Observing National Truth and Reconciliation Day

In observance of Canada’s National Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, Knowledge Bureau will be closed, to allow staff and students to remember and honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who never returned home and reflect on their personal participation on the Journey to Reconciliation.     

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Tax and financial advisors agree: more than ever, empathy is a key ingredient of successful advisor-client relationships. This was borne out in a presentation by Craig Dowden, Ph.D., at the recent Distinguished Advisor Conference. Registration is now available for this annual event, being held in San Diego, November 6 – 9, 2016.