News Room

Fuel Excise Tax on Hold But Inflation is Not

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has thrown global oil prices into turmoil and there is plenty of fallout for consumers. Travelling to Europe this summer? That’s in jeopardy, as jet fuel may run out.  Looking for relief at the pumps instead? The recently announced suspended federal excise tax on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel here in Canada will soften the blow, but only temporarily: it will be zero from April 20 to September 7, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

Retirement Planning with a Holistic View

Help your clients envision their plan for the three stages of retirement based on a holistic, values-based strategy and a consistent process for articulating and measuring a plan to its objectives. This will involve several different approaches to new conversations with clients as you help them set objectives for life, financial and economic milestones after work life. Expand your skillset to help your clients navigate retirement planning with the new CE Savvy™ Collection: Retirement Planning.

Reminder:  Filing UHT Return Extended to Oct. 31, 2023

The May 1st tax filing deadline is less than 20 days away and tax season is in full swing!  The T1 is not the only tax return due on this day.  The T1135 Foreign Income Verification Statement must be filed and this year, a new tax return has been added.  Thankfully, the filing of the new Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Return for 2022, the UHT-2900, has been postponed to October 31, 2023.  But scheduling a return engagement with affected clients is critical:  the tax casts a wider net than originally anticipated and the penalties are high for failure to file.

What is a Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA)?

With a new minimum tax on the horizon after the last federal budget, business owners may be more interested in discussing ways to protect their future wealth.  A retirement compensation arrangement (RCA) may be a way to do that. Tax and financial advisors may wish to come up to speed to engage clients in more high value advice post tax season. Here’s what you’ll want to know:

What to Claim:  Attendant Care Expenses, Medical Expenses or the Disability Amount

There is significant complexity for taxpayers who may qualify to claim both attendant care expenses under the medical expense credit and the disability amount.  CRA has provided an excellent guide to making the best claim for your clients.   

Become a Digital Advisor of the Future

This week advisors were treated to the secrets behind greater work-life balance and more impactful client relationships with an overview of a new program from Knowledge Bureau:  how to become a digital advisor for the future.  Did you miss it?  You can still listen in, and save money on this new certificate course now till April 30.  Here’s what you learn:

Do You Need CE Credits? KB Has New Options!

Did you know 2023 is an important Milestone Year for CE/CPD Credits in the tax and financial services industry? Knowledge Bureau designates need 15 CE Credits by June 30 to relicence their credentials;  IIROC Cycle 9 ends on December 31, 2023 and Insurance Council licensing CE credits are due at various times throughout the spring.  That’s why Knowledge Bureau is offering 5 new CE options to help you meet your CE requirements before the summer:
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Should the Old Age Security clawback start at a lower net income than the current $93,454?

  • Yes
    22 votes
    18.97%
  • No
    94 votes
    81.03%