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.

High Earners Could Pay More in Manitoba

Ready for a fourth tax bracket?  That’s just one piece of news in the Manitoba Economic and Fiscal Outlook delivered March 8, in advance of provincial election in which the current government will face significant challenges; now even more so with the announcement of  a $770 million deficit.

Precise March 15 Instalments Lead to 5 Wealth Enhancers

It’s important that fragile investments stay intact as markets recover. For this reason, it makes absolutely no sense to overpay any personal income taxes in advance on the March 15 quarterly instalment remittance deadline. Astute tax and financial advisors will make sure their clients encroach on only the right amount of capital for these purposes, especially if they are retirees.

In the Red: Canada’s Account Balances

According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s fourth quarter current account deficit has increased by $0.1 billion to $15.4 billion. This is a seasonally adjusted amount. On an annual basis, our current account deficit increased from $44.9 billion to $65.7 billion in 2015.

Search Begins for 2016 Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) Young Advisor Award

Applications for the 2016 DAC Young Advisors Award are now being accepted for the Distinguished Advisor Conference Young Advisors Award.  The award is open to young advisors actively engaged in the financial services industry for at least five years and under the age of 35.

Even Low-Income Taxpayers Need Professional Help

This heartwarming piece from Knowledge Bureau Master Instructor, Walter Harder, DFA-Tax Services Specialist™, comes with a challenge to advisors.

Take a New Challenge:  Portfolio Risk Management in Retirement Course is Ready

Canadians who reach age 65 are more likely than ever to live into their nineties, largely due to advances in preventing heart disease, and to Baby Boomers leading healthier lifestyles. This trend towards increased longevity means that retirement income planning must cover a much longer period, in which a focus on continued accumulation and investing is as important as tax-efficient withdrawal of funds.
 
 
 
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%