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:

In the past, retirement income planning was largely focused on how much pension income was needed to replace employment income, for a taxpayer and his/her spouse to live comfortably until death. That has now changed, significantly.

Many investors may feel that it’s best to stay out of the stock markets for now, particularly at a time of so much instability. Are they right?

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." Steve Jobs

Should you start your Canada Pension Plan early or late? The tax consequences may help you decide. First, know that CPP pension benefits are taxable.

The Finance Department has offered a terse but prompt response to a request with a very short deadline from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) for additional information to justify figures in the March 22, 2016, federal budget.

April 30 falls on a Saturday this year, so midnight May 2 is the deadline for filing the T1 General Tax and Benefits Return.