2017-0691771M4 Deductibility of foreign online advertising

Please note that the following document, although believed to be correct at the time of issue, may not represent the current position of the CRA. Prenez note que ce document, bien qu'exact au moment émis, peut ne pas représenter la position actuelle de l'ARC.

Principal Issues: Is foreign online advertising deductible?

Position: Generally, foreign online advertising is deductible.

Author: Robertson, George
Section: 19; 19.01 & 19.1

July 12, 2017

XXXXXXXXXX

Dear XXXXXXXXXX:

The office of the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, sent me a copy of your correspondence about the tax deductibility of foreign online advertising. Thank you for your understanding regarding the delay of this response.

Advertising expenses related to the income-earning process are generally deductible, provided the expenses are for earning income from a business or property. However, sections 19, 19.01, and 19.1 of the Income Tax Act limit or deny the deductibility of expenses for advertising in a broadcast or an issue of a newspaper or periodical when certain Canadian content or Canadian ownership requirements are not met.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has considered the deductibility of Internet advertising expenses and concluded that the above-noted rules do not apply to the deductibility of advertising expenses on foreign Internet websites.

The Department of Finance, which is responsible for tax policy and the development of tax legislation, is aware of this issue and of the CRA’s position.

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

 

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue

George A Robertson CPA, CMA
905-721-5196
2017-069177

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