Immediate Expensing Rules: Good Tax Policy?

Over the course of the last two federal budgets (April 16, 2024 and November 4, 2025), the rules for claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) have been uncertain. The proposal to extend immediate expensing rules for certain acquired assets were paused for over a year and then re-introduced in a series of four complex measures which together with new rules for Scientific Research and Experimental Development have become known as the “Productivity Super-Deduction”.  A backdrop appears below. The key question: will this complexity be effective as an economic stimulator?   

The Finance Department released its 37th report on federal tax expenditures last week; it has published estimates of tax expenditures for personal and corporate income taxes, as well as for the Goods and Services Tax, since 1944. It’s an interesting read, especially in advance of the March 22, 2016, federal budget, when the government is expected to announce new tax expenditures.

As a way to simplify the tax system, an overwhelming majority of respondents, 87%, to Knowledge Bureau’s February poll agree that investment income under $1000 should not be taxed. Will their wish come true?

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.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” -Winston Churchill.

Be sure to stay tuned to Knowledge Bureau Report for all the details of the next federal budget – March 22, 2016.

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.