News Room

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.

Minister of Finance Launches Pre-Budget Consultations

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty will launch the 2014 pre-budget consultations on Thursday, November 7, 2013 in Toronto. Knowledge Bureau Report readers are invited to forward their top three issues of concerns to Evelyn Jacks, President of Knowledge Bureau.

Investing in Spousal RRSP Still a Good Idea

We asked in our October poll, “With the opportunity to use pension income splitting in the future to reduce taxes, is investing in a spousal RRSP still a good idea?”, and the clear answer was “yes”.

Financial Focus: What Does Financial Literacy Month Mean to You?

The third annual Financial Literacy month was launched last week by The Honourable Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Lucie Tedesco, the new Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC).

CPP Pensionable Earnings Rise for 2014

The maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2014 will increase to $52,500 in 2014, which is an increase from $51,100 in 2013, while the basic exemption remains at the current $3,500 level.

Evelyn Jacks: The Promise of Economic Potential

Agathe Côté, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, spoke of one of my favorite subjects – the Promise of Potential – at the CFA Society Winnipeg/Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in Winnipeg on October 29.

Fines and House Arrest for Taxpayer Caught in Paradigm Scheme

Carl Gustafson, a professional engineer (P.Eng.) and a director of Norall Group Contracting Inc., was fined late in October in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay in the amount of $84,417 for failing to report $459,174 in income. 
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Does the new government’s promise, expected soon, to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs? What are alternatives in your view?

  • Yes
    13 votes
    10.32%
  • No
    113 votes
    89.68%