New Mega Deduction a Good Start, But More Tax Reforms Are Needed

The Federal government has unveiled a Productivity Mega Deduction, which will provide immediate expensing under Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) provisions for a broad range of depreciable property, importantly on a permanent basis, for acquisitions on or after September 15, 2026. Check out the noteworthy exclusions are listed below. This tax reform is a good start, but much more needs to be done, especially for small business owners and average taxpayers to make Canada truly competitive across our tax base.

The Supporting Small Businesses Act recently passed a second reading in the Ontario Legislature. Also known as Bill 105, the object of the legislation is to provide relief from the Employer Health Tax to small businesses, charities and not-for-profit entities.

On October 31, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced changes to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) claim form, which incorporates changes announced in the 2012 and 2013 budgets.

With all the political shenanigans of late (both federal and local), the respect – or lack thereof – of the taxpayers’ dollars emerges on front page news daily. If this is particularly irksome to you, you might be interested in a little history of taxation in Canada. 

Those involved in criminal tax evasion cases are advised to bear civil tax consequences in mind when negotiating plea bargains and making admissions because the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) may admit evidence that may be otherwise inadmissible, if unchallenged in prior criminal proceedings.

If you adopt a child, you may claim a credit for the adoption expenses in the year that the adoption becomes final. This amount may be claimed by either spouse.

Claims for the Children’s Arts and Children’s Fitness tax credits are based on when the payment is made, not the year in which the activities are scheduled.