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Indirect tax
Application of GST/HST to Condominium Fees
Provinces have legislation that allows for the creation of not-for-profit entities to collect fees from owners of certain real property to pay expenses for the upkeep and maintenance of the property. These entities are often known as condominium corporations. The issue then arises as to whether or not GST/HST applies to the fees being charged.
Aug 7, 2014
Tax advisory
Safe Income Strips
Safe income accumulates to particular shareholders on a per-share basis, with consideration given to the holding period of the share. This can result in differing amounts of safe income for different shareholders, particularly where reorganizations have occurred in the past or where shares have changed hands. As a result, an understanding of the share ownership history is required.
Darlene Shaw Greg Leslie Jul 23, 2014
Tax advisory
The Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Accident Victim
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a government initiative intended to assist eligible Canadians with disabilities and their families in saving for their long-term financial security. It is effective for 2008 and later taxation years. Individuals who are disabled or have become disabled as a result of an accident may be in a position to take advantage of the RDSP.
Jul 11, 2014
Tax advisory
Coming to Canada Across the Canada-U.S. Border? Big Brother is Watching!
On June 30, 2014, officials with the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security commenced a cross-border information exchange initiative, whereby certain information on individuals crossing the border will now be shared between the countries’ border officials. Included in this shared information will be biographical data and the number of days spent in each country, which may be used by each country’s governmental departments to ensure compliance with, among other things, income tax, immigration and health care regulations.
Jul 11, 2014
Tax advisory
U.S. Federal tax rules applicable to loans from a Canadian parent to a U.S. subsidiary
<strong>Financing a U.S. subsidiary</strong> When a Canadian company creates a U.S.-based subsidiary, one of the first issues to be addressed is how to fund those operations. Generally, funds may be advanced in the form of equity, debt or a combination of both.
May 29, 2014
Tax advisory
U.S. citizens and Canadian trusts
Trusts are important tools in Canadian tax and estate planning. Discretionary family trusts, in particular, have become common and are continually evolving. Some of the most powerful benefits of these tools include: <ul> <li><strong>Flexibility</strong> – the ability to maintain control of assets while directing income and value as the trustees see fit.</li> <li><strong>Income splitting</strong> – directing income of the trust to lower-income beneficiaries (usually family members) to minimize the overall family tax burden.</li> <li><strong>Capital splitting</strong> – allocating capital gains to beneficiaries, enabling the use of multiple capital gains exemptions.</li> </ul>
Todd King May 29, 2014
Tax advisory
Mitigating U.S. Tax exposure through the Closer Connection Statement
Canadian persons that spend significant time in the United States can become subject to U.S. taxation and reporting requirements unexpectedly, even if they are not earning income from U.S. sources.  Starting June 30th, 2014 a new initiative will begin that is designed to track a Canadian person’s movement across the Canada/U.S. border.  Prior to this new initiative, many Canadian persons felt, perhaps justifiably, that U.S. authorities had no way of actually knowing how many days they were present within their border.
May 29, 2014
Tax advisory
Holding Companies Demystified
As tax professionals, we are often asked by clients to explain the concept and appropriate uses of holding companies. The answer generally is not straightforward; a variety of tax and commercial factors are relevant in any particular case. Though it is beyond the scope of this article to provide a complete list of potential benefits and drawbacks, an introduction to several key issues will be examined.
May 28, 2014
Tax advisory
Access granted
Canadian business owners can extract tax-free cash from their corporations by using innovative strategies. Explore these tax effective ways to extract cash from your business.
May 15, 2014
Tax advisory
2014 Ontario Budget Commentary - May 1, 2014
The deficit for the 2013-14 fiscal year is projected to be $11.3 billion, which is $400 million less than the amount estimated when the 2013 Budget was tabled. The deficit for the 2014-15 year is projected to be $12.5 billion and the longer-term forecast continues to call for a return to a surplus by 2016-17. Net public debt to GDP is projected to continue to increase until 2015-16, from which time it will to start to decrease.
May 2, 2014
Indirect tax Tax advisory
Voluntary Disclosures
This article provides information about the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The VDP encourages taxpayers to come forward voluntarily to declare information that may not have been previously reported. It may be used to divulge unreported or underreported financial information. Use of this provision provides defense against penalty and prosecution.
Apr 29, 2014
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