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.  

The Tax Court of Canada (TCC) recently had to decide whether a taxpayer who attended a “university outside Canada” qualified to claim the tuition fee tax credit, under paragraph 118.5(1)(b) of the Income Tax Act (the Act).

As provinces in Canada attempt to add surtaxes to top earners in Canada, the most recent being Ontario in its defeated May 1 budget, a debate on whether top incomes should be subject to more tax continues. 

Don't miss the one-day May Distinguished Advisor Workshop in a city near you May 21-June 3. The theme is CHANGE...change in relations with CRA and change within the family as clients copy with life transitions. How can you be the best advocate and steward for your client? Earn 10 CE/CPD credits – register today!

Evelyn Jacks will kick off the Distinguished Advisor Workshops next week by helping tax and wealth advisors prepare their clients for recent budget changes and global wealth management trends that will affect planning in 2014-2015. 

John Poyser will challenge professional advisors to open their dissenting issues – with CRA, within family wealth discussions, and when preparing the transition of cottage and business assets to the next generation in a compelling program of tips and traps all tax and wealth advisors need to be aware of.

Tax audit season has begun and you need to be prepared to represent your clients with competence, confidence and a winning attitude by knowing what will be audited, what can be defended, and how to astutely position your advocacy for your client’s best after-tax position.