to
We've connected Canadians with planners who've helped them successfully exit and settle abroad with a clear financial strategy and no CRA surprises. Plus many more.
- United States
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- UAE
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS
Three steps from first call to a finished plan
You always know what comes next. Each step stands on its own, so you only move forward when you're ready.
Book My Free Discovery CallSTEP 1
Discovery call
A short video call to see if we're a good fit. We can't scope your needs or give advice on this call due to regulatory rules; that happens in step 2.
STEP 2
Advisory call
A cross-border planner reviews your file for 30 minutes, then meets you for a 30 minute video call to map your key risks and planning areas. You leave with written notes and a recommended scope.
STEP 3
Your Canada Exit Blueprint
For clients ready to execute. Your planner builds and implements the full exit plan: tax strategy, filings, and coordination with CPAs and cross-border lawyers.
CANADA EXIT PLANNING
Our packages and pricing
Delivered by a cross-border planner we connect you with.
STEP 1
Canada Exit Free Discovery Call
This call helps determine whether professional cross-border planning is needed. We focus on understanding your situation and explaining next steps. No advice is provided during this call.
What this call includes:
- Video call with a cross-border planner
- Structured discussion to understand your goals, timing and overall situation
- Identification of potential planning areas to explore further
- Outline of next steps, planning options and costs
- Quote for future planning services
- Not a consultation call: no advice can be provided
STEP 2
Canada Exit Advisory Call
This is the next step after the free discovery call, or the right place to start if you want advice right away. This paid advisory call provides personalized guidance on your exit from Canada, including risks, timing and next steps.
What this call includes:
- 30 minutes of preparation and file review by a cross-border planner before the meeting
- 30-minute video call focused on your specific situation
- Guidance on how to properly break Canadian tax residency and avoid common mistakes
- High-level guidance on departure tax, residency, RRSPs, TFSAs and real estate
- Written meeting notes summarizing key insights, red flags and next steps
- Quotes for future planning services (if needed)
STEP 3
Canada Exit Blueprint
For Canadians ready to leave and need full cross-border planning and tax guidance. This includes a tailored strategy and hands-on support for filings, projections and coordination.
What you'll get:
- Custom departure tax strategy and exit tax filing
- Timing plan for asset liquidation, withdrawals and corporate moves
- Compliance support (forms, elections, disclosures)
- Coordination with CPAs and cross-border legal experts
- Optional late-filing or CRA/IRS clean-up
Legal add-on available
Add a tax lawyer for pre-departure restructuring, trusts and cross-border wills. See what's included
OPTIONAL ADD-ON · LEGAL
Add a tax lawyer to your exit team
If you own a corporation, hold assets in a trust, or want your plan protected by solicitor-client privilege, we connect you with the tax lawyers we work with. Legal planning is built into your Blueprint from day one, not bolted on afterward. Scoped and quoted after your advisory call.
Legal planning is led by Jason Pisesky
JD · Partner and Head of Maxim Law
- Pre-departure restructuring to reduce departure tax
- Corporate residency: where your company is "managed and controlled" once you leave
- Crystallizing gains or using the capital gains exemption before departure
- Family trusts when a family member becomes non-resident
- Wills and powers of attorney that work in both countries
- Solicitor-client privilege where requirements are met
FAQs
Questions before you book?
If yours isn't here, the discovery call is free.
Book My Free Discovery CallCan you help if I've already left?
Yes! It's better late than never. We can still review your situation and reduce future risks.
Why can't I get advice on the free discovery call?
The discovery call is a fit conversation. We use it to understand your situation and explain our process, but we can't scope your needs or give advice without a formal paid engagement due to regulatory and legal requirements. If you want advice right away, you can skip the discovery call and book the advisory call directly.
How much does a full exit plan cost?
The Canada Exit Blueprint starts at $5,000 CAD. Final pricing depends on complexity, including corporations, real estate, U.S. tax exposure and late filings. You'll receive a full quote after your advisory call.
What happens to my TFSA and RRSP when I leave Canada?
We'll walk you through the pros and cons of keeping or collapsing these accounts based on your destination and tax treaty.
Why are some payments for exit planning in USD?
Exit planning is specialized cross-border advisory work, not traditional Canadian financial planning. The planners we connect you with work with clients around the world and regularly coordinate Canadian and U.S. tax, residency and departure-tax strategies. Many include CPAs licensed in both Canada and the United States. Because many clients earn income internationally or relocate abroad, these services are priced in USD to reflect the global nature of the work and maintain consistent pricing.
Do I have to pay Canadian taxes after I leave?
Not necessarily. It depends on your residency status and income sources. We'll help you avoid paying taxes unnecessarily.
What if I have a Canadian corporation?
The planners we connect you with specialize in helping business owners manage or wind down corporations tax-efficiently before or after departure. They'll guide you through departure tax, retained earnings and key filings to ensure your exit is compliant and minimizes tax.
What if I'm a sole proprietor or freelancer?
Yes, we can help. Even without a corporation, there are still key tax steps when leaving Canada, like reporting business income properly and closing out GST/HST accounts. We'll walk you through everything to ensure a clean, compliant exit.
Who will work on my Canada Exit Plan?
Your exit plan is led by Obed Maurice, a dual-designated CPA in both Canada and the U.S. Depending on your destination, we also coordinate with other CPAs and specialists who understand the local tax laws in the country you're moving to. You'll also work with Simon Wong (CFP®, MBA), lead financial planner for international moves, who's often your first point of contact for your strategy session. Blueprint Financial, founded by Chris Liew (CFA, CFP®), connects you with the right team.
When I decided to move to Portugal, I had no idea how to handle the tax side or what to do with my business. Chris, Obed and the team answered all my questions about departure tax and the sale of my assets, and it saved me so much time and money.
Ready to leave Canada the right way?
Start with a free discovery call. If we're a fit, your planner takes it from there.
