News Room

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.

Financial Assistants:  Ramp up Your Professional Communications Skills

Assistants to wealth managers will gather for the first ever Assistants’ Conference in Toronto on December 5.  Knowledge Bureau President, Evelyn Jacks, will be a guest speaker, presenting on How to Ramp Up Your Communications Skills. She will also introduce a new online diploma program designed especially for wealth advisors’ assistants: the Professional Financial Assistant Diploma Program™.

Kelowna This Week…Home of DAC 2017. RSVP Today!

The theme of DAC 2017 is Canada 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.  Plan on enjoying the wisdoms of some of Canada’s most prolific educators, financial leaders, writers and motivational speakers.

Life Purpose

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." George S. Patton

Millions Suffer From Hearing Loss: Year-End Tax Planning Can Help

According to a recently released study by Statistics Canada, people who are socially isolated are more likely to experience a poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Loss of hearing has a big part to play in creating that feeling of isolation, particularly for women. Tax and financial advisors can directly help address the issues with some year-end tax planning.

Executors: How to Claim Donations On The Final Return

Executors will want to review donations strategies carefully before year end if managing the final affairs of someone who passed away in 2016.  There are a series of new rules to be aware of.

RESP Deposits: Watch Out For Penalty Taxes

If making an RESP contribution is part of your year-end tax planning discussions, be sure to understand the expensive tax consequences of an excess contribution. A subscriber who contributes more than the limits allow will face a penalty tax of 1% per month on the excess amount, imposed under the Income Tax Act S. 204.91(1).
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Do you agree with the government’s plan to introduce the new Canada Groceries Essentials Benefit (CGEB)?

  • Yes
    24 votes
    32.88%
  • No
    49 votes
    67.12%