The UHT May Be Cancelled, But Vacancy Taxes Remain

As tax professionals, you are keenly aware of the constant changes our federal government makes to the Income Tax Act. Adjustments are made, and you must adapt. Not often, though, is a tax eliminated altogether. But in the case of the Underused Housing Tax (UHT), that is exactly what has happened – it was cancelled in the federal budget of November 4, 2025, but Canada’s underused housing taxes have not been eliminated. Here’s what you need to know for tax season 2026.

Knowledge Bureau Designates: your professionalism matters to your clients. Your achievements are also an inspiration to the thousands of undergrads inn Knowledge Bureau program from coast to coast.  But, the grace period for relicensing ends August 31!  Make sure to maximize your investment in your credentials. Send along your Attestation to Standards of Conduct now. Check out the handy Q&A Relicensing Guide below or call us for help: 1-866-953-4769.  Here’s what you need to know:

The April 19, 2021 Federal Budget has received Royal Assent, and one important change will bring much needed help to a million more low income Canadians: the expansion to Canada’s Workers Benefit (CWB).  The expanded annual benefit, which provides up to $1,400 for single workers without children and $2,400 per family, will now be accessible to 3.2 million people. Here are the details.

Why is tax efficiency so important in planning for future financial peace of mind?  Because it increases the present value of income; which has the potential of earning more income and value over the longer savings horizon. Tax and investment advisors can provide invaluable assistance especially to those clients under age 45, who lag behind in their RRSP contributions. 

On June 29, an important private member’s bill received Royal Assent. It addresses the thorny issue of intergenerational transfers of family farms and fisheries. These changes will provide more surety for those in the farming and fishing industries to enable capital gains treatment on intergenerational transfers; tax treatment aligned with sales to unrelated parties.

In today’s hot but volatile financial markets, investors are looking for new places to invest for safety, while taking advantage of change.  A new type of debt instrument, Limited Recourse Capital Notes, may fit the bill for some fixed income investors, and tax and financial advisors will want to come up to speed to better understand the structure.   

Virtual DAC Acuity 2021, October 17-19 will feature the thought leadership of 8 senior executives, 2 best-selling authors, leading scholars and top wealth advisors. It’s an online conference experience that tax and financial professionals won’t want to miss. Share the knowledge: enrol yourself and bring your team along at a reduced tuition fee, until September 30.