Master the New T3 Trust Filing Rules

The trust tax landscape in Canada is undergoing its most significant transformation in years. Starting in 2025, all trusts will be required to file T3 returns - including those that historically did not file because there was no income to report, such as bare trusts. For tax and financial advisors, these changes represent both a compliance challenge and a business opportunity. Knowledge Bureau’s Filing T3 Trust Returns course provides the expertise you need to meet new obligations and help clients make smarter intergenerational tax and estate planning decisions.

The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) expanded filing requirements are designed to capture detailed beneficial ownership information through Schedule 15. While these rules were not enforced for 2023 and 2024 filings, they are expected to become mandatory for 2025 onward if draft legislation passes into law.

Why This Course Matters Now

• Stay compliant: Understand the latest T3 filing requirements for inter vivos trusts (including bare trusts) and testamentary trusts (including Graduated Rate Estates).
• Add value to your practice: Integrate trust return preparation into your client service offering to address compliance needs and strengthen advisory relationships.
• Enhance planning strategies: Learn when it’s more advantageous for the trust or the beneficiary to pay the tax, and how to optimize income allocations for the best after-tax outcomes.
• Leverage new tools: Use the included Trust Tax Estimator to compare tax liabilities and minimize taxes payable.

What You’ll Learn

Through a blend of in-depth lessons, case studies, and hands-on exercises, you’ll:

• Identify different types of trusts and how they are taxed.
• Prepare and file T3 returns and slips for both inter vivos and testamentary trusts.
• Apply strategies to minimize tax liabilities through income allocation.
• Navigate the CRA’s new EFILE capability for trust returns.
• Understand GST/HST implications for trusts.
• Incorporate trust filing into broader estate and intergenerational wealth planning.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction to Trusts – Types of trusts in Canada and their role in tax planning.
2. The T3 Return – Structure, purpose, and overview of the form.
3. Identification – Key details and information requirements for the trust.
4. Income of Trust – Determining trust income under current rules.
5. Deductions – Allowable deductions and how they apply to different trust types.
6. Dealing with Losses – Carry-forward and carry-back provisions.
7. Allocation of Trust Income – Deciding when and how to allocate to beneficiaries.
8. Calculation of Tax and Credits – Determining the final tax payable.
9. Filing the Return – Deadlines, EFILE procedures, and documentation.
10. Special Trusts – Unique filing requirements for specific trust types.

Learning Format & Support

Your enrolment includes:

• Personal course selection consultation
• Virtual campus orientation
• Lesson and study plans
• Personal instructor email support
• Comprehensive Knowledge Journal
• Access to the EverGreen Online Research Library
• Knowledge Bureau calculators and tools (including the Trust Tax Estimator)
• Testing, certification, and CE/CPD accreditation

Evaluation:

• Quizzes: 25%
• Case Studies: 50%
• Final Exam: 25%
• Passing Grade: 60% (Honours at 90%+)

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for experienced tax preparers, accountants, financial planners, and estate practitioners looking to expand their skills and add new, high-value services for clients in 2025 and beyond.

Enrol Today – Stay Ahead of the 2025 Filing Requirements

The CRA’s expanded T3 trust filing rules will impact millions of Canadians and their advisors. Position yourself as the go-to expert on trust compliance and tax optimization.

Enrol in Filing T3 Trust Returns today and be ready to meet your clients’ needs with confidence, precision, and a mastery of Canada’s new trust filing landscape.

Until August 31, take 2 courses to achieve a Professional Practitioner Diploma and save 40%, only $595 per course!