News Room

CPA Indexation for 2026 Personal Amounts

The Consumer Price Index numbers for September have been released and that number is used to calculate the indexation rate for personal amounts and tax brackets.  Although the federal government has yet to announce the new tax figures, we’ve done the math to estimate the numbers.  It’s important information for year end tax planning purposes, a subject we will also cover in depth on November 5 at the live virtual CE Summit.  Read on to learn more.

Common Medical Expenses You Can’t Claim

Everyone is likely to have some out-of-pocket medical expenses during the year but many people don’t know that they can claim them.  Common examples are batteries for hearing aids, certain travel costs incurred to seek medical attention not available in your community or contact lenses for example. But there’s also a long list of expenses that can’t be claimed.  Can you name any of them?  The CRA offers a great list:

CRA Extends Relief for Bare Trust Returns as Filing Deadline Looms

Only three weeks before the April 2, 2024 Trust Return filing deadline, the CRA released updated guidance indicated that gross negligence penalties will not apply for 2023 in most cases if taxpayers fail to file on time, except in the “most egregorious cases”. It’s good news that the government has decided to ease the penalty provisions for people who don’t file by April 2 as they try to decipher these new rules. When does a bare trust exist, and when do the rules apply? Here are some examples, based on a question submitted by one of our KBR readers and students, Connie Zhu.

Mark Your Calendar: May 22 CE Summit!

The topic of discussion is Retirement, Trust and Estate planning chocked full of critical information you need to know as you work with clients to maximize their wealth potential.  You’ll be treated to an in-depth analysis of the April 16 Federal Budget, a Trust boot camp, and a great discussion on retirement and cottage succession planning.  You don’t even have to leave your office!  Here’s why Connie, Zhu, DMA enjoys the Virtual CE Summits so much:

Become a Distinguished Master Advisor with the Skills to Develop Tax-Efficient Solutions for Retirement!

Do you have the skills to provide the process and structure your clients will need to effectively plan for their retirement? Differentiate yourself, attract new clients and increase profits by providing a high value service as a trusted advisor to your clients as a DMA™- Retirement Income Services Specialist. Learn more risk-free by taking a free DMA™ Program Orientation!

Ancient Tax Law: Still Here, Often Forgotten

Are you taking your exemption on foreign currency exchange gains?  Are you reporting them?  It’s part of some “ancient tax law” still with us today.  And some of those provisions are often forgotten. Here’s a few of them:

Fixing Interpretations:  Donors and Tax Strategies

As a financial advisor, a common query you might encounter is how clients can improve their financial position through charitable donations, particularly from sources like RRSPs/RRIFs or investments.  While there are tax-efficient strategies to encourage gifting from these sources, the suggestion that a donor can end up in a better financial position after making a gift is inherently flawed. Here’s why:
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Do you believe SimpleFile, CRA’s newly revamped automated tax system, will help more Canadians access tax benefits and comply with the tax system?

  • Yes
    5 votes
    9.26%
  • No
    49 votes
    90.74%