Tax Shock Adds to Family Heartbreak

Last month the sad story of an Ontario family who suddenly lost both parents in 2024 was shared in Burlington Today.  The tax outcomes were just as shocking as the two deaths from unrelated causes.  There was a cottage, a large RRSP and a big tax bill.   Some of the outcomes could have been mitigated with some planning.   I sat down with CTV’s Pat Foran to discuss the outcomes – with a message important to family planning.  

For executives who are compensated in part with stock options, mid-summer tax planning will be especially important this year. The Notice of Ways and Means Motion, introducing draft legislation to implement a $200,000 limitation to the stock options deduction will take effect in 2020 for employees of large, mature, public companies. If your client is an executive in one, it’s important to schedule a tax planning discussion.

We’ve rarely been as excited as we are this year for the Distinguished Advisor Conference, and this is largely due to the incredible agenda, speakers, sponsors and networking activities we’re proud to share with you. Plus, you’ll save $100 on tuition fees if you register this month.

Knowledge Bureau designate Kristin Ramlal is a graduate of the RWM™ program, Distinguished Advisor Conference speaker, and a founding member of the new Society of Real Wealth Managers™. Her commitment to education is inspiring! Here is her story:

Summertime is a great time to invest in your professional development, and Knowledge Bureau’s new Ez-Pay installment options make it easier than ever to get started.

The fifth report on the tax gap – the difference between taxes payable if all taxpayer obligations were fully met and what was actually paid and collected – was released this week by CRA for the 2014 year. Focused on corporate tax filers, large and small, a shortfall has been estimated at between $9.4 billion and $11.4 billion, but a closer look at the report finds most individual and corporate taxpayers try their best to comply with Canada’s complicated tax system.

This year, Tax Freedom Day for Canadians fell on June 14, 2019; one day earlier than last year, but almost two months after the US reached the same milestone. The Fraser Institute calculated Canada’s 2019 Tax Freedom Day based on a household income of $117,731 with a 44.7% total tax bill.* This means that the average Canadian works 163 days each year to pay $52,675 in taxes, before they start making disposable income for themselves.