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.

News in Farm Taxes: Livestock Tax Deferral Regions

Each year, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada publishes a list of prescribed regions that have experienced either drought conditions or excess moisture. Farmers in these regions qualify to defer reporting the proceeds from the sale of a portion of their breeding herd if they meet certain conditions.

New Legislative Proposals: Charitable Donation Tax Credits for Trusts

Finance Canada recently released proposals to amend certain sections of the Income Tax Act (the Act) pertaining to the tax treatment of certain trusts, which only came into force on January 1, 2016. To the relief of many tax and legal practitioners, the proposals remedy some undesirable aspects of the amendments,  especially as it relates to charitable giving.

Your Notice of Assessment: Don’t Misplace It

One document you must remember to keep track of after filing your tax return is your Notice of Assessment or Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

RRSPs:  Pay Attention to Leap Year & Earn Lucrative Refundable Tax Credits

Many people don’t understand one of the most fundamental reasons to file a tax return: claim lucrative refundable tax credits.  It’s especially important for families that qualify for the Canada  Child Tax Benefit, which is expected to be enhanced this July.

Tax Strategies: A Key Component in Your Clients’ Wealth Plan

Using comprehensive tax reduction strategies as a leading weapon in sustaining family wealth always makes sense, but never more than this year. In an investment climate in which there is very little certainty, it pays to look for winners we can count on: tax-efficient investments, for example.

Tax Tips: Employed Abroad? Your Tax Refund Could Be Bigger

Taxpayers who performed services outside Canada for more than six consecutive months during 2015, for either a qualifying Canadian employer or a Canadian-owned foreign affiliate, will qualify for a special tax credit.
 
 
 
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%