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.

"I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing toward being a champion." Billie Jean King

It’s unclear whether Canadians are really getting more from their Canada Child Benefit in 2016 over the Universal Child Care Benefit and family income splitting. That’s the subject of our October poll. However, at this time of the year there is lots a tax specialist can do to make sure your family maximizes the credit.

The 27th Actuarial Report on the Canada Pension Plan provides some fascinating reading about Canada’s demographics and economy over the next 75 years, to 2090.

Year-end tax planning is important in 2016, especially in light of Finance Canada’s release of its Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada for Fiscal Year 2015–16 on October 7, 2016.

A Notice of Ways and Means Motion to Amend the Income Tax Act was introduced to enact changes to the Canada Pension Plan on October 6, 2016. 

There are lots of changes coming to retirement income planning, together with a whole new focus on how much is enough. . . a question being asked by all generations in the family.  That’s why retirement planning is really about multi-generational planning.