2024-1038171C6 2024 CTF Conference - Q.5 EIFEL and ATI Calculation where Taxpayer has Non-Capital Losses

Principal Issues: Can paragraph (b) of variable D of variable A of the definition of adjusted taxable income defined in subsection 18.2(1) be negative?

Position: No.

Reasons: Legislation.

Author: Teow, Christina
Section: 18.2, 18.21

2024 CTF Annual Tax Conference

CRA Round Table

Question 5: EIFEL and the ATI Calculation where Taxpayer has Non-Capital Losses


In the CRA’s view, is the computation of “adjusted taxable income” (ATI), defined in subsection 18.2(1), iterative if a taxpayer wishes to claim a deduction for sufficient non-capital losses under paragraph 111(1)(a) such that taxable income is nil after accounting for a deduction limitation under subsection 18.2(2)?

The core of the question is whether taxable income used in the computation of paragraph (b) of variable D for computing variable A of the definition of ATI can be negative or can it only be nil or positive having regard to the definition of “taxable income” in subsection 248(1)? If it can be negative for the purposes of the computation of ATI, then this can lead to an iterative computation of the deduction claimed under paragraph 111(1)(a) and the limitation of interest and financing expenses under subsection 18.2(2).

CRA Response

A taxpayer’s ATI, defined in subsection 18.2(1), is relevant principally in determining the maximum amount a taxpayer is permitted to deduct in respect of interest and financing expenses, under the limitation in subsection 18.2(2), in computing its income for a taxation year.

ATI for a taxation year is determined by the formula: A + B – C, where A is determined by the formula D-E.

In general terms, variable D of variable A of the definition of ATI is the taxpayer’s taxable income earned in Canada for the year in the case of a non-resident, determined without regard to subsection 18.2(2), paragraphs 12(1)(1.2) and 111(1)(a.1), or in any other case the taxpayer’s taxable income for the year, determined without regard to subsection 18.2(2), paragraphs 12(1)(1.2) and 111(1)(a.1) and clause 95(2)(f.11)(ii)(D).

Taxable income as defined in subsection 248(1) provides that a taxpayer’s taxable income has the meaning assigned by subsection 2(2), except that in no case may a taxpayer's taxable income be less than nil. Therefore, the taxable income for a taxpayer for purposes of computing paragraph (b) of variable D of variable A of the definition of ATI can only be nil or positive.

This result may not be consistent with policy and has been brought to the attention of the Department of Finance.



Christina Teow
2024-103817
December 3, 2024

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