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Canada’s Proposed Tax on Vacant Land: Is It the Right Approach?
Canada’s proposed tax on vacant land aims to tackle the housing crisis, but could it backfire? While the intention is commendable, experts warn that such measures may distort economic behavior and burden smaller developers. Instead of penalizing real estate developers, a more effective solution might be to offer tax incentives that encourage immediate construction. Drawing lessons from Ireland’s experience with similar policies, this article explores the potential pitfalls of a vacant land tax and advocates for a collaborative approach that benefits both the government and developers. Discover why tax breaks could be the key to solving Canada’s housing shortage.
Liberal Government Mortgage Reforms: A Double-Edged Sword for Young Canadians?
On September 16, 2024, the federal government unveiled bold mortgage reforms aimed at tackling Canada’s housing crisis and making homeownership more accessible, particularly for younger generations. While these changes seem beneficial at first glance, a closer look reveals a more complex picture, especially for Millennials and Gen Z who are already grappling with high home prices in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive: A Promising Tax Break Needing Greater Clarity
Are you a Canadian business owner considering selling your company? The new Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive (CEI) could be of benefit. Starting in 2025, this promising tax break will significantly reduce your capital gains tax. With a gradual increase in the lifetime limit to $2 million by 2029, the CEI offers substantial savings for eligible entrepreneurs. However, the draft legislation raises important questions about qualifications and exclusions. Discover how this incentive could impact your business and what clarifications are needed for a smoother implementation.
Tax Filing Relief for Trusts in 2024 and Beyond
Navigating the complexities of trust tax filing can be daunting, but there’s good news for 2024! Recent draft legislation will exempt bare trusts from filing tax returns, easing the burden on many Canadians. The definition of Listed Trusts is also expanding, providing more relief for smaller and family trusts. Discover how these changes can simplify your tax obligations and offer greater flexibility in managing your assets. Stay informed on updates that could impact your financial planning—read on to learn more!
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The Capital Dividend Election Just Got More Complicated
The CRA made changes to the capital dividend election form (T2054). We highlight some of the changes in this article.
The Government of Canada’s Affordability Plan and What It Means for You
On June 16, 2022, Deputy Prime Minister Crystia Freeland announced an “Affordability Plan” to tackle the ongoing price increases in the economy. These measures are meant to help Canadians weather the recent price increases for goods and services.
Underused Housing Tax & Traps That Could Result in Huge Penalties
If you own residential property, you should be aware of the newly proposed Underused Housing Tax (“UHT”) set to take effect on January 1, 2022. The UHT is a national, annual 1% tax on the value of non-resident, non-Canadian-owned residential real estate that is vacant or underused.
Budget 2022: Measures Affecting Individuals &Small Business Owners
On April 7, 2022, Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland tabled the federal budget. We highlight some of the newly announced tax measures that affect individuals and small business owners.
The New Luxury Tax: Draft Legislation Released
On March 11, 2022, the government released a 173-page draft legislation for the up-and-coming luxury tax on vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. In other words, these rules are meant to tax you if you purchase luxury cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, yachts over a certain price.
New CRA Disclosure Rules: CRA Proposes to Target Common Private Company Aggressive Tax Planning
The Department of Finance is proposing new disclosure rules that allow CRA to better target owner-manager aggressive tax planning.
New Rule Proposal: Postdoctoral Fellowship Incom Can Now Generate RRSP Room
The government announced good news for taxpayers who earned fellowship income all the way back from 2011 to increase their RRSP room.
Government Extends CEBA Loan to End of 2023
Good News! The government has just announced an extension for the repayment of CEBA to December 31, 2023! This means that you can repay CEBA on or before December 31, 2023, and qualify for loan forgiveness of up to $20,000. CEBA provided interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses to help cover their
You May be able to Deduct More Vehicle Expenses in 2022
For the 2022 year, you may be able to deduct more vehicle expenses in your business. This is not because the government wants to encourage businesses to invest in vehicles. Instead, it reflects recent increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Inflation is driving up these increases, and the tax rules are allowing you to
Everything You Need to Know about the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (Updated December 22, 2021)
What is it? In a nutshell, the Canadian federal government plan to continue the wage and rent subsidies for the tourism and hospitality industry with updated subsidy rates Who qualifies? The subsidy would be available only to organizations in selected sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry. The subsidy helps businesses deeply affected by the
Parliament Returns Today, What Tax Changes Can We Expect?
Today, the House of Commons reconvenes after nearly five months. Normally, there would’ve been a fall economic update. Last year, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the fall economic statement on November 30th. We do not yet know when Minister Freeland will release this year’s fall economic statement. Still, with many campaign promises to implement, we
CRA Releases TFSA and Other Limits for 2022
Each year, certain personal income tax and benefit amounts are indexed to inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data as reported by Statistics Canada. Because of the higher inflation this year, some amounts indexed to inflation are a lot higher. Here are some of the highlights for 2022: 2022 2021 Basic personal amount
Your Cryptocurrency May Be Foreign Property, and Failure to File Form T1135 Could Result in Severe Penalties
Canadian resident individuals, corporations, and certain trusts have to file a unique form called Form T1135 if, at any time during the year, they owned foreign property costing more than $100,000. There are significant penalties for failure to file Form T1135 or for making a false statement or omission. The maximum penalty could be anywhere
Changes to the Canada Recovery Hiring Program
To help businesses emerge out of the pandemic, the government introduced the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) to provide businesses with a subsidy of up to 50% on the incremental remuneration paid to eligible employees between June 6, 2021 and November 20, 2021. The subsidy was determined by the following formula: A x (B-C)
Everything You Need to Know About the Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program
What is it? In a nutshell, the Canadian federal government plan to continue the wage and rent subsidies for hard-hit businesses that do not qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and that have been deeply affected by the pandemic. This generally means a prolonged revenue decline of at least 50%. Who qualifies? All
2021 Election Platforms: Tax and Housing Measures Promises
The federal election is only a few days away. The below is a summary of all the tax and housing market promises by Canada’s major political parties. Click the below image for more details.
Liberals: 2021 Election Tax & Real Estate Measures
The below highlights some of the tax measures proposed by the Liberal Party of Canada for the 2021 Canadian federal election that will be held on September 20, 2021. The purpose of the below article is to summarize and outline the different tax measures published by the political parties in their election platforms in an impartial manner.
The NDP: 2021 Election Tax and Real Estate Measures
The below highlights some of the tax measures proposed by the New Democratic Party of Canada for the 2021 Canadian federal election that will be held on September 20, 2021. The purpose of the below article is to summarize and outline the different tax measures published by the political parties in their election platforms in an impartial
People’s Party of Canada: 2021 Election Tax & Real Estate Measures
The below highlights some of the tax measures proposed by the People’s Party of Canada for the 2021 Canadian federal election that will be held on September 20, 2021. The purpose of the below article is to summarize and outline the different tax measures published by the political parties in their election platforms in an impartial manner.
Green Party of Canada: 2021 Election Tax & Real Estate Measures
The below highlights some of the tax measures proposed by the Green Party of Canada for the 2021 Canadian federal election that will be held on September 20, 2021. The purpose of the below article is to summarize and outline the different tax measures published by the political parties in their election platforms in an impartial manner.
Conservatives: 2021 Election Tax & Real Estate Measures
The below highlights some of the tax measures proposed by the Conservative Party of Canada for the 2021 Canadian federal election that will be held on September 20, 2021. The purpose of the below article is to summarize and outline the different tax measures published by the political parties in their election platforms in an
Liberals Kill Bill C-208 and Brought It Back to Life (Temporarily)
Imagine yourself as an owner of Stephanie’s Electric, a company specializing in electrician services. Stephanie’s Electric started off small but is now an established company in the community. From the beginning, you taught your children the ways of Stephanie’s Electric, and they have managed to become really good at it. You’re now ready for retirement and to pass the business along to them. However, you weigh your options and realize you will pay less
The Top 3 Things You Need to Know about Biden’s Proposals if You Do Business in the U.S.
U.S. President Joe Biden released his 2022 budget submission to Congress. The budget contains several tax proposals aimed at increasing taxes and compliance. The budget would still need to be voted on in Congress in order to be enacted. However, given the Democrat control of both the Senate and the House, there is a strong
Case Study: Why it may be better to deduct COVID repayments in 2021 instead of 2020.
Introduction There are instances when you have to repay the COVID‑19 benefits you received (i.e., CERB, CRB, CESB, etc.). You are taxed on these benefits in the year you receive them. You can deduct repayments. Before Budget 2021, you were only able to deduct repayments in the year you repay them. This resulted in people
2021 Budget: Everything Small Business Owners Need to Know
Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, provided some welcoming news for small business owners when she tabled the 2021 Federal Budget yesterday. Here are some of the tax measures that small business owners need to know. (We like to note that the current Liberal government is a minority government, and these measures may not receive royal assent.)