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.

The financial services industry has traditionally been male dominated, but a shift has started to occur, with more emphasis placed upon supporting female growth in this field. Also important, is a new Statistics Canada Report which notes that women-owned service industry businesses are experiencing higher growth rates than those owned by men, which bodes well for female leaders in the tax and financial services.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) received $85 Million in extra tax relief in the 2017 tax year, but some may have missed the opportunity when filing. As part of year-end tax planning communications, professionals working with CAF clients may wish to revisit any recent claims for the deductions available to police and Canadian Forces personnel.

Unfortunately, Senator McCallum has informed us she is unable to attend the Distinguished Advisor Conference this year. Instead we will hear from Dan Collison who will speak to this important topic: YOUR NEW IDEAL CLIENT: How Constructive Listening Helps Engage Culturally Diverse Clients. Check it out and register by October 31!

The tax preparation industry is undergoing massive change: from jobs that required data entry skills to professional advice that focuses on the best after-tax results for the client and his or her family. That requires a new educational solution for those who want to build a career in this rewarding industry.

Troy Harrison of Winnipeg, shares why investing in education as an advisor, isn’t just about career advancement. Education also helps advisors forge trust with clients.  His focus now is to cultivate and nurture his client relationships and inspire other advisors to do the same.

Two new important pieces of information from the CRA impact the registered investment strategies of Canadian taxpayers. The forecasted TFSA contribution limits for 2019, and the long-awaited Income Tax Folio S3-F10-C3, Advantages – RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, RDSPs and TFSAs issued on October 1.