Fall Federal Budget: Will Spending Be Cut?

Canada has historically presented an annual budget since Confederation in 1867, even through periods like World Wars and the Great Depression, but we have recently experienced the longest period without a full federal budget in our history. By the time the next one is brought down, expected in October 2025, it will have been 18 months since the controversial April 2024 budget which introduced the doomed capital gains inclusion rate hikes. What can we expect?

One of the most fascinating educational sessions at the May 20 CE Summit was given by JP Laporte BA, MA, JD, RWM, on the benefits of Personal Pension Plans.  As the proprietorship tax filing deadline is coming up soon on June 15, it is a conversation advisors might want to have with clients who are thinking about incorporating and planning their wealth accumulation strategies at the same time.  Consider 5 fundamental reasons for doing so:

According to a recent report from Statistics Canada relating to enterprises in the first quarter of 2021, there are many businesses thriving in spite of the pandemic. Consider the financial sector which recorded an increase in net income of 11% before taxes, or $3.9 billion. Tax professionals can provide essential front line services to help small business owners thrive and now two new educational opportunities provide credentials and confidence to do so.  

The June 15 proprietorship filing deadline is coming up fast, and so is tax audit season right behind that. This year, business owners may find their affairs under CRA’s magnifying glass; particularly if they claimed the CEWS and the CERS. An interesting change in the April 19, 2021 budget will make this process even more daunting.

Looking for new professional development and networking opportunities?  Knowledge Bureau was proud to engage students in two outstanding events on May 26 and 27.  Here is a synopsis of what you missed to inspire you to mark your calendar as we unveil new complimentary and fun events – stay tuned for details!

There’s good news for Canadian families with young children: the first Canada Child Benefit Young Child Supplement (CCBYCS) payments will be issued later this month on May 28. The CCBYCS was initially proposed in the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement to help families cope financially during the pandemic. It received Royal Assent on May 6. Here’s how it works:

TFSA Advantages are back in the news. The CRA has issued a warning about a tax scheme that promises a tax-free opportunity to transfer funds out of an RRSP or RRIF into a TFSA, without regard to the annual TFSA contribution limit using an MIC. That is, a special-purpose mortgage investment company. Sophisticated investors with large RRSP or RRIF balances and significant equity in a personal residence were targeted and could soon be subject to audit. The scheme worked like this: