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.

What should we anticipate in this year’s federal budget? Evelyn Jacks weighs in on the anticipated changes – and who will be affected by them - with signals already clearly evident from recently released Finance Canada documents.

Canada has 1,673,785 aboriginal people, representing 4.9 percent of the population. According to our census, this population has grown 42.5 percent in the period 2006-16 and the average age of the aboriginal people, at 32.1 years, is close to a decade younger than the rest of Canada. There are unique tax filing concerns for these Canadians, requiring specialized knowledge.

According to a study by the Environics Institute, less than half of Canadian Millennials have enough money to live the kind of life they desire. While they are focused on finding meaningful work that will offer them balance, flexibility and the opportunity to give back - what’s missing is the money. However, the financial services may provide a solution.

Tax reform is all the rage in Canada and the US. With the next Federal budget around the corner, mark your calendar now to join top experts in Canada-US reforms during our Spring CE Summits. The knowledge value proposition is incomparable for advisors working with high net worth clients and those with family members or properties abroad.

Within today’s rapidly emerging new economy, many employers are enticing new talent with employee stock option plans: the opportunity to purchase shares in their corporations at some future date, at today’s lower price. But there are tax consequences. What do employees need to know?

It’s a new tax year and 2018 marks the 101st anniversary of the first income taxes in Canada. Back in the early fall of 1917, Canada’s “War Income Tax” was introduced, and there are still many who think, wrongly, that income taxes in Canada are a temporary measure. But has much changed since 1917? The answer is yes!