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 new Registration of Tax Preparers Program, proposed to launch during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, will keep track of errors associated with a particular registrant in an effort of improve compliance. CRA is seeking input on this change in its relationship with professionals.

Jane Rooney has been selected as the Financial Literacy Leader of Canada. The Task Force on Financial Literacy provided 30 recommendations, including the appointment of a Financial Literacy Leader, to help Canadians become equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible financial decisions.

The Tax Court of Canada (TCC) recently decided that, although a relevant factor, prior convictions in criminal proceedings resulting from plea bargains are not determinative of the relevant facts and issues in a subsequent civil tax appeal.

Canadians are increasingly transacting online and tracking the path the money takes – into and out of various accounts – and credit arrangements can be complicated, frustrating at times, and difficult to track.

Lori Campbell earned her MFA-Succession and Estate Planning Specialist designation in 2012 and has been a frequent delegate of the Distinguished Advisor Conference over the last seven years. We are pleased to have Lori as one of our distinguished grads.

The donation credit is non-refundable and reduces taxes payable. For those who have donated in the past, the credit can be close to 50 cents on the dollar, depending on how much you give. First-time donors can get an extra 25% credit for cash donations up to $1,000.