News Room

Immediate Expensing Rules: Good Tax Policy?

Over the course of the last two federal budgets (April 16, 2024 and November 4, 2025), the rules for claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) have been uncertain. The proposal to extend immediate expensing rules for certain acquired assets were paused for over a year and then re-introduced in a series of four complex measures which together with new rules for Scientific Research and Experimental Development have become known as the “Productivity Super-Deduction”.  A backdrop appears below. The key question: will this complexity be effective as an economic stimulator?   

New Legislative Proposals: Charitable Donation Tax Credits for Trusts

Finance Canada recently released proposals to amend certain sections of the Income Tax Act (the Act) pertaining to the tax treatment of certain trusts, which only came into force on January 1, 2016. To the relief of many tax and legal practitioners, the proposals remedy some undesirable aspects of the amendments,  especially as it relates to charitable giving.

Your Notice of Assessment: Don’t Misplace It

One document you must remember to keep track of after filing your tax return is your Notice of Assessment or Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

RRSPs:  Pay Attention to Leap Year & Earn Lucrative Refundable Tax Credits

Many people don’t understand one of the most fundamental reasons to file a tax return: claim lucrative refundable tax credits.  It’s especially important for families that qualify for the Canada  Child Tax Benefit, which is expected to be enhanced this July.

Tax Strategies: A Key Component in Your Clients’ Wealth Plan

Using comprehensive tax reduction strategies as a leading weapon in sustaining family wealth always makes sense, but never more than this year. In an investment climate in which there is very little certainty, it pays to look for winners we can count on: tax-efficient investments, for example.

Tax Tips: Employed Abroad? Your Tax Refund Could Be Bigger

Taxpayers who performed services outside Canada for more than six consecutive months during 2015, for either a qualifying Canadian employer or a Canadian-owned foreign affiliate, will qualify for a special tax credit.

Your Practice: Empathy is the Currency of Trust

Tax and financial advisors agree: more than ever, empathy is a key ingredient of successful advisor-client relationships. This was borne out in a presentation by Craig Dowden, Ph.D., at the recent Distinguished Advisor Conference. Registration is now available for this annual event, being held in San Diego, November 6 – 9, 2016.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

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

  • Yes
    35 votes
    30.97%
  • No
    78 votes
    69.03%