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.

At this time of the year, tax advisors and their clients are familiarizing themselves with the indexing changes that have been applied to tax brackets, and refundable and non-refundable credits. Indexation is based on the consumer price index, but different formulas apply to different provisions.

Tax treaties between nations serve an important purpose: They ensure that the taxpayer is not left in the lurch when multiple countries each want to tax the same income. Canada currently has 92 tax treaties in effect with other countries, to protect taxpayers from over-taxation. Most recently, on January 15, Canada and Taipei signed an Arrangement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, based on standards developed by the OECD for the exchange of tax information.

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

Keeley Simpson of Rorabeck Wealth Advisory Group, BMO Nesbitt Burns, and Brandon Silbermann, a financial advisor at Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc and Don Stockman Financial Services Ltd, were awarded prestigious plaques in commemoration of their selection as the two inaugural winners of the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) Young Advisors Award.

Knowledge Bureau has just wrapped up another successful Distinguished Advisor Workshop (DAW) tour, the annual Advanced Personal Tax Update. If you were unable to attend, Knowledge Bureau has a few options for you to update, train staff and get your CE Credits.

Want a real tax challenge? Take the T1 Professional Tax Preparation – Advanced for more complex case studies and tax theory that tests and refreshes your knowledge. The true-to-life simulations help you identify changes in your tax software, too.