Hudson’s Bay Artifacts May Have Tax Benefits

Hudson's Bay has received a judge’s permission to auction off 4,400 artifacts and art pieces which includes the 355-year-old royal charter that launched the company.  Did you know that the buyer may qualify for a little-known donation tax credit if that property is subsequently donated to an institution of public authority designated by the Minister of Canadian Heritage?  This opportunity in fact should be incorporated as part of the high value professional discussions astute tax and financial pros can have with their clients in possession of such treasures. 

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Seventy-one per cent (71%) of Knowledge Bureau Report readers feel that do-it-yourself tax filers using tax software and NetFiling can’t lose by investing in a relationship with a tax professional.

While there were few personal tax changes in last month’s Federal Budget, many seniors and their families may be affected to some degree by the adjustments made to GST/HST Canada. The paper burden has also been reduced for businesses who offer Pension Plans, including Pooled Retirement Pension Plans, or deal with the Governor General. 

Tax changes for asset purchases will be introduced for 2013 and beyond – allowing taxpayers a more significant Capital Cost Allowance deduction in some cases – in an attempt by the federal government to stimulate the manufacturing sector.

I held 200 shares of Kraft Foods in my non-registered investment account. Kraft split into Kraft Foods and Mondelez International. I now have 66 shares of Kraft and 200 of Mondelez. I noticed that my T5 slip is indicated that I received a foreign dividend of over $3,000. Is this a taxable dividend? I didn't receive any cash and the value of the two shares together were more or less the same. Please advise as this is a nasty shock. 

For owners of small businesses who pay themselves with dividends, the changes to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rates for 2013 will mean that the tax-free zone will decrease from its current level of about $42,500 for single taxpayers in 2013 to about $35,000 in 2014.