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:

Knowledge Bureau’s highly engaging Annual Personal Tax Bootcamp is coming soon, January 17-25, 2017, in six cities across Canada. Registrants are urged to reserve their spots early as seating is limited, and to take advantage of early-bird tuition reductions until January 10.

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™.

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.

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

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 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.