Hello fellow Canadian hosts,
I'm wondering if others are facing the same issue: I claimed and received CERB and now CRB to compensate for my Airbnb income virtually drying up. I met all the criteria, including 'self employment' income of a minimum of $5000 in 2019, which I reported on my 2019 tax return.
On Friday I received a generic email stating that, according to their records, I didn't qualify and it listed options for repayment.
I spent a great deal of time on the phone seeking clarification and was advised to proactively submit proof of Airbnb income.
However, one agent, who conferred with his manager, said that, although there was no final decision, my Airbnb income doesn't appear to qualify for self employment, but rather as rental income arising from an investment.
I rent two bedrooms in my own home, my primary residence, so didn't buy investment property specifically to obtain rental income. I've owned the house since 2005 and only started hosting in 2017.
Maybe the fault lies with the way I reported the income, i.e. as rental income rather than self employment which seemed quite onerous and complicated.
I'd appreciate any thoughts, feedback from other hosts in Canada.
Thanks!
Paulette