Halloween is a night for spooky things. Some adults would say, it’s a bit like the tax filing deadline. There are few things that can terrify even the bravest of us as much. When a new client comes to your door, keep this in mind. You have the potential to turn terror into, well fun. It’s true! Think about it. . .
In a rapidly evolving tax and estate planning landscape, one topic has stood out for its complexity and controversy: Bare Trusts. These once quietly used tools for holding family cottages, minimizing probate, or preserving privacy have now found themselves under the microscope of new CRA reporting requirements.
Small businesses remain the cornerstone of the Canadian economy, accounting for 98% of all employer businesses and employing over two-thirds of the private labour force, according to Statistics Canada. Yet, in today’s volatile economic climate, these businesses face growing challenges: persistent inflation, a high cost of borrowing, and significant workforce shortages. For many owner-managers, the need to build scalable, resilient enterprises has never been more urgent. Today’s small business owners need more than just technical advice—they need leadership, clarity, and vision.
There are numerous funding options to help make your professional studies more affordable, including financing available through Knowledge Bureau, funding through each student’s own tax-assisted savings plans, and tax assistance through various CRA tax incentives. However, what can be deducted depends on who you are and what programs you will be involved in.
It’s April 30 and there has rarely been more confusion about a tax filing deadline than in 2025! Not only is CRA’s Auto-fill My Return (AFR) service unreliable, the tax filing deadlines themselves have shifted: April 30 for most people, May 1 for trusts with capital gains, June 2 for T1s with capital gains and June 16 for T1s with small business income (proprietorships). Even the income tax filing statistics seems off. Have a look:
Knowledge Bureau congratulates Michael van Lierop and his whole team at NOW – New Outlook Wealth in Winnipeg for graduating with the RWM™ designation. In this interview with Michael, who has also taken a leadership role at the Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors, November 23-26 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as a Platinum Sponsor, we find out more about his innovative firm, his passions and how the RWM – Real Wealth Management – framework has been a game-changer.
Especially for tax planners and financial advisors: we are transitioning to a new economy with a new government. Gain critical insights into tax efficient retirement and estate planning to help your clients mitigate risk. Mark your calendar to attend Canada’s most current virtual continuing educational summit from Knowledge Bureau on May 21. Learn about the new Liberal government’s proposals for 2025 and beyond and earn a new credential, too: Knowledge Bureau’s new CE Summits – Advisory Diploma, Register now to May 15 and save up to 50%.