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.  

Taxation of Small Business Dividends in 2014

The 2013 Federal Budget announced that, beginning in 2014, the gross-up of small business dividends will be reduced from 25% to 18% and that the federal dividend tax credit will be adjusted as well. The net result is a slight increase in the taxation of other than eligible dividends at the federal level.

Scholarships, Bursaries and Fellowships May Not Be Taxable

Great news! Students who win awards to go to school now qualify for full tax exemptions, if they qualify for the full-time education amount.

Audit Defence - Documenting the Client Experience

Stand up with professionalism to potential legal challenges from CRA or other family stakeholders. Register by May 15 for early bird rates.

Snowbirds: Tax Residency Under Scrutiny at Border

Starting July 1, 2014, Canada and U.S. border authorities will now scan your passport when you enter and exit their country to determine how long a person has actually been out of their country of residence in a given year.

Immigration Trusts

The February 11, 2014 federal budget has proposed to eliminate tax benefits of many estates and trusts; one of which is the immigration trust.

Adjusting Prior Filed Returns? Be Honest

Morton v. The Queen (2014) TCC 72. The Tax Court of Canada recently released reasons for judgment in a case regarding the imposition of penalties following the expiration of the normal reassessment periods.
 
 
 
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%