News Room

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.

2016 Budget Overview: Additional Tax Measures

Review additional tax measures announced by the Government in the 2016 Federal Budget.

The Canada Child Benefit: Some Surprising Results

The changes the Liberal government has introduced for families has some surprising results, now that we’ve had some time to do some number crunching.

Seniors and Investors – Watch Clawback Zones Carefully

It’s reasonably common knowledge that higher wealth accumulators in Canada will want to do some extra planning to avoid the 33% high federal income tax rate applicable to the terminal return of the last surviving spouse.  

Tax Tips: What Tax Deductions Can Employees Claim?

Employers are generally required to pay for the premises, assets and supplies used up by their employees in performing their duties, but in some cases the employee will pay for those costs and be able to claim a tax deduction for them.

New Notice of Assessment Easier to Read

The Canada Revenue Agency has produced a new Notice of Assessment that is easier to read, a long overdue initiative on the financial literacy front. It will now contain assessments of multiple tax years on one form, which Tax Services Specialists will want to review carefully to ensure the best tax efficiencies are applied over the period, and to preserve appeal rights.

Should Capital Gains Be Taxed At All?

Rather than tinkering with capital gains inclusion rates or changing which assets qualify for capital gains treatment, should governments reconsider taxing capital gains? Some studies suggest that capital gains are fictitious and any taxes thereon result in an economic burden.  Do you agree?
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Does the new government’s promise, expected soon, to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs? What are alternatives in your view?

  • Yes
    12 votes
    10.91%
  • No
    98 votes
    89.09%