Singleton planning lives on despite GAAR changes
This publication discusses the impact of recent changes to the general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) on Singleton planning arrangements. While concerns have been raised in the tax community that Singleton arrangements might be challenged by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in the future, a recent technical interpretation appears to deal with this concern. Download now
CALU Practice Note: Taxable benefit rules and Holdco-Opco insurance arrangements
This Practice Note discusses taxable benefit issues arising from certain corporate-owned life insurance arrangements and outlines best practices for advisors to follow. We extend our thanks to CALU members Florence Marino, Bryan McNulty, David Stevens and Patrick Uzan for their contributions to this publication. (Members only) download now
Keystone decision and the Capital Dividend Account (CDA)
This Tax Byte discusses a recent court decision involving the Keystone corporation that paid an excess capital dividend to its individual shareholders. The decision reinforces the need for owners of private corporations (and their tax advisors) to properly determine their capital dividend account (CDA) balance before the payment of any capital dividends. Download now
INFOexchange 2025 vol. 4 is now available!
In this year’s final edition of INFOexchange, you’ll read: ✔️ Message from CALU’s Chair of the Board of Directors for 2025-2026, Sterling Rempel ✔️ Advocacy update from the Chair of the Tax Policy and Advocacy Committee, Melanie Weinberg ✔️ Expert article on “The impact of recent AMT changes on trusts” by Alex Kerslake and Lorenzo Armena ✔️ Expert article on “A fresh look at Universal Life” by Lynn Lin (Members only) Download the report
CRA warns Canadians about tax scheme involving insurance
This publication focusses on a recent “Tax Tip” from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on the use of certain financial arrangements involving critical illness insurance that may be designed to avoid paying taxes. It discusses CALU’s work on this issue and provides advice to those with clients who have participated in (or may be contemplating) this type of arrangement. Download now
CALU Special Report: 2025 CLHIA – CRA Roundtable
This publication provides the full text of questions from CALU and written responses from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) addressed during the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) biennial CRA Roundtable on September 18, 2025. The CRA was represented by Bob Naufal, Manager, Financial Institutions Section, Income Tax Rulings Directorate, and the Roundtable moderated by Patrick Uzan, BA, CPA, CA, TEP, CLU, Vice-President, Professional Services at PPI. Additional CALU commentary follows each answer from the CRA. Topics covered in this report include: Deemed value rules for life insurance and qualified small business corporation (QSBC) shares Capital Dividend Account ...
Budget Implementation Bill introduced
This Tax Byte provides a summary of tax measures that are – and are not – included in the federal government’s Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 introduced on November 18, 2025. Download now
CALU Special Report: Federal Budget 2025
This CALU Special Report discusses measures of greatest interest to our members and their clients from the tabling of the federal Budget 2025, Canada Strong, earlier today. We extend our thanks to Kevin Wark and Angela Ross, CALU’s tax advisors, for their work in preparing this summary. Read the report
CALU reacts to Budget 2025
CALU’s reaction to Budget 2025 including highlights of particular interest to leaders in the life insurance and financial advisory industry. Download now
Group benefit plans and shareholder benefits
This “Tax Byte” discusses a recent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) technical interpretation on the taxable benefit issues that can arise where supplemental health benefits are offered to a limited group of senior employees/shareholders. Download now
