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.

On April 29, the Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, introduced Bill C-60 to Parliament which proposes to implement certain provisions of the March 21, 2013 federal budget.

Part of the Bank of Canada’s Spring Review, released on May 16, included an article titled “Explaining Canada’s Regional Migration Patterns”, which provides interesting data on the effect of demographic migration on economic policies in Canada. It also provides, therefore, important information for professional advisors who wish to more strategically define growth in their practices over the long run.

Unhappy with your dealings with a CRA Auditor? The Taxpayers' Ombudsman can help when the relationship is fraught with communications issues between the taxpayer and the auditor.

If there was one insight I gained as I worked on the Federal Task Force for Financial Literacy is that more than any other single issue, challenges of financial literacy affect every Canadian and bind us together in our mutual need for financial education.

Up until 2009, CRA took the position that where you accumulate frequent flyer points while travelling on employer-paid business trips and used them to obtain air travel or other benefits for personal use by you or your family, the fair market value of such air travel or other benefits must be included in your income.

The March 21, 2013 budget closed several loopholes including synthetic dispositions. Knowledge Bureau Report has been examining examples of arrangements that are now closed and their financial outcomes. Last issue we examined the forward sale of securities; in this issue, we provide an example involving the forward sale of other assets.