The Gateway: Maximizing the Impact of the Disability Tax Credit
In addition to reducing income tax through a non-refundable credit, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) serves as a gateway to a wide range of additional tax benefits and government programs. Eligibility for the DTC can unlock enhanced credits, financial supplements, and long-term savings opportunities that go well beyond the tax return. Understanding how the DTC connects to these broader supports is essential for maximizing financial stability—both for individuals living with disabilities and the family members who support them. Unfortunately, many taxpayers miss this credit and their tax and financial advisors can certainly help when this happens.Mark Your Calendar
Now that tax season is in full swing, Knowledge Bureau would like to remind you of some key dates to mark in your calendar: Regional DAW Workshops - May 24 to 31, Summer Studies Begin June 15, DAC Nov 6 -9.
Life Purpose
"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Milton Berle
Proprietors: File Now to Avoid CRA Interest Charges
Unincorporated business owners can avoid late filing penalties by filing their taxes before midnight June 15. However, if you owe money to CRA, you must pay by midnight May 2 to avoid interest charges.
Relationship Breakdowns Can Be Taxing
Saul lost his job and was not able to keep up with his required support payments to his estranged family. He was required to pay $500 per month in spousal support and $1,000 per month in child support. He did not begin to know how to claim his arrears payments on his tax return. Fortunately his Tax Services Specialist could help.
Seniors See No Raise for Second Quarter
Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are indexed quarterly. However, the indexation factor for these purposes for the second quarter—April to June 2016—is nil so there will be no raise in the monthly benefit amount for that period. But that doesn’t mean consumer spending didn’t cost more last quarter, as reported by Statistics Canada, especially for food, alcohol and tobacco.
A Five-Step Process for Managing Tax-Efficient Wealth
As government budgets close one tax advantage after another, it pays to do some tax planning now as you complete your 2015 tax return. Tax time is a great time to prepare a financial assessment through a sound interview process with your advisors. That’s because it’s a great opportunity to review financial affairs of the family as a whole.
