Back to School Tax Breaks

Like tax season, back-to-school season rolls around annually with certainty. But in today’s inflationary environment, the start-up costs for getting the family organizing for the school year may seem daunting. The good news is that tax and financial advisors can help clients understand their tax planning options and manage all the receipts that can lead to tax breaks later in the spring during tax filing time. Here’s a primer of topics you may wish to discuss:

The cost of a post-secondary education is rising faster than the rate of inflation, making higher learning more of a stretch for Canadian students and their families.

Our sons participated with gusto in many sports: hockey, lacrosse, soccer and marathon running.  In the chief role of road warriors, we charioted cherubs from one sportsplex to another. These activities provided physical, social, team and leadership skills that continue to be priceless, despite the often exorbitant price tag.

Tax and financial advisors take note: Within its reasons for judgment in a recent case, the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) has made some interesting comments about the due diligence defence as it pertains to subsection 163(1) of the Income Tax Act, and about how this defence can be successfully used in the context of a penalty under subsection 163(1).

We experienced another enormous market swoon this week; as reported by various media, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped almost 1100 points on Monday, charting the largest ever drop in the markets and closing 600 points down in its worst trading day since 2011.

Advisors who work with corporate clients, real estate holders and high net worth individuals will want to sharpen their knowledge in advanced tax, retirement, succession and estate planning strategies by hearing Canada’s leading experts on the subjects starting the last week of October.

On September 2, make sure you check out our Breaking News Issue of Knowledge Bureau Report.