Tax Tips

• Inadvertent Transfer of Tax Liability   (Monday, January 5, 2015)
  Tax Liability; The transfer need not be made with the intention of avoiding a tax liability
• New Legislation Will Affect Traditional Estate Planning (Part II)   (Monday, December 29, 2014)
  New Rules Passed Part II; The changes contained in the newly enacted legislation are monumental
• The Deceased's Estate Will Be Required To Pay The Tax Instead of The Trust   (Monday, December 22, 2014)
  New Rules for Certain Trusts – Part I; We encourage you to speak with your tax advisor regarding the significant impact of these new rules
• Immigrant Trusts   (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)
  Immigrant Trusts; the immigrant trust exemption was withdrawn
• Last Chance to use Losses on Stock Option Shares   (Monday, December 1, 2014)
  Stock Option Election; the ability to make this election ends this year
• Interprovincial Planning   (Monday, November 24, 2014)
  Provincial Residence; There is no set hierarchy of factors that one can prioritize or list when determining provincial residence status
• Employee Savings Plans   (Monday, November 10, 2014)
  Employee Savings Plans; A DPSP may be a better way to create a retirement savings plan for employees
• Source Deduction Waivers   (Monday, November 3, 2014)
  Source Deduction Waivers; it is a good idea to start the process now
• 'Nil Consideration' Election for GST and HST   (Tuesday, October 28, 2014)
  GST and HST Election; After December 31, 2015, all unfiled elections will be invalid
• New Rules for Donations by Estates   (Monday, October 20, 2014)
  Donations; It is common for individuals to include charitable bequests in their estate planning
• Year End Planning   (Tuesday, October 14, 2014)
  Year End Planning; it is better to start planning now, rather than waiting
• Proposed Changes to Eligible Capital Property Regime   (Monday, October 6, 2014)
  Eligible Capital Property; we expect that the changes will eliminate an important tax deferral
• When Is A Gift Not A Gift?   (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)
  CRA Collections; The Transferee can be assessed even if he or she had no knowledge of the transferor's tax debt
• The Capital Gains Exemption   (Thursday, July 3, 2014)
  Capital Gains Exemption; Capital gains exemption planning is complicated
• IRS Announces Changes to Offshore Programs   (Friday, June 27, 2014)
  US Tax Filings; the voluntary compliance window is closing
• Remuneration Strategy   (Friday, June 20, 2014)
  Remuneration Planning; If payroll taxes apply, the breakeven point will be even later
• Employee or Independent Contractor?   (Tuesday, June 10, 2014)
  Employee vs. Independent Contractor; For tax purposes, the answer is very important
• Barter Transactions   (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)
  Barter Transactions; Detection is not as hard as it used to be
• Unhappy Anniversary   (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)
  21st Year Rule; we suggest that... you make note of and track the 21st anniversary dates of your trusts
• Transitional 'Relief' For the New Foreign Reporting Forms T1135   (Tuesday, March 4, 2014)
  Foreign Reporting; we do not think they go far enough and are too short lived
• FATCA - The U.S. Wins Hide and Seek   (Tuesday, February 18, 2014)
  FATCA; there will be fewer places for U.S. persons to hide
• Reporting of International Electronic Funds Transfers   (Monday, February 3, 2014)
  Reporting International Funds Transfers; the Government of Canada is serious about enforcing tax compliance
• Just What the Doctor Prescribed - The Lowest Rate. Again!   (Monday, January 20, 2014)
  Prescribed Rate Loans; Seriously consider implementing the plan before the end of March 2014
• Charitable Tax Shelters – 'Tis the Season Redux   (Monday, December 16, 2013)
  Donations; If the charitable tax shelter seems too good to be true, it likely is
• Timing Is Everything   (Monday, November 18, 2013)
  Capital Dividends; Consideration should be given to paying out capital dividends before capital losses are realized
• Increase in Capital Gains Exemption   (Monday, November 11, 2013)
  Capital Gains Exemption; If commercially practical structure a partial sale of Qualifying Property in 2013 and the remainder in 2014
• Foreign Entity Classifications   (Monday, October 28, 2013)
  Foreign Entity Classifications; The actual process of classifying an entity for Canadian tax purposes is difficult
• Dividend Tax Rates Increasing   (Friday, October 18, 2013)
  Dividend Tax Rate Increase for 2014; Consider paying planned dividends by the end of 2013
• GST/HST   (Friday, October 11, 2013)
  GST/HST on Services Provided to Lenders for a Fee; the CRA is now targeting those who receive payments from lenders
• Immigrating To Canada - A Tax Checklist   (Friday, October 4, 2013)
  Immigration Planning; Some Important Points for the Adviser to Consider
• Happenings in the Tax World   (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)
  Constant Change; One of the important roles of tax advisors is to be continually aware of the forces at play
• Prescribed Rate Loans   (Friday, August 16, 2013)
  Income Splitting Loans; the real benefit is the ability to increase the spread as future investment returns increase
• Possible Changes to Graduated Tax Rates for Testamentary Trusts   (Friday, August 2, 2013)
  Testamentary Trusts and Estates; the tax and estate planning landscape will be significantly changed for many Canadians
• The Window is Closing on Some Voluntary Disclosures   (Friday, July 26, 2013)
  Voluntary Disclosures; the clock is ticking for offshore investors
• Expanded Foreign Reporting Requirements   (Friday, June 28, 2013)
  Foreign Reporting; The level of detail required has been vastly expanded
• A REGular Problem   (Friday, June 14, 2013)
  Regulation 105; The payor need not be resident in Canada
• Moving Expenses   (Friday, May 31, 2013)
  Moving Expenses; please consult your TSG representative if you have a 'moving experience' to discuss
• Tax Collection Across International Boundaries   (Friday, May 17, 2013)
  Tax Collection; Your assets or earnings may be seized to pay the Canadian debt
• 'Offshore' And 'Illegal' Are Not Synonyms   (Friday, May 3, 2013)
  Offshore Planning; as long as Canadian tax rules are followed
• Accumulating Corporate Wealth   (Friday, March 15, 2013)
  Owner-Manager Remuneration; The benefit of this strategy is in the use of the excess funds from business
• Going Rogue   (Friday, February 22, 2013)
  CRA Processes; auditors do not seem to be evaluated based on the competence of their performance
• Aggressive Owner-Manager Remuneration   (Friday, January 25, 2013)
  Owner Manager Remuneration; if it seems 'too good to be true', then it often is
• Fiscal Cliff Averted But 'Fiscal Hill' Still Remains   (Friday, January 11, 2013)
  US Tax Update; Congress still has to deal with spending cuts
• Insurance Trusts   (Friday, December 28, 2012)
  Insurance Trusts; An insurance trust is generally funded outside the estate
• Family Employment Insurance   (Friday, December 21, 2012)
  Employment Insurance; the overall cost of EI premiums can be significant
• Fiscal Cliff or Fiscal Hill – There is Still a Slope   (Friday, December 7, 2012)
  U.S. Taxes; Immediate action may be necessary to take advantage of the lower 2012 U.S. tax rates
• CRA Update   (Friday, November 30, 2012)
  audits of HNW individuals still remain a high priority; CRA Update
• Despite Proposed Changes, Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Still Provides Big Benefits for Small Businesses   (Friday, November 23, 2012)
  SR&ED; it is a good idea to review upcoming SR&ED expenditures and accelerate the spending
• Changes to the 'Bump' Rules for Partnership Interests   (Friday, November 16, 2012)
  Partnerships; partnerships are still a useful vehicle
• When It’s Not So Great to Donate   (Friday, November 9, 2012)
  Donation Schemes; The CRA will neither issue a refund nor assess the return
• Will You be ABIL to Use Your Capital Gains Exemption?   (Friday, November 2, 2012)
  ABILs and the Capital Gains Exemption; It is important to remember the interaction of ABILs and the CGE
• Uncommon RRSP Rollovers   (Friday, October 26, 2012)
  Retirement Plans; Rollovers of Retirement Plan funds are not only available to spouses or common-law partners
• Bursaries and Scholarships   (Friday, October 19, 2012)
  Bursaries; Generally, bursaries are included in income and a deduction for the same amount is allowed
• Third-Party Civil Penalty   (Friday, October 12, 2012)
  Penalties; this is not the last word on the matter
• Proposed Changes to Thin Capitalization Rules   (Friday, October 5, 2012)
  Thin Capitalization Rules; in many cases a portion of existing debt can be converted to equity
• Farm Losses   (Friday, September 28, 2012)
  Farm Losses; the SCC corrected its previous interpretation of the combination test
• IRS Streamlined Filing Procedures   (Friday, September 21, 2012)
  Filing Procedures; These procedures became effective on September 1, 2012
• Retiring Outside Canada? Don't Stay Tax Resident Here   (Friday, September 14, 2012)
  Retiring Outside Canada; Residency is based on common law and case law
• Opting Out of Spousal Rollovers   (Friday, September 7, 2012)
  Spousal Rollovers; a taxpayer can opt out of this 'rollover' rule
• Home Buyer's Plan Withdrawals   (Friday, August 31, 2012)
  HBP; The ability for a family member to use RRSP funds to assist a relative with a disability to purchase an accessible home is an opportunity that should not be overlooked
• Coming to Canada with Stock Options   (Friday, August 24, 2012)
  Stock Options; it may be beneficial for non-residents to exercise their employee stock options before becoming resident
• The Disability Tax Credit   (Friday, August 17, 2012)
  Tax Credit; Identifying eligibility for the DTC can result in thousands of dollars in tax refunds
• Sale of property to a trust   (Friday, August 10, 2012)
  Sale of property to a trust; Tax practitioners often recommend the use of trusts
• HST or GST and Associated Groups   (Friday, August 3, 2012)
  HST or GST; the small supplier limit is not measured based on taxable supplies in a fiscal year
• Allowable Business Investment Losses – Some Good News   (Friday, July 27, 2012)
  Allowable Business Investment Losses; relief from some of the stringent administrative requirements
• Home Renovations and Construction Cost may be Medical Expenses   (Friday, July 13, 2012)
  Home Renovations; certain alterations to a home or incremental construction costs may be eligible for METC treatment
• New U.S. Filing Program   (Friday, July 6, 2012)
  U.S. Tax; the new procedures should provide some relief
• Transfer of Properties on Separation & Divorce   (Friday, June 29, 2012)
  Separation and Divorce; It is also important to consider the various attribution rules that could apply
• Tax Collection Across International Boundaries   (Friday, June 15, 2012)
  Tax Collection Across International Boundaries; most countries have legislation permitting the enforcement of foreign judgments
• Relief for Eligible Dividends   (Friday, June 8, 2012)
  Relief for Eligible Dividends; These new rules should generally provide greater flexibility
• The Capital Gains Exemption - Share Ownership Is Important   (Friday, June 1, 2012)
  Capital Gains Exemption - Share Ownership; In a typical family estate freeze, this anti-avoidance rule will not likely apply
• New Rules Affect RRSP's and RRIF's Owning Shares of Private Companies   (Friday, May 25, 2012)
  New Rules Affect RRSP and RRIF's; The 'prohibited investment' rules... have significantly impacted RRSP and RRIF holdings of private company shares
• Corporate ABIL's   (Friday, May 18, 2012)
  Corporate ABIL's; The type of investor can also impact
• Post Mortem Pipeline Transactions   (Friday, May 11, 2012)
  Pipeline Transactions; Post Mortem Pipeline Transactions
• Residence of Trusts   (Friday, May 4, 2012)
  Trusts; Residence of Trusts
• Changes to Partnership Returns   (Friday, March 16, 2012)
  Partnership Returns; There are two changes in this revised version of T5013 that are worth noting
• Early Exercise of Stock Options   (Friday, March 9, 2012)
  Stock Options; it is desirable to minimize the employment benefit and increase the potential capital gain
• The 2012 Federal Budget   (Friday, March 2, 2012)
  Federal Budget; Your TSG members will be reviewing and analyzing the 2012 Federal Budget
• New RRSP Investment Rules   (Friday, February 17, 2012)
  RRSP; Advisors should review these new rules with clients who are contemplating acquiring private company shares
• RRSP Deductions   (Friday, February 10, 2012)
  RRSP; The timing of the RRSP deduction can result in significant tax savings
• Joint Venture Fiscal Period Changes   (Friday, February 3, 2012)
  Joint Ventures; CRA Revises Joint Venture Administrative Policy
• New 2012 OVDI for US Taxpayers   (Friday, January 20, 2012)
  OVDI for US Taxpayers; continuing to delay or ignore any catch up U.S. filings will only become more problematic
• Dual Citizens Receive New Guidance from the IRS   (Friday, January 6, 2012)
  Dual Citizens; non-filers can take some comfort that they will not automatically be assessed late filing penalties if they bring their U.S. filings up to date once they are aware of their obligations
• ‘Tis the Season for Charitable Tax Shelters – Beware!   (Friday, December 23, 2011)
  Charitable Tax Shelters; If the charitable tax shelter seems too good to be true, it likely is
• Canadian Residents Leaving Canada Permanently - A Key Tax Point   (Friday, December 9, 2011)
  Leaving Canada; The tax cost plus interest and penalties for non-reporting can be horrendous
• Negative Adjusted Cost of Limited Partnership Interest   (Friday, December 2, 2011)
  Partnership Interest; Often the negative consequences can be avoided by delaying the distributions until after the partnership year-end
• Health Care Spending Accounts   (Friday, November 25, 2011)
  Health; To qualify, the plan must be made available to all employees of the group plan
• Deferred Payment of Tax on Death   (Friday, November 18, 2011)
  Tax on Death; The prescribed rate does not fluctuate over the deferral term
• Child Care Expenses   (Friday, November 11, 2011)
  Child Care Expenses; amounts paid to grandparents could qualify
• Personal Services Business Corporations Under Attack   (Friday, November 4, 2011)
  Personal Services; technical amendments will eliminate any current deferral opportunities with PSB's
• Foreign Employees Working in Canada   (Friday, October 28, 2011)
  Foreign Employees; Waiver requests are not usually granted retroactively
• Acquisitions of Control and Losses   (Friday, October 21, 2011)
  Tax Losses & AOCs; non-capital losses often include losses from property
• Instalments After an Amalgamation or Wind-Up   (Friday, October 14, 2011)
  Instalments; Most tax preparation software does not update instalment schedules
• Expansion of the Kiddie Tax Rules to Capital Gains   (Friday, October 7, 2011)
  Kiddie Tax; they would appear to apply to crystallization transactions
• Principal Residence in a Trust   (Friday, September 30, 2011)
  Principal Residence Exemption; accessing the exemption through a trust is not always possible
• Employees Profit Sharing Plan Trusts ("EPSPs") – Department of Finance Consultation Review   (Friday, September 23, 2011)
  EPSPs; the Department wishes to eliminate any mischief with the use of EPSPs
• Section 84.1 Can Happen To You   (Friday, September 16, 2011)
  Paid-Up Capital; Section 84.1 assessments are a major cause of litigation
• Schedule 91- More Than Just a Treaty Based Return   (Monday, September 12, 2011)
  Tax Exemption; We have found that the CRA is using schedule 91 as a screening tool
• Charitable Remainder Trust   (Friday, August 19, 2011)
  Charitable Remainder Trust; the guaranteed current use of the donation receipt makes the donation to the CRT attractive
• Attribution Rules   (Friday, August 12, 2011)
  Attribution; "second generation" income is not attributed back to the original transferor
• Deadline Looms for Non-Compliant US Taxpayers   (Friday, August 5, 2011)
  US Filings; It is uncertain if the IRS will continue to assess in this manner.
• Relying on Draft Legislation   (Friday, July 29, 2011)
  Proposed Legislation; CRA expects taxpayers to comply with draft legislation
• Registered Disability Savings Plan (“RDSP”)   (Friday, July 22, 2011)
  Saving Plans; an individual will be able to carry forward unused grant and bond entitlements
• GST/HST On Medical Fees   (Friday, July 15, 2011)
  GST/HST; GST/HST may apply to other services provided by a practitioner
• Hiring Non-Residents for Temporary Employment in Canada   (Friday, July 8, 2011)
  Employment; The employer must calculate, withhold and remit tax based on the employee’s Canadian income
• Testamentary Planning - The Power of a Dollar   (Friday, June 24, 2011)
  Testamentary Planning; This creative estate planning technique can create a legacy of significant tax savings
• A New Playing Field for Waiver of Interest and Penalty   (Friday, June 17, 2011)
  Taxpayer Relief Measures; The ten-year rule refers to the years during which the interest accrued.
• IRS Appears to Be Providing Some Relief to Innocent Non-Filers   (Friday, June 10, 2011)
  IRS; Penalties may be eliminated.
• U.S. Tax Treatment of Tax-Free Saving Accounts   (Friday, March 18, 2011)
  Saving Accounts ; Income earned in a TFSA is taxable on a current year basis in the U.S.
• Failure to Report a Capital Gain   (Friday, March 4, 2011)
  Capital Gains ; One can never know for sure which way the Tax Court will rule
• Innocent Non-Compliant U.S. Tax Filers   (Friday, February 18, 2011)
  U.S. Tax Returns ; These changes will make it easier for the IRS to find citizens living in Canada
• New IRS Offshore Voluntary Compliance Initiative   (Friday, February 11, 2011)
  IRS Offshore Voluntary Compliance ; The IRS believes the 2011 initiative offers clear benefits
• Canadian Treatment of U.S. Roth IRA's Is Changing   (Friday, February 4, 2011)
  Roth IRA's; The election is invalid on a go-forward basis
• Get A Grip   (Friday, January 28, 2011)
  CCPC Status; It may save time and effort for such a CCPC to be treated as a non-CCPC
• Losing CCPC Status   (Friday, January 21, 2011)
  CCPC Status; it is important to plan in advance
• Payroll Implications of an Amalgamation Are Different From Those of a Wind-Up   (Friday, January 7, 2011)
  Payroll; If these special deadlines are not met on the wind-up of the subsidiary into the parent, significant penalties can apply
• Out Of Country Medical Expenses   (Friday, December 17, 2010)
  Medical Expenses; Experimental procedures that are not available locally can be eligible
• Leaving Canada   (Friday, December 10, 2010)
  Emigrating; The Canada Revenue Agency has been attacking claims of Canadian non-residence
• Alter Ego Trust as a Will Substitute   (Friday, December 3, 2010)
  Alter Ego Trusts; such trusts provide for incapacity planning
• Acquisition of Control - Choose Your Trustees Carefully   (Friday, November 12, 2010)
  Acquisition of Control; It is uncertain whether the CRA’s policy is correct, as it has not been challenged in court
• Impact of IFRS On Canadian Tax   (Friday, October 22, 2010)
  IFRS; IFRS would require a previously unnecessary tax adjustment
• Unpaid Fees   (Friday, October 8, 2010)
  Fees; Even though late filing of the form is allowed, it comes with a tax cost
• New Filing Requirements for Partnerships   (Thursday, September 23, 2010)
  Partnerships; Partnerships that never filed before may now have to
• New Rules Regarding Stock Options   (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)
  Stock Options; Most employers will not want to elect out of the deduction
• Section 116 Certificates & Section 212.1   (Tuesday, August 31, 2010)
  S116 Certificate; relief from one provision of the ITA does not mean that other provisions will not still apply
• Accessing The Capital Gains Exemption   (Wednesday, August 25, 2010)
  Capital Gains Exemption; initially structuring the business as a sole proprietorship or partnership... may allow for the $750,000 capital gains exemption
• Making Maximum Use Of Charitable Donations On Death   (Friday, August 13, 2010)
  Charitable Donations; build flexibility into the deceased's Will
• Capital Gains Realized On Emigrating From Canada   (Monday, August 9, 2010)
  Capital Gains; relief from the tax on departure may be available
• Allowable Business Investment Losses And The Capital Dividend Account   (Friday, July 30, 2010)
  ABIL's, CDA; An ABIL claimed by a corporation reduces the corporation’s CDA
• Non-Refundable Dividend Tax On Hand   (Friday, July 9, 2010)
  RDTOH; the result can be the equivalent of 'triple tax'
• Spousal Trust Strategy   (Friday, July 2, 2010)
  Trusts; "asset-building" can be particularly effective
• Alter Ego And Joint Partner Trusts   (Friday, June 25, 2010)
  Trusts; Such a trust can provide estate planning benefits
• Traps In Crystallizations   (Friday, June 18, 2010)
  Crystallizations; potential pitfalls can result in unexpected, costly mistakes
• Rental Property CCA Restriction Applies On Aggregate Basis   (Friday, June 4, 2010)
  Rental Property CCA Restriction; X will lose out on claiming $60 of available losses for the year
• Change to Post Mortem Planning   (Friday, May 28, 2010)
  Post Mortem Planning; sometimes traditional planning techniques become outdated
• Expanded Reporting Requirement For Foreign Assets   (Friday, May 21, 2010)
  Foreign Reporting; The penalty could apply on a per-item basis
• Personal Service Businesses   (Friday, May 14, 2010)
  Personal Service Businesses; "the combined tax bill can be significantly lower than the tax on the salary would be"
• Stock Option Tax Deferral Election   (Friday, May 7, 2010)
  Stock Options; The 2010 Federal Budget proposes to repeal the employee stock option tax deferral election
• Transfers of Investments to Corporations   (Monday, March 22, 2010)
  Transfers; If Mr. X had retained and sold the investment, there would be no tax liability
• Subsection 17(1) Income Inclusions   (Friday, March 12, 2010)
  Subsection 17(1); Loans to non-residents can cause income inclusions
• Directors' Fees Paid to Non-Residents   (Friday, February 26, 2010)
  Directors' Fees; This withholding tax requirement is often overlooked
• Scientific Research & Experimental Development   (Friday, February 12, 2010)
  SR&ED; Early identification and good documentation are critical
• Severe Penalties for Not Reporting Foreign Property   (Friday, February 5, 2010)
  Foreign Reporting; Form T1135 includes a certificate of full disclosure to be signed by the taxpayer
• U.S. Citizens in Canada   (Friday, January 29, 2010)
  Residency; U.S. status could eliminate many Canadian tax benefits
• Canada Revenue Agency and Income Splitting Trusts   (Friday, January 22, 2010)
  CRA Trust Audit; The CRA has decided to actively audit domestic inter vivos trusts
• Using an RRSP as Security   (Friday, January 15, 2010)
  RRSP; Using an RRSP as security for a loan may be a better alternative than cashing in the RRSP
• Deductions for Tradespersons' & Apprentice Mechanics' Tools   (Friday, January 8, 2010)
  Deductions; Two deductions may be available to individuals
• Unclaimed Capital Losses   (Friday, December 18, 2009)
  Capital Losses; Identifying unreported capital losses from prior years can result in significant tax savings
• Electing Out of a Spousal Rollover on Death   (Friday, December 11, 2009)
  Spousal Rollover; The decision whether to elect out of the spousal rollover can be made on a share-by-share basis
• Tax Savings For U.S. Residents Selling Canadian Capital Property   (Friday, December 4, 2009)
  Sale of Capital Property; Part of the gain may be exempt from Canadian tax
• Funding The Testamentary Trust   (Monday, November 16, 2009)
  Testamentary Planning; When assets are jointly titled, they do not pass through the testator’s estate
• Testamentary Planning   (Friday, November 6, 2009)
  Planning; You should consider creating a testamentary trust as part of your overall estate plan
• Claiming Capital Losses   (Friday, October 30, 2009)
  Losses; It may be advisable for the lender to charge a reasonable rate of interest
• CRA Announces Policy Changes for Employee Benefits (AMENDED Dec 17, 2009)   (Friday, October 23, 2009)
  Employee Benefits; The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced policy changes for taxable employment benefits for 2009
• Election to Dispose of Property   (Friday, October 16, 2009)
  50(1) Election; There is no prescribed form for the 50(1) election
• Reducing Tax Withheld at Source   (Friday, October 9, 2009)
  Source Deductions; 'it is a good idea to start the process now'
• HST Planning For Ontario and British Columbia   (Friday, September 25, 2009)
  HST; Businesses that purchase equipment or other capital goods that bear RST in Ontario or British Columbia should consider strategies to reduce their RST
• Inadvertent Transfer of Tax Liability   (Friday, September 11, 2009)
  Tax Liability; The transfer need not be made with the intention of avoiding a tax liability
• Possible rebate for GST Paid on Certain Investment Management Fees   (Monday, August 10, 2009)
  Possible GST Rebate; Do not be surprised if the rebate claim is denied
• Form 5471 Penalty   (Friday, July 24, 2009)
  Automatic Penalty; The $10,000 penalty will be assessed automatically against corporate taxpayers
• Notices of Objection for Individuals   (Friday, June 19, 2009)
  Objections; A taxpayer can object to a notice of assessment even if the assessment agrees to what was filed
• Fewer Taxpayers Required to File US Treasury Reporting Form   (Monday, June 8, 2009)
  US Treasury Reporting Form; The IRS announced that it is suspending the expanded definition of “a United States Person".
• Canadian Individual Taxation Numbers   (Friday, May 15, 2009)
  ITN; The ITN is a nine-digit number issued by the CRA to non-resident individuals
• Election for Accelerated CCA on Buildings   (Friday, May 8, 2009)
  CCA on Buildings; The eligibility for the higher CCA rate is not automatic
• Source Deduction Waivers   (Thursday, April 9, 2009)
  Source Deductions; The CRA will authorize a reduction in tax withheld if deductions are properly supported.
• Refunds of Withholding Tax   (Friday, April 3, 2009)
  Claiming Refunds of Withholding Tax; The credit for foreign taxes will likely be based on the treaty rate of 7% rather than 10%
• Income Splitting   (Friday, March 27, 2009)
  Income Splitting Between Related Persons; Make sure the correct amount of interest is paid by January 30 each year
• Health & Welfare Trusts   (Friday, March 20, 2009)
  Medical Expenses; Where expenses are significant, the savings outweigh the costs
• Principal Residence Exemption   (Friday, March 13, 2009)
  Principal Residence Exemption; If you own more than one property, keeping track of expenses may help in determining which property to claim as the principal property
• Payment of Capital Dividends   (Friday, March 6, 2009)
  Capital Dividends; It may be prudent to consider paying a capital dividend prior to realizing these losses.
• To TFSA or Not To TFSA: That Is The Question   (Friday, February 27, 2009)
  Tax Credits; The rule of thumb is to invest in an RRSP and use the resultant tax savings to fund a TFSA contribution
• Creditor Proofing   (Friday, February 20, 2009)
  Creditor Proofing; Equity may include inherent goodwill that is not reflected on the balance sheet
• Non-Residents Can Use Subsection 164(6)   (Friday, February 13, 2009)
  Subsection 164(6); This election will not be available on property held in joint tenancy
• The Tax-Free Savings Account   (Friday, February 6, 2009)
  Tax Credits; The TFSA program offers taxpayers an opportunity to earn investment income tax-free
• Changes to US Treasury Department Reporting Requirements   (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)
  Reporting; You should be aware of the expanded base of those who are required to file these forms and the IRS’ stated zero tolerance policy
• Timing of Acquisition of Control   (Friday, December 5, 2008)
  Acquisition of Control; The failure to elect out of subsection 256(9) can result in unintended results
• Pension Income Can Be Split in Year of Death   (Friday, November 28, 2008)
  Pension Income; Eligible pension income relating to the portion of the year in which both spouses were alive can be split
• Restrictive Covenants   (Friday, November 7, 2008)
  Restrictive Covenants; Don’t Ignore the Proposed Restrictive Covenant Legislation
• Child Fitness Amount   (Friday, September 19, 2008)
  Child Fitness Amount; The CRA website may refer to the new requirements but the 2008 guides probably cannot be changed.
• Personal Service Businesses   (Friday, August 15, 2008)
  PSB Rules; Be sure before concluding that the PSB rules do not apply
• Transfer of Life Insurance to a Child   (Friday, August 1, 2008)
  Life Insurance; Transfer to the guardian for an incapacitated child will not be taxable
• A Return to Partnerships   (Friday, July 18, 2008)
  Partnerships; Start the clock ticking by filing a T5013
• Medical and Disability Related Matters   (Friday, April 11, 2008)
  Medical Credits; Opportunities for your clients
• High Investment Income Reduces SR&ED Expenditure Pool   (Friday, March 7, 2008)
  SR&ED; Investment income can reduce a company's ability to claim refundable credits
• Moving Expenses   (Friday, February 8, 2008)
  Moving Expenses; Complicated rules for a simple situation
• Eligible Dividends And Real Estate Companies   (Friday, January 25, 2008)
  Eligible Dividends; Old rules of thumb need to be re-examined carefully
• The Capital Gains Exemption And Incorporating Professionals   (Friday, January 18, 2008)
  Capital Gains Exemption; Sale of sole proprietor can be tax-free with planning
• 5th Protocol - Canada-US Income Tax Convention - Interest Withholding Tax - Non-Arm's Length   (Friday, December 14, 2007)
  5th Protocol; Elimination of withholding tax will apply to interest payments by Canadian residents to all non-residents, effective at the date that the similar provisions of the Protocol become effective
• Wind-Up vs. Amalgamation: A Big Difference   (Monday, December 10, 2007)
  Wind-Up vs. Amalgamation; Whether an amalgamation or a wind-up is chosen, the tax consequences may be unintentionally different
• New Info Circular on Voluntary Disclosures   (Monday, December 3, 2007)
  Voluntary Disclosure; The processing time of voluntary disclosures will be increased without the completion of Form RC199
• Foreign Operations & The Capital Gains Exemption   (Friday, November 23, 2007)
  CGE - Foreign Companies; Shares of foreign corporations may render a corporation ineligible for the capital gains exemption
• Fifth Protocol – Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty – Stock Options   (Friday, November 9, 2007)
  Stock Options; The revised Protocol provides a mechanism for allocating stock option income between the countries
• Halloween Tricks 'n Treats - The Federal Economic Statement   (Friday, November 2, 2007)
  Federal Statement; Proper planning can result in benefits to both sides
• Leasehold Inducements   (Friday, October 5, 2007)
  Leasehold Inducements; Tax treatment does not automatically follow the accounting treatment for leasehold inducements
• Attribution of Property on Marital Breakdown   (Friday, June 15, 2007)
  Attribution - Separation & Divorce; Filing the appropriate elections is necessary to ensure that an unexpected result does not occur
• Transfer of Properties on Separation & Divorce   (Friday, June 8, 2007)
  Transfers - Separation & Divorce; Proper planning can result in benefits to both sides
• GAAR - Reasons For Transaction   (Friday, March 16, 2007)
  GAAR; Having a business transaction may preclude GAAR when tax is not the main motivation
• New CRA Receipt Policy Worrisome To SR&ED Filers   (Friday, March 9, 2007)
  SR&ED - Filing; File early to allow CRA enough time to confirm all information has been provided
• When CRA Does Not Like the Results, GAAR Is Applied   (Friday, March 2, 2007)
  GAAR, 84(2), 84.1; The CRA will use GAAR to overcome a decision they do not like
• Be Careful if You Allocate Partnership Income Only to Reduce Tax   (Friday, February 23, 2007)
  Partnership Income - ss 103(1); The CRA can reallocate partnership income allocations when they consider the allocations tax motivated
• Transit Pass Credit & Fitness Tax Credit   (Friday, February 16, 2007)
  Tax Credits; The transit pass credit is for 2006 and the fitness tax credit is for 2007
• Separate Class for Rental Buildings   (Friday, January 26, 2007)
  CCA - Rental Properties; The allocation of purchase price is important on the purchase of rental properties
• Attribution Rules - Spousal Loans   (Friday, January 19, 2007)
  Attribution - Spousal Loans; Attribution can be avoided on spousal loans in certain situations
• Designation of Eligible Dividends - 2006/2007   (Friday, December 29, 2006)
  Eligible Dividends; CRA gives guidance on 2006 and 2007 eligible dividend designations
• Eligible Dividends - Years Prior To 2006   (Friday, December 22, 2006)
  Eligible Dividends; Inter-company dividends must be reviewed carefully for years between 2000 and 2006
• Penalty and Refund Changes   (Friday, December 15, 2006)
  Penalties & Refunds; Refunds could be unexpectedly withheld
• Withholding Tax on Remuneration Paid to Non-Residents of Canada   (Friday, December 8, 2006)
  Withholding Tax; Without planning, non-resident employers could be subject to unexpected taxes
• GST on Disbursements   (Friday, December 1, 2006)
  GST - Disbursements; Taxation of disbursements depends on whether the professional is an "Agent."
• Sale of Shares Deemed Business Income   (Friday, November 24, 2006)
  Capital vs. Income - Shares; Facts are key to determine tax treatment of share sales, not the classification on the tax return
• Government's Annoucement on Income Trusts & Pension Income   (Friday, November 10, 2006)
  Income Trusts & Pension Income; New rules for income trusts and pension income
• Capital Cost Allowance - Separate Classes   (Friday, November 3, 2006)
  CCA; In some cases, assets can, or must, be placed in separate CCA classes
• Rental Property - Capital Cost Restrictions   (Friday, October 27, 2006)
  CCA - Rental Income; Capital cost allowance on rental properties can be restricted to net rental income earned
• Meals & Entertainment - 100% Deductible   (Friday, October 20, 2006)
  Meals & Entertainment; In some cases, meals and entertainment expenses can be 100% deductible
• Capital Gain Reserves   (Friday, October 13, 2006)
  Capital Gain Reserves; Capital Gains are taxable over five or ten years depending on the timing of the proceeds and the asset sold
• RRSP Ineligible Investments   (Friday, October 6, 2006)
  RRSP's; There can be a high cost to purchasing ineligible investments in an RRSP
• Principal Residence - What Needs to be Filed   (Friday, September 29, 2006)
  Principal Residence; You do not need to complete T2091 unless there is a taxable gain
• GAAR & International Tax Treaties   (Friday, September 22, 2006)
  GAAR - Treaties; CRA loses landmark case on application of GAAR to an International Tax Treaty
• 163(2) Gross Negligence Penalty   (Friday, September 15, 2006)
  Penalties; Can an accountant's gross negligence transfer to the client?
• Ontario Response to Federal Dividend Tax Changes   (Friday, September 8, 2006)
  Dividends; Ontario has decided to gradually introduce the reduced dividend tax rate
• Shareholder Benefits - Bookkeeping Errors   (Friday, August 11, 2006)
  Shareholder Benefits; Bookkeeping errors to the benefit of a shareholder are not always shareholder benefits
• Loss Determinations   (Friday, August 4, 2006)
  Loss Determination; A loss determination cannot be used to claim losses not shown on the original tax return
• Can You Be Resident in More Than One Place?   (Friday, July 21, 2006)
  Residency; An individual's residency often depends on his ties to a country
• How Much Are Non-Monetary Benefits Worth?   (Friday, July 14, 2006)
  Section 160; In determining tax liability under s. 160, non-monetary transfers must be considered
• Active Business Vs.Investment Business   (Friday, July 7, 2006)
  ABI vs. SIB; Past History and intention is relevant in determining if company carries on an active business
• 163(2) Ignorance Could Have Been Bliss   (Friday, June 30, 2006)
  Penalties; If you receive tax advice and disregard it, you are far more exposed for penalties
• When is Debt Uncollectible Debt   (Friday, June 23, 2006)
  Bad Debts - 50(1); What is required to determine when a debt is uncollectible?
• Eligibility for the Tuition Credit   (Friday, June 16, 2006)
  Tuition Credit; Do you need a physical presence to be eligible for the tuition credit?
• Deductibility of Legal Expenses   (Friday, June 9, 2006)
  Legal Fees; Subsection 60(o) allows for the deductibility of legal payments for an objection or appeal for another person
• Budget 2006 - Dividend Rates as Promised   (Friday, May 5, 2006)
  Budget; The 2006 Budget has clarified how eligible dividends will be defined
• GST on Property Taxes Paid by Tenants   (Friday, March 24, 2006)
  GST; Do you have clients who have commercial tenants who pay property taxes directly to the municipality?
• Professional Incorporation Update   (Friday, March 17, 2006)
  Professional Incorporation; Holding companies cannot be used to hold shares of a professional corporation
• Fairness & Late Filing Penalties   (Friday, March 10, 2006)
  Penalties; Late-filing penalties were referred back to CRA because all taxes were paid
• Stock Option Deductions   (Friday, March 3, 2006)
  Stock Options; Payments to an employment consultant are not permissible deductions from stock options
• GAAR - Using Attribution to the Taxpayer's Benefit   (Friday, February 24, 2006)
  GAAR/Attribution; Using attribution to your benefit is not GAAR
• Due Date of Corporate Taxes   (Friday, February 10, 2006)
  Corporate Taxes; The due date of corporate taxes depends on many factors
• Professional Incorporation - Doctors' & Dentists' Family Members   (Friday, February 3, 2006)
  Professional Incorporation; There are new changes to the OBCA allowing family members to be non-voting shareholders
• Allowable Business Investment Losses - Payments to Individuals in Trust for Companies   (Friday, January 27, 2006)
  ABIL's; Payments to individuals on behalf of companies may still be ABIL
• Capital Dividend Account (CDA) and Eligible Capital Expenditures (ECE) - Beware   (Friday, January 20, 2006)
  CDA, ECE; CDA payments related to ECE cannot be paid until the next taxation year
• Withholding Tax Rates to Non-Resident Trusts & Their Beneficiaries   (Friday, January 13, 2006)
  Withholding Tax; The CRA has revised their policy on payments to non-resident trusts
• First GAAR Case After Supreme Court Decision   (Friday, December 16, 2005)
  GAAR; The Evans case clarifies the practical application of GAAR
• New Dividend Rates   (Friday, December 2, 2005)
  Dividends; The new dividend tax rates will affect owner/manager clients
• SR&ED/Stock Option #2   (Friday, November 25, 2005)
  Stock Options; Proposed Amendments to deny stock option benefit in ITC calculation
• Fairness Provisions   (Friday, November 18, 2005)
  Fairness Provisions; If CRA does not consider all facts, the courts are willing to reverse their decisions
• Association - Control in Fact   (Friday, November 11, 2005)
  Association; Control in fact must be determined by considering all relevant factors
• When is an Amount Paid in Order to Be a Deduction?   (Friday, November 4, 2005)
  Deductions; Can a taxpayer deduct an amount he didn't pay directly?
• Change of Control - Trustees   (Friday, October 28, 2005)
  Change of Control; A change of trustees could result in a change of control
• CCA & Beneficial Ownership   (Friday, October 21, 2005)
  Beneficial Ownership; Ownership by a spouse does not preclude CCA and related expenses if paid by the taxpayer
• Voluntary Disclosure - On a No-Name Basis   (Friday, October 14, 2005)
  Voluntary Disclosure; There is a 90-day limit to disclose the taxpayer's name
• U.S. Companies Investing in Canada   (Friday, September 30, 2005)
  US Inbound Investing; Be aware of using U.S. LLC's to hold shares in Canadian companies
• Stock Option Deferral - Cost Base Calculations   (Friday, September 23, 2005)
  Stock Options; Detailed records are necessary to calculate the cost base of stock option deferral shares
• Employees Profit Sharing Plans   (Friday, September 16, 2005)
  Employee Benefits; EPSP's do not work in all situations
• SR&ED Claim for Stock Option Benefit   (Friday, September 9, 2005)
  SR&ED/Stock Option; Stock option benefit can be used for ITC calculation
• When a Hotel Is Not a Lodge - 18(l)   (Friday, August 12, 2005)
  Definition of Lodge; The CRA lost their argument that country hotels are lodges
• Analysis of "Arm's Length"   (Friday, August 5, 2005)
  Arm's Length; CRA lost in its approach that any transactions that reduce taxes must be between non-arm's length taxpayers
• Residency Test - Allchin Revisited   (Monday, July 25, 2005)
  Residency; Tax Court forced to take a second look at this case
• Alberta Unlimited Liability Company ("ABULC")   (Friday, July 15, 2005)
  US Investors; ABULC's are cost-effective alternatives to NSULC's
• Federal Court Makes Decision on Voluntary Disclosures   (Monday, July 11, 2005)
  Voluntary Disclosure; No-names basis submission that was accepted by CRA cannot be disregarded by CRA afterwards if facts have not changed.
• Salaries & Bonuses To Family Members   (Friday, June 10, 2005)
  Salaries & Bonuses; In-kind payments are acceptable and so are large bonuses to non-shareholder family members.
• Personal Health Service Plans - The Story Continues   (Friday, June 3, 2005)
  Health Plans; The health plan must be available to employees, not just shareholders.
• Professional Corporations - Doctors and Dentists   (Friday, May 27, 2005)
  Corporations; New rules allow for non-family members to be shareholders.
• Dividend Refund in Statute-Barred Years Cannot Be Adjusted   (Friday, April 15, 2005)
  Dividend Refund; If a corporate taxpayer received a dividend refund in a statute-barred year, the CRA cannot adjust it.
• Were They Thinking?   (Friday, April 8, 2005)
  Child Tax Benefits; Unfortunately, sometimes a case has to go to Court for the obvious result.
• Application of Fairness Provision in Court   (Friday, April 1, 2005)
  Fairness Provision; The fairness guidelines issued by CRA do not apply to the Courts.
• The Price of Not Reporting Stock Options   (Friday, March 25, 2005)
  Stock Options/Penalties; A taxpayer is required to include the proper amount in income even if no slip has been issued.
• Contractor Vs. Employee   (Friday, March 18, 2005)
  Contractor vs. Employee; This issue requires a review of all relevant factors.
• Tax-Free Spousal Transfer   (Friday, March 11, 2005)
  Spousal Transfer; In order for a special transfer to be tax-free, the assets must vest in the surviving spouse.
• Terminal Losses For Estates   (Friday, March 4, 2005)
  Losses; Terminal losses in the first year of an estate can be applied in a terminal return.
• Using Stop-Loss Rules To Your Benefit   (Friday, February 25, 2005)
  Stop-Loss Rules; Spousal transfers can result in transfer of cost base.
• Deferral of Tax Payments on Death   (Friday, January 28, 2005)
  Tax Payments on Death; If the proper elections and arrangements are made, tax payments on death can be deferred.
• All or Substantially All - What Does It Mean?   (Friday, January 21, 2005)
  Terminology; CRA's interpretation may not be same as the Tax Court's.
• U.S. Corporate Filing Requirements   (Friday, January 14, 2005)
  U.S. Filing; Treaty protection does not mean there are no US tax filings.
• Revised Stop-Loss Rules For Post Mortem Planning   (Friday, January 7, 2005)
  Stop Loss Rules; Proposed rules allow post mortem estate planning.
• 2005 Tsunami Donations Can Be Used in 2004   (Friday, January 7, 2005)
  Charities; Donations must be to certain charities only, before January 12, 2005.
• Large Corporations Tax Issue   (Friday, December 10, 2004)
  Large Corporations Tax; Un-presented cheques should not be included in taxable capital.
• Single Purpose Corporations - New Proposals   (Friday, December 3, 2004)
  Shareholder Benefits, US Estate Tax; CRA has issued a new administrative policy on single purpose corporations that own US property.
• CRA Disputes   (Friday, November 19, 2004)
  CRA Disputes; Information available for a notice of objection.
• Allowable Business Investment Losses   (Friday, November 12, 2004)
  ABIL; Issues To Consider.
• Fairness Rules - December 2004 Deadline   (Friday, November 5, 2004)
  Fairness Rules; All files should be checked.
• Registered Education Savings Plans   (Friday, October 22, 2004)
  RESP's; RESP's - a good vehicle to save for a child's education.
• Residency Test   (Friday, October 15, 2004)
  Residency; Tax treaties should be considered in determining whether an individual is resident in Canada.
• Deductibility of Management Bonus   (Friday, October 8, 2004)
  Management Bonus; Be aware of CRA policy on deductibility of management bonuses.
• Withholding Tax For Services Done - By Non-Residents in Canada   (Friday, September 24, 2004)
  Withholding Tax; A 15% withholding tax may be payable for services rendered in Canada.
• Deemed Association   (Friday, September 17, 2004)
  Association; Shares held by trusts or minors could have adverse results for association purposes.
• Attribution That Works   (Friday, September 3, 2004)
  Attribution; Low Prescribed Rates Allow for Income Splitting.
• Evidence Required   (Friday, August 6, 2004)
  Documentary Evidence; Sometimes evidence accepted by Courts is different from the CRA.
• Personal Health Service Plans and Shareholder Benefits   (Friday, July 30, 2004)
  Shareholder Benefits/PHSP's; There could be shareholder benefits and non-deductible payments for PHSP's.
• Disassociating Companies   (Friday, July 23, 2004)
  Association; Using a specified class of shares can disassociate companies.
• Foreign Social Security Taxes As Foreign Tax Credits   (Friday, July 16, 2004)
  Foreign Tax Credits; For countries other than U.S., the foreign social security taxes are no longer a tax credit.
• Single Purpose Corporations   (Friday, July 9, 2004)
  Loans; CRA has changed its administrative position for companies owning U.S. real estate.
• Loans To Family Members   (Friday, July 2, 2004)
  Loans; Certain conditions are necessary to claim capital losses on loans to family members.
• Overpayment of U.S. Taxes May Prohibit Claim of Foreign Tax Credit   (Friday, June 25, 2004)
  Foreign Taxes; Taxpayers must ensure that they only pay the withholding rate per the treaty
• Supreme Court Decision - Gifford   (Friday, June 18, 2004)
  ECE & Interest Expenses; This Supreme Court case is relevant for the purchase of intangible assets and interest deductibility
• Death Benefits   (Friday, June 11, 2004)
  Death Benefits; Tax-free payments are permitted in certain situations.
• Subsection 75(2) - Planning To Avoid   (Friday, June 4, 2004)
  Trusts; It is important to carefully draft trusts to avoid unwanted results.
• Alternative To Alter-Ego Trusts   (Friday, May 28, 2004)
  Trusts; Self Benefit trusts may help those under 65 in dealing with probate fees
• Planning For the 21-Year Deemed Disposition Rule   (Friday, May 21, 2004)
  Trusts; Planning is required before the deemed disposition rules apply
• Partnerships - Not Statute-Barred If No T5013 Filed   (Friday, April 2, 2004)
  Partnerships; Filing a Partnership Return
  Ensures Partnership Income becomes
  Statute-Barred
• Claiming Losses on Shares or Debt   (Friday, March 26, 2004)
  Claiming Losses on Shares or Debt; Shares or debt of corporations can be claimed as a loss.
• Professional Corporations - Year Ends   (Friday, March 19, 2004)
  Professional Corporations; It is possible to restructure to allow a professional corporation to use the alternative method.
• Financing Fees / Borrowings - Partnership   (Friday, March 12, 2004)
  Financing Fees; When interest is deductible within a partnership and financing fees wind up after.
• Change in Use / Principal Residence   (Friday, March 5, 2004)
  Change in Use; Be Aware of Changing a Principal Residence to Investment Property or Vice Versa
• Donations Schemes - Some Reasonable Conclusions   (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)
  Donations Schemes; Klotz Case Reviews Art Flips to Charities
• Employee Benefits   (Friday, January 23, 2004)
  Employee Benefits; Free Meals and Gifts
• Proposed Charitable Donation Rules (#2)   (Friday, January 16, 2004)
  Proposed Charitable Donation Rules (#2); Advantages Received by the Donor
• Proposed Charitable Donation Rules (#1)   (Friday, January 9, 2004)
  Proposed Charitable Donation Rules (#1); Government has limited access to donation receipts.
• Year-End Tax Planning Considerations   (Friday, December 19, 2003)
  Year-End Tax Planning Considerations; Year-End Tips
• Review of Capital Loss Rules   (Wednesday, December 17, 2003)
  Review of Capital Loss Rules; Year-End Planning Considerations
• Definition of Common Law Spouse   (Friday, November 28, 2003)
  Definition of Common Law Spouse; Living together makes you married for tax purposes.
• Reserves   (Friday, November 21, 2003)
  Reserves; Circumstances where reserves cannot be claimed are extended.