Mid-Summer Reviews: When to Collect OAS and CPP

Did you know that 61% of Canadians are afraid of running out of money during retirement? According to a new CPP Investments survey, that fear is widespread. Yet surprisingly few people understand even the basics of public pension planning. For example, Canadians are not obliged to begin OAS or CPP at age 65. By delaying, they can significantly boost after-tax income and improve retirement security.

Advisors often promote holding corporately owned insurance policies because it provides clients with the ability to fund their policies using lower corporate tax dollars. Proceeds are also received tax free on death.  But there are important pitfalls, says Leanne Rodrigo, CPA, CA, a special guest Faculty Member at the Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors (DAC), November 23-26, 2025 in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. Early bird registration ends June 30 . There are many things to think about:

Know Your Client!   It’s a daily commitment and requirement, especially in the work that financial advisors do with their clients.   It’s imperative that you ask about any significant changes in their lives. Has there been a significant new event:   a move to take a new job or go to university, a marriage or divorce, a new birth, a disability or a death? And, in the case of income tested benefits such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, (CDCP) do they qualify?  Did they file their tax return on time to get it?  Do you know the deadlines for doing so?  Do you know when coverage ends if your client now longer qualifies?

It’s time to scale up in the tax preparation and accounting industry. The industry currently engages close to 65,000 independent professionals who participates in helping over 60% of total tax filers.  CRA itself engaged close to 60,000 employees to interact with taxpayers.  But with the retirement of experienced accounting professionals on the horizon, increasing burnout from high demand work in short timeframes, the writing is on the wall:  an acute shortage of qualified people is unfolding in the tax and accountancy services, and this has implications for our economy and financial stability. Consider the following statistics, and then, make a great investment in the DMA - Tax Services Specialist designation program to scale up your practice to meet a growing demand.

Stress. We all feel it. In fact, we need a certain measure of it in order to perform well. But, what happens when that stress becomes unhealthy?  It can manifest itself in the workplace from distracted or lacklustre work to some employees taking stress leave. The costs to an employer can add up rapidly. For tax and financial advisors, understanding the root causes and financial implications of client stress is critical. It’s not just a personal issue; it’s a business issue—and one where your expertise can make a measurable difference.

As Canada transitions into a new economic era under the new government's evolving tax policies, financial professionals face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. To navigate this shifting landscape, staying informed isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. That's why CE Summits – Advisory Diploma is a must-attend professional program for tax advisors, financial planners, and professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional value to their clients amongst complexity. These sessions are led by expert faculty Evelyn Jacks, Doug Nelson, Carol Willes and Ruth Horst on May 21 – register by the May 15 early-bird deadline!

With the personal tax filing deadline behind us, now is the time for a second look—especially when it comes to medical expense claims and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Many Canadians with disabilities, or those who care for them, may have overlooked or under-claimed important tax benefits during the initial rush to file. Post-tax season is the perfect opportunity to review, adjust, and plan for maximum tax efficiency going forward. One area worth special attention is the intersection of attendant care expenses and the DTC—a combination that, if not claimed carefully, can leave tax savings on the table.