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.

Every year there is a milestone date when Canadians can shift their focus from paying taxes due to using their income to secure their financial future. Several countries track “Tax Freedom Day” annually, and Canada’s is coming up in June. It falls weeks behind other countries, which can have negative repercussions to wealth management and retirement planning.

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has just released its first report on a broad range of physical, mental and social aspects of aging in Canada. Why should tax and financial advisors care about these trends at this time? The key findings may surprise you, as the vast majority of seniors say they are managing very well.

Despite good trends in overall wealth accumulation in Canada, recent reports show that many Canadians struggle financially with increasing personal debt levels, and rising mortgage interest rates. The  2018 Budget also voiced concerns about income equality and diversity, but it’s clear education is a key part of the solution.

According to the 2016 Survey of Financial Security, released in December of 2017, median net worth increased in Canada by 14.7 percent since 2012. The big ticket to success? Turns out, it’s real estate, pensions and according to other studies, entrepreneurship.

When an employee moves from one employer with a pension plan to a new employer with their own pension plan, pension adjustments can get confusing.

At November’s Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC), Knowledge Bureau will be honouring tomorrow’s future leaders as the recipients of the Young Advisor Award. Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2018!