Confirmed:  The CCR for Small Business is Tax Free

Ottawa has confirmed that the CCR for Small Business received by eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) will be tax free for the 2019-20 to 2023-24 fuel charge years, as will the final payment for the 2024-2025 fuel charge year.  Draft legislation was released on June 30, 2025 with this announcement; and will be introduced for law making in Parliament this Fall.   Some of the more significant details are discussed below.

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, coinciding with summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a traditional time of celebration for many Indigenous communities, and a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. However, acknowledging and supporting our Indigenous people must be a year-long initiative, especially if we want to see change towards equity, inclusion, and minimizing the Indigenous wealth gap.

Both the CPP and EI contributions – which are mandatory – rose in 2023,  reducing the take-home pay for employees.  But cash flow erosion from these payroll taxes is only increasing:   the second tier rate hike on CPP contributions is only 6 months away.  That’s going to affect small business owners and higher earners, as well, who will each pay 4% more above the first earnings ceiling (YMPE) and up to the amount of a second earnings ceiling (YAMPE).  Here’s what you need to know, as you council clients to clear up debt and accelerate RRSP/TFSA/FHSA savings in anticipation of these changes:

This year, Tax Freedom Day for Canadians fell on June 17, 2022, which is four days later than last year, and almost a full two months later than the US hit the same milestone on April  18. That means when you add tax and inflation together, Canadians have a more compelling financial issue than our neighbours to the South. For those reasons, working with tax and financial advisors is critical as there are many opportunities to save money on taxes and benefit from generous tax credits here in Canada. Professionals can make sure Canadians don’t miss out in these expensive times.

The Canada Job Grant is a collaborative program between the federal and provincial governments designed to assist employers and employees in developing skills for success. The program is available in most provinces, and Manitoba just announced that intake 1 for the 2023-2024 Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is now open! Eligible training dates include training that began on or after April 1, 2023 and ends on or before March 31, 2024.

Designates – it’s almost time to relicense your specialized credentials! Check out verifiable and non-verifiable options at special tuition prices until June 30 to earn CE and use your exclusive VIP Designate tuition rates you can use to enrol yourself or train your team.

Proprietors – unincorporated self employed people – must file their personal tax returns by midnight June 15 to avoid paying late filing penalties.  Unfortunately, those who owe will already be incurring high interest charges.   What does post-tax season planning mean for those who owe and those who received their refund?  You can provide guidance – some ideas follow: