Fuel Excise Tax on Hold But Inflation is Not

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has thrown global oil prices into turmoil and there is plenty of fallout for consumers. Travelling to Europe this summer? That’s in jeopardy, as jet fuel may run out.  Looking for relief at the pumps instead? The recently announced suspended federal excise tax on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel here in Canada will soften the blow, but only temporarily: it will be zero from April 20 to September 7, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

It was the go-to savings vehicle for generations of Canadians, and a gateway to more sophisticated investing for millions. But with Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs) off the table as of November 1, advisors should guide clients to another option that will occupy the same space in their hearts — and finances. There are five key reasons the TFSA should be an even better choice for Canadian savers.

Amidst calls by the federal government to improve “tax fairness,” a report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) shows that while a mere three per cent of all tax filers earn $150,000 or more, they contribute over one-third of all federal income taxes collected.

With proposed changes looming to the eligibility for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE), which becomes the Capital Gains Deduction on the personal tax return, tax and financial advisors are well advised to review the rules and have discussions with their clients on whether any year end planning opportunities should be pursued.

“Everything happens to everybody sooner or later, if there is time enough.” —George Bernard Shaw

It’s undeniable that the financial advisory and insurance industries will face dramatic changes in the upcoming weeks, months and years. Two distinguished speakers at this year’s Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) in Kelowna, November 5 – 8, will challenge you to think about two key issues:  people matter in a contentious world and the prescriptive sales process just doesn’t work anymore.

2018 is destined to be a busy season for Canadian tax preparers and financial advisors who will need to be prepared to assist their clients in addressing the many new tax changes. This year’s CE Summits will help you gain a better understanding of the tax changes that have occurred, and those to come for private business owners and their families, and will allow you to hone the technical skills necessary to effectively address them.