The Net Investment Income Tax (“N.I.I.T.”) was added to the Code on March 30, 2010. It is imposed at a rate of 3.8% of certain net investment income (“Net Investment Income”) of individuals, estates and trusts having income above specified triggering amounts. For individuals who are calendar year taxpayers, the tax first became effective in 2013. Thus, the current tax return filing season will be the first time taxpayers feel the effect of the tax. In late 2013, the I.R.S. released final and proposed regulations for the N.I.I.T. These regulations clarify proposals that were issued on December 5, 2012. This article provides a summary of the N.I.I.T. and explains how the new regulations will affect taxpayers.

IN GENERAL

Applicable Thresholds

Individuals will owe the tax if they have Net Investment Income and also have modified adjusted gross income over the following thresholds:

Filing Status	Threshold Amount
Married Taxpayers (Joint Filing)	$250,000
Married Taxpayers (Separate Filing)	$125,000
Single	$200,000
Head of household (with qualifying person)	$200,000
Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child	$250,000

These amounts are not indexed for inflation.

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As with most international tax planning, the key to cross-border Canada/US tax and estate tax planning is to synchronize the timing of the tax events and the taxpayer in order to minimize, and even eliminate, double taxation. Avoidance of tax in one jurisdiction may not be a satisfactory solution if it is merely a deferral or a shifting of a tax burden to a different taxpayer who or which may be subject ot tax at a lower rate (as well as a later time).

Canadian personal tax overview

Federal income tax is imposed on resident individuals, estates, trusts and companies based upon residency or domicile in Canada. Canada has an extensive array of dual tax treaties, so in many cases tax residency may be overidden by a treaty. If a resident, tax may be imposed on one's worldwide income, which, of course, is determined under specific definitions.