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.

An educated population is a prosperous one and here in Canada, families have options to save for their children's post secondary education with generous tax assistance through the Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) and its government matching programs, the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). Unfortunately, the uptake on most of these programs is low, relative to the overall population, and tax accounting and financial advisors can add significant value in a society focused on a prosperous future by turning this around. Here’s the opportunity:

Are more of your clients in the market for an Electric Vehicle? As the global shift toward sustainability gains momentum, Canadian individuals and businesses are increasingly turning their attention to electric vehicles (EVs). Not only do EVs offer long-term operational savings and environmental benefits, but Canada's tax laws also provide substantial financial advantages for business owners. This article explores the key benefits of integrating EVs as a business asset, with a focus on the tax-deductible expenses and financial incentives available in a Canadian context.

Are your clients owed money by CRA? As of March 31, 2025, the CRA holds about 10.2 million uncashed cheques totalling $1.7 billion. In your view, why is this happening? We put that question to our readers last months and as usual, their comments were insightful:

Periodically the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will embark upon a campaign with slogans to the effect that tax filing is simple. With over 20 years of experience in professional personal tax preparation - and still learning more every year – that’s perplexing as the majority of tax returns are far from simple. But completing an introductory tax prep course is foundational for everyone. It will maximize the relationship between the tax filer and the CRA, their financial pros and their investment decisions. Fortunately help is here, now. 

Today’s most successful advisors and tax professionals know that ongoing education is not just about compliance—it’s about leadership, specialization, and delivering better client outcomes. For practitioners who seek to diversify their knowledge across multiple financial disciplines, Knowledge Bureau’s CE Master Micro-Credentials offer a focused, practical path to sharpen expertise and stand out in an increasingly competitive and regulated industry. . .at a special introductory offer for the month of July. 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) routinely reviews or audits tax filings, including personal, trust, corporate, and HST returns. The most common types of reviews that focus on personal tax returns include, but are not limited to, Pre-Assessment Reviews, Processing Reviews, and the Matching Program. This year there is a new focus: the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit introduced to help families better care for their elders. But claiming it, like other tax benefits, comes with a tax snare. Read on to learn more.