The UHT May Be Cancelled, But Vacancy Taxes Remain

As tax professionals, you are keenly aware of the constant changes our federal government makes to the Income Tax Act. Adjustments are made, and you must adapt. Not often, though, is a tax eliminated altogether. But in the case of the Underused Housing Tax (UHT), that is exactly what has happened – it was cancelled in the federal budget of November 4, 2025, but Canada’s underused housing taxes have not been eliminated. Here’s what you need to know for tax season 2026.

It’s enough to make some Canadians question “Should we stay or should we go?”  Knowledge Bureau President Evelyn Jacks is pleased to welcome cross border expert Sharon Conrod and Financial Post tax columnist Kim Moody to help decipher how new capital gains inclusion rates, the AMT on donations, family business succession rules and cross border taxation all will be changed for year end tax planning 2024.  Doug Buss will bring it all together from a Real Wealth Management perspective as the virtual event closes with retirement planning issues for 2024 and 2025.  

Like people, businesses who survive the test of time, thrive over numerous lifecycles, dodging obstacles like economic and tax changes. Tax and financial advisors are important professional partners in the journey.  This is especially true when business owners become so consumed with the day-to-day aspects of running their business that they spend less and less time working on the investment in the business itself.  The advisory role is to help business leaders take a broader view of the company and in process, to shore up business value for an exit down the line.

Last month we took a walk through the history of tax reform in Canada.  This week, we’ll share a timeline of pension reform in Canada with a walk through of significant provisions since 1927, found in the Canadian Museum of History.  But before you take a peek, see if you can answer a short pension quiz, especially if you are a retirement planner or tax advisor:

When it comes to disputes with Canada Revenue Agency, there is a presumption that the individual or company will receive fair treatment by the Agency and under Canadian law. However, a report from Audit Powers Working Group of the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Canadian Bar Association and Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada raises four areas of concern about proposed changes to CRA powers.

An updated report from Statistics Canada at the end of September shows new information of the state of conjugal relationships in Canada.  The findings are interesting and surprising and provide a glimpse into family life in the country, based on the government’s definitions of conjugal arrangements since 1991.

It’s the time to celebrate our innovative risk takers:  the Canadian Entrepreneurs! Small Business week is Oct 20-26!  We are celebrating with Tuition Fee Reductions on Business Tax and Management Courses from Knowledge Bureau.  As a DMA™- Small Business Management Specialist you’ll be position to help business leaders create and implement strategies, processes and plans that develop and enable business growth. Or take advantage of this educational opportunity to scale up your own enterprise to its greatest potential. Check out these special offers for the month of October!