Fuel Excise Tax on Hold But Inflation is Not

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has thrown global oil prices into turmoil and there is plenty of fallout for consumers. Travelling to Europe this summer? That’s in jeopardy, as jet fuel may run out.  Looking for relief at the pumps instead? The recently announced suspended federal excise tax on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel here in Canada will soften the blow, but only temporarily: it will be zero from April 20 to September 7, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

Financial Planners and Tax Specialists, together with Owner-Managers of Canadian Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs) will need to review the compensation and retirement planning arrangements currently in place to ensure they are not eroded by recent federal tax changes. 

In deciding which of the two tax preferred investment vehicles should be used for various lifecycle purposes – the TFSA or the RRSP - advisors and their clients should carefully consider all the advantages of investing in and withdrawing from each vehicle.

What should you do with your RRIF withdrawals once you’ve generated the tax with the funds?  

Have you alerted your clients about the changes in the eligibility for the increased UCCB benefits?

Recent changes to RRIF withdrawal rules are in the spotlight since the April 21, 2015 federal budget.  Will they affect pension income splitting, and if so, how? 

Small businesses employ half of all Canadian workers in the private sector; making sure these employers can continue to provide jobs is critical.