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?   

Stephen Covey was right...it pays to sharpen the saw.[1]

Canadian National Railway Company v McKercher LLP and Gordon Wallace, 2013 SCC 39

Self-employed taxpayers who are receiving a CPP retirement pension must continue to contribute to CPP until they are at least 65. 

The rules differ for spousal and child support, as explained below.

According to a Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) study published by advisor.ca, the life expectancy of a 60-year-old male today has increased by 2.9 years (from 24.4 to 27.3 years), while the life expectancy of a 60-year-old female has increased by 2.7 years (from 26.7 years to 29.4 years).

With back-to-school just around the corner, there are several important recent tax issues for students that will be helpful to keep in mind for the year ahead.