News Room

New 30-Year Amortizations for Insured Mortgages

Effective August 1, 2024, the government will allow 30-year mortgage amortizations for first-time homeowners who purchase newly built homes.  For existing mortgage holders who meet specific criteria, “permanent amortization relief” will be available to extend repayment periods for as long as they need to get to the number they can afford to pay monthly. It’s an extension from the 25-year mortgage amortizations previously allowed. However, this isn’t for everyone… there is a significant risk to lifetime wealth creation and must be managed with an eye to interest rates and payment terms to reduce the non-deductible interest costs.  

Canadian Small Businesses Still Behind On CASL Compliance

58% of KBR voters in our July poll indicated that the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) will not affect their business or their clients.

21 Million Tax Returns Filed Online

More than half of Canadians are now using professional EFILE services to do their taxes and despite the Heartbleed bug, close to 7 million Canadians used NETFILE to transmit their returns. 

30,000 Canadian Children Wait for Adoption

More than 20% of Canadians are or have considered adopting a child in Canada, but 75% of these potential parents are concerned about the cost.

RRSP Funds Payable to a Named Beneficiary Not Part of the Estate in Saskatchewan

A recent decision from the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench held that RRSP funds payable to a named beneficiary do not form part of the testator’s (deceased will maker’s) estate.

Evelyn Jacks: Average Refund Up to $1655

The interest-free loans Canadians give to their governments keeps rising – it’s up from $1646 in the 2012 tax filing year to $1655 in 2013 – that’s $138 a month that could be going into TFSAs or RRSPs instead.

Estate Planning: Testamentary Capacity

In order to make a valid will in any province in Canada, the testator (or will maker) must have a sound dispositive mind or testamentary capacity.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Effective August 1, new 30-year mortgage amortizations are available for first-time home buyers purchasing newly built homes. Will you recommend this option to your clients? Tell us why in the comments!

  • Yes
    4 votes
    22.22%
  • No
    14 votes
    77.78%