If you die without leaving a will, it could become a major headache for your family members and loved ones. With no will, the government will decide on who gets your money and assets, and every province and territory have their own distinct intestate rules regarding who will benefit from your estate.
And are you one of the 32,000 Canadians who’ll have to pay it? Many Canadians haven’t heard of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), which isn’t surprising when you discover that only a small percentage of Canadians typically pay AMT annually. The AMT came into the news recently when the federal government announced significant changes to it in the 2023 budget (which will come into effect in 2024). Let’s take a look at what the alternative minimum tax is, how it works, who it might affect and the impact of those changes.
Succession planning requires identifying and developing potential leaders within your organization who can step into critical roles when current leaders leave, retire, or otherwise can't perform their duties. Here are some reasons why it's vital.
Selling a business is a significant decision, often marking the culmination of years, if not decades, of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. The process can be complex and emotionally charged, and being well-prepared is key to ensuring a smooth transition and achieving the best possible outcome. This article will provide a detailed checklist to help guide medium-sized business owners through the necessary steps in preparing for the sale of their business.
If you owned a residential property in Canada on December 31, 2022, you might have to pay an Underused Housing Tax (UHT) if it was vacant or underused. Even if you’re not subject to tax, you may be required to file an Underused Housing Tax return to claim an exemption.
According to a recent Stats Canada report, almost 1.4 million Canadian households reported having property rental income. That’s a significant portion of the population.. Given that rents increased on average across Canada by 11% in 2022 (and by considerably more in big cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver), it’s understandable why investing in property is so popular.
It’s tax season, a time when many people’s thoughts turn towards their tax refund and what they’ll do with it. Should you put it towards your mortgage, add it to your RRSP or make a TFSA contribution? While many financial institutions often recommend one of those options, we might suggest a different one: don’t get a tax refund at all.
“The stock market has predicted nine of the past five recessions.” ~ Paul Samuelson I was in Brandon, Manitoba last week for meetings. As I was driving back to Winnipeg, I remarked at how easy a drive it was. Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, is a fantastically smooth road. The drive back was straightforward (straight being the optimal word). It...
Do you know the benefits, and differences of using an RRSP vs a TFSA for your investments?
*This first blog post is a personal story from my own family. Names and some small details have been changed for privacy’s sake. My brother-in-law, Lee, was 39 years old. A self-employed graphic designer who had worked hard for many years to build a successful business which was now thriving. My sister, Emma, was also self-employed, having given up a previous unfulfilling nine-to-five job to pursue her real passion as a yoga instructor. Together they had built a beautiful life on the lake on Saltspring Island with their 12-year-old daughter, Alana. It was a story book life and love.
64% of business owners want to transition their business in the next 10 years. However, 51% feel the next generation is not ready and 39% worry the next generation is uninterested. Whether you plan to keep your business in the family or sell to a third party, how can you ensure your business is ready for the sale?
Did you know that many Canadians are not adequately prepared to pass on or inherit family wealth? This is often due to a lack of communication and planning. The good news is that it’s never too early or too late to start. Planning helps you identify tax saving opportunities, mitigate potential financial gaps and maximize your current lifestyle.