Back to School Tax Breaks

Like tax season, back-to-school season rolls around annually with certainty. But in today’s inflationary environment, the start-up costs for getting the family organizing for the school year may seem daunting. The good news is that tax and financial advisors can help clients understand their tax planning options and manage all the receipts that can lead to tax breaks later in the spring during tax filing time. Here’s a primer of topics you may wish to discuss:

Gain confidence and trust of your clients: Wisdoms from Sharon Timson, DFA - Tax Services Specialist, Manitoba

"I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, but it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes.” - Oprah Winfrey

The RESP may become a more important savings vehicle in 2017 now that the Education and Textbook Credits are playing out their swan song on the 2016 tax return.  Remember, you can still claim tuition fees and transfer up to $5000 to supporting individuals, however, with the reduced tax benefits in 2017, a fresh look at the RESP is worthwhile.

It’s no April Fool’s joke:  fingerprints of convicted tax cheats will be recorded in the Canadian Police Information Database (CPID), and accessible by Canadian police and border guards as well as some foreign agencies including the US Homeland Security department starting April 1, 2017.

The federal government has announced that the 2017 federal budget will be delivered on March 22.  However, this week, a change related to mineral tax credits was already announced; as well, some provinces are going ahead with their budget announcement dates; most recently Manitoba.

In Canada’s 150th year, Knowledge Bureau is pleased to put the spotlight on Canadian Financial Authors and celebrate Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change at DAC Nov 5-8 in Kelowna.  This week:  Rick Atkinson discusses:  WHY SEASONALITY MATTERS WHEN YOU RETIRE