[FONT="]Q: I have a joint investment account with my spouse. For tax purposes, can we divide the account as follows: 0% to me and 100% to her? Can this ratio be changed from year to year? In addition, since I am the highest income earner (and have to make support payments in proportion to my income on line 150 of the tax return), is it possible for my spouse to declare all capital gains and dividends and for me to declare all carrying charges? -- Charles, Fonthill, Ont.[/FONT]
[FONT="]A: If only you could do that! The attribution rules in the Income Tax Act specifically prevent attempts to income split interest, dividends or even capital gains between spouses or partners. Any income or gains on the account must be split in accordance with the contributions into that account. If it was your money, then 100% of income and gains must be reported to you. If it's generally been a mix of both of your funds, then you may be able to split the account 50/50.[/FONT]
Frankly speaking, if it is just $100 difference, it is better to follow the rule and report correctly based on individual's contribution to the saving account.
Canada runs an 'honest' system. CRA does not always audit individual tax return file. However, if CRA audit an individual tax return file, they can request this individual to present all information up to 6 years ago.