Immediate Expensing Rules: Good Tax Policy?

Over the course of the last two federal budgets (April 16, 2024 and November 4, 2025), the rules for claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) have been uncertain. The proposal to extend immediate expensing rules for certain acquired assets were paused for over a year and then re-introduced in a series of four complex measures which together with new rules for Scientific Research and Experimental Development have become known as the “Productivity Super-Deduction”.  A backdrop appears below. The key question: will this complexity be effective as an economic stimulator?   

A new report from the C.D. Howe Institute answers the common question: should the rich pay more tax? While recent tax rate changes brought in $1.2 Billion federally (far less than the $3 Billion anticipated) the data points to several negative impacts, with consequences to all taxpayers, when the rates applied to Canada’s top income earners go up.

It’s almost unanimous among tax and financial advisors who strongly believe that Canada needs tax reform to create a fair, simple and certain tax system for people of all income levels.

There is a very bright future for the tax preparer who makes a great decision to become the Tax Services Specialist of the future. But, to offer the best advice in that regard, tax specialists must have more than precise technical skills.

Knowledge Bureau is pleased to announce that Kristin Ramlal, B. Comm (Hons.), PFP, CIM, FCSI, Securities Specialist and Qtrade Advisor with Great-West Life and London Life, has been selected as the 2018 winner of the DAC Young Advisor Award. The award will be presented at the Opening Ceremonies of the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) in Quebec City, November 11 - 14.

The NAFTA stalemate is important. Should Canada fail to forge a favourable deal that addresses these issues, the nation’s slow economic growth is likely to face further decline, and Canadians are going to feel the pinch on their pocket books and may, in fact, lose jobs. So what’s holding back a new NAFTA deal? How can you help investors in the meantime?

The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), Knowledge Bureau and Spire Philanthropy are pleased to announce their collaboration to introduce a new professional designation for the financial services sector. The MFA™ Strategic Philanthropic Services Specialist designation will denote specialized professional credentials to develop plans for individuals and families interested in strategic philanthropy.