The Gateway: Maximizing the Impact of the Disability Tax Credit
In addition to reducing income tax through a non-refundable credit, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) serves as a gateway to a wide range of additional tax benefits and government programs. Eligibility for the DTC can unlock enhanced credits, financial supplements, and long-term savings opportunities that go well beyond the tax return. Understanding how the DTC connects to these broader supports is essential for maximizing financial stability—both for individuals living with disabilities and the family members who support them. Unfortunately, many taxpayers miss this credit and their tax and financial advisors can certainly help when this happens.Breaking News: Federal Budget April 7
The Finance Department has announced that the Federal Budget will be on April 7, 2022. Your Knowledge Bureau Special Budget Report team will provide full details. Then join us comprehensive analysis and CE Credits with Evelyn Jacks and the Knowledge Bureau Faculty at the May 18 Virtual CE Summit for the effect of budget and economic change on Retirement and Estate Planning.
Recycling Tax Dollars: Increased Climate Action Incentive Payments
On March 23, 2022, the Federal Government announced the increased payments for the Climate Action Incentive (CAI) for the 2022-23 period and some Canadian households will soon receive over $1,000. But not through their tax filings, a change from last year. It’s a recycling of federal carbon tax surtaxes. Here’s what you need to know:
A Brief on Basic Personal Amounts
How much money can Canadians earn before they have to pay federal taxes? The answer lies in the structure of the basic personal amount (“BPA”) - an annual earnings amount that is anything but easy to understand; especially since all the provinces and territories have their own BPAs to add to the confusion. Here’s how to help taxpayer – especially newcomers to Canada – wrap their heads around this:
Hiring Family Members? Avoid Punitive Tax on Split Income
If you are hiring family members over the age of 25 you may need to justify that the payments, you have made are reasonable in order to avoid a Tax on Split Income or TOSI. Specifically, according to the CRA, the reasonableness of an amount paid to your family member will be evaluated based on one or more of the following criteria:
Bare Trusts and New Trust Reporting Rules
Striking a balance between upholding Canadian taxation laws and privacy concerns is challenging for policy makers and legislatures. On February 4th, 2022, the Minister of Finance released draft Income Tax Act legislation that increases reporting requirements for most Canadian resident trusts. The new trust reporting requirements will allow the Canada Revenue Agency to better combat tax evasion and increase clarity regarding beneficial ownership of assets.
Compliance Credits Available! Take Privacy Principles in Business
Privacy of confidential financial data is an important issue to your clients and no wonder: Statistics Canada says that about 57% of Canadians online reported experiencing a security incident in 2018. Do you know how to avoid privacy risks that may arise in your business? A new online certificate course, Privacy Principles in Business addresses many of the security issues that concern business owners these days, and now you can earn 10 compliance credits from IIROC by completing this cutting-edge course.
