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 Last of the Provincial Budgets Announced
The last of the provincial budgets have been brought down over the last month. Here’s a summary of the good news (tax changes) and the bad (big deficits).
KBR Poll: Should the OAS Clawback Start at a Lower Income Level?
The question of whether the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback should begin at a lower income than the current $93,454 threshold generated strong and varied reactions from the Knowledge Bureau community with 19% saying “yes” and the vast majority - 81% - saying no. Many respondents were firmly opposed to lowering the threshold, with some expressing strong frustration at the idea of penalizing those who have saved for retirement:
Estate Planning at Death: For Business Owners, It’s Complex
Estate planning at death remains one of the most complex—and highest risk—areas for clients and an areas of increasing demand for service from tax and financial advisors. With evolving trust rules, increased reporting requirements, and the need to coordinate corporate and personal tax strategies, the margin for error is small, and the stakes are high. At the May 27 CE Savvy Summit, Leanne Rodrigo will lead a detailed session on “Estate Planning on Death of a Taxpayer,” focusing on the practical realities advisors face when working with business owners and their families. Here’s what you’ll learn and why you should register by May 13 (to save money as an early bird!).
Connect, Contribute and Collaborate with the Society of Distinugished Designates at the Manitoba Club
As technology, regulation, and client expectations rapidly evolve, the role of the distinguished advisor is changing too. AI agents, CRA digitization, and increasingly complex client needs are reshaping the future of tax, accounting, and wealth advisory services. Join fellow professionals and leaders for an interactive discussion on how to evolve your practice beyond transactional work into deeper, year-round inter-advisory relationships that deliver greater value to clients and stronger opportunities for growth.
Fuel Excise Tax on Hold But Inflation is Not
The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has thrown global oil prices into turmoil and there is plenty of fallout for consumers. Travelling to Europe this summer? That’s in jeopardy, as jet fuel may run out. Looking for relief at the pumps instead? The recently announced suspended federal excise tax on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel here in Canada will soften the blow, but only temporarily: it will be zero from April 20 to September 7, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:
Tax Filing for Newcomers in Canada
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued updated guidance for 2026 to assist new residents in efficiently navigating their initial tax season, something professional advisors may wish to take more time to cover with immigrants to Canada. Filing a tax return is not only a legal obligation for residents but also serves as an entry point to vital benefits and credits that can substantially aid individuals and families as they establish their lives in Canada. Further, it’s important for people to know that it’s a requirement to report world income in Canadian funds on the T1.
