Tax Avoidance, Financial Stress & Well Being

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada published a report titled Stretching the Loonie: a time series analysis of financial difficulty and quality of life. The report is based on a nation-wide survey and the results are concerning. They reveal a serious trend and it is possible this is contributing to the late filing trend we are seeing this tax season.

The Personal Pension Plan is the “Swiss Army Knife” of solutions for retirement planning in a new and changing economic environment. It is therefore a must know for tax and financial advisors working with pre-retirees; in particular, business owners.   

Fall is in the air which means, from a financial planning perspective, a transition to year-end tax planning activities! Tax savings are such an important hedge against inflation, but Canadians are missing out: 

The Department of Finance released draft legislation for public comment on the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) first announced in Budget 2022. The scheduled effective date is January 1, 2023; however, it will likely be little later in the year before firms start offering the option to clients.

CRA has just announced increases in the CPP and EI premiums – statutory deductions – that will be payable by employers and employees in 2023.  In the case of EI (Employment Insurance), the rates had been frozen for two years; but now, with both plans becoming more expensive, these taxes on labor will shrink both take home pay for workers and cash flow for employers in an inflationary winter.

Knowledge Bureau Report asked pros across the country whether the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) or the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is the better savings vehicle for home buyers.  The vote was close. 

Annual dinner and announcement of 2022 Designates and Graduates with Dr. Dean Smith on Sunday Oct 16 at DAC Acuity 2022, plus a session on Monday led by Dr. Smith covering tax planning and compliance with a focus on ex-pats.