Navigating Auto Expense Deduction at Year End: What Clients Need to Know

Doubtless you’ve had clients ask whether they can write off any portion of their vehicle for work or business purposes. And your answer, as always, is: “It depends.” The rules are worth reviewing at year end as they can vary significantly depending on how the client earns their income—employee, self-employed, or incorporated – and this is a deduction that’s often audited. Here’s a practical primer to guide that conversation.

Back in December 2016, the CRA announced that it considered the payment of fees for registered accounts from non-registered accounts as an “advantage” and would tax accordingly, starting in 2018. They have now changed their minds.

Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, accounting for *98% of businesses in the country. Accountants and bookkeepers are critical advisors to these small business owners, helping contribute to the company’s success. Managing business finances can be quite stressful for business owners, as handling the books on their own is often intimidating and quite a burden.

The purpose of year-end planning is to reveal the best ways to build, grow, and preserve income and assets. Done well, it puts a focus on avoiding wealth eroders like taxes and inflation. The object is to shore up financial resources well into the 2020s and beyond despite the uncertainties of tax, economic, and political change.

Did you know that 21% of young boomers (ages 55 to 64) have not set anything aside for their retirement while 46% are considering a delayed retirement? This is according to a survey by 2019 DAC Sponsor Franklin Templeton*. That’s why it’s so important for financial advisors and pre-retirees (Gen Z and Boomers) to consider the question – “Should I delay my CPP or even my OAS?” A case study follows.

If the weather and flu season is already getting you down, remember it’s not too late to join us in sunny Puerto Vallarta for the Distinguished Advisor Conference.  We’d like to take this special opportunity to thank our wonderful sponsors who have made it possible for the outstanding educational sessions and speakers to deliver cutting-edge insights at the event. Most importantly, the networking events are outstanding. Your next big business opportunities await you.

In 2017, legislation was passed introducing new tax on split income (TOSI) rules in effect for 2018.* Understanding TOSI and the new changes is vital to protect those who receive distributions from a private corporation from audit risk. Here are the changes you need to know: