Claiming Medical Expenses: Free Healthcare?

Free Health Care? Did you know that Canadians spend on average more than $1,000 on medical expenses each year? It’s estimated that government programs, via our taxes, cover about 72% of medical expenses, which means that we pay for the rest. Your clients may be over-paying on their taxes because they don’t know about medical expense deductions. 

Breaking News - From Finance Canada today - a postponement of capital gains inclusion rate increase from June 25, 2024 to January 1, 2026—the new date on which the capital gains inclusion rate would increase from one-half to two-thirds on capital gains realized annually above $250,000 by individuals and on all capital gains realized by corporations and most types of trusts.

Last week Finance Canada released draft legislation to confirm the extension of the charitable donation deadline for the 2024 tax year to February 28, 2025. But it’s not for all donations. The fine print in this legislation matters before going ahead and making the donation. Check it out:

Say tuned this Friday, January 31 when CRA is set to release its capital gains calculation forms.  Will they include the proposed new capital gains inclusion rate calculations?  Recall the April 2024 Budget, when our now resigned finance minister Chrystia Freeland announced that the proportion of capital gains that qualify as taxable income would be increased for some tax filers. Is it law?  No.  What should tax filers do?

Many small businesses are currently receiving the long-awaited Canada Carbon Rebate, and for some it’s a sizable sum.  Is it taxable?  It shouldn’t be, according to an announcement made by the Finance Minister last November after the CFIB raised the issue.  In fact, its written statement on the matter on its website also casts this as a tax-free payment.  But did you know, the law says something different?

New! Get hooked on preparing income taxes for tax season 2025 with dozens of true-to-life case studies using professional tax software to build your confidence.  It’s Knowledge Bureau’s Canada’s Income Tax Fundamentals, now available for online training.  It features a dynamic 3 hour instructional overview  - worth the price of admission on it’s own plus personal instructor support!  It’s perfect for anyone new to personal tax filing - really valuable for career development in tax preparation or financial services.  Here are the details.

Get ready for the Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors experience in Puerto Vallarta, November 23-26, 2025 where we’ll be gathering for 4 days of mornings in session, afternoons in the sun, and fun and fiesta at night! We’re pleased to announce our official conference venue: the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Centre. This is an All Inclusive resort experience at exclusive prices for KB Delegates. Check out the details and register for the conference now and you'll receive access to book your hotel room! Team member and group rates available.