Policy Loans and the Capital Dividend Account
Our latest Tax Byte focusses on some of the tax issues and conclusions arising from an inquiry relating to the impact of policy loans on the calculation of the capital dividend account (CDA) of a corporation. We extend our thanks to Patrick Uzan for his review of the publication. Download now
2025 federal election platform tracker
A summary of commitments by four major political parties on key tax and related issues in advance of the April 28, 2025 federal election. Read more
Leveraging Life Insurance Policies Checklist
This insurance leveraging checklist is intended for advisor use with clients who are approached on more aggressive or complex leveraging structures. The comprehensive checklist identifies questions advisors and clients should consider before proceeding with a leveraged insurance transaction, including the evaluation of potential issues or risks. The checklist provides links to related Practice Notes and other CALU publications as background information. (Members only) download now
INFOexchange 2025 vol. 1 is now available!
In our first INFOexchange of 2025, you’ll read: Final message from CALU’s Chair of the Board of Directors, Jeff Wilson Government Relations column Expert article on “A gift is a gift … Until it’s not: gifted survivorship interests in land” by Suzana Popovic-Montag, Hull & Hull LLP Expert article on “Widowed spouse not liable for deceased spouse’s tax debt” by Sanjana Bhatia, Scotia Wealth Management. We extend our thanks to Daniel Balofsky from BMO Insurance and Lucas Gareri from Manulife for their review of this article. (Members only) Download the report
CALU Report: Dealing with Private Company Shares at Death; Post-mortem and Insurance Planning
This CALU Report by Jeannie Lim and Hemal Balsara is the first of a two-part series dealing with post-mortem tax planning for an individual who owns private company shares at death. It updates a 2009 CALU Report on the same subject considering several significant tax changes since that time. We extend our thanks to CALU’s Tax Advisor, Kevin Wark and CALU Members and Associate Members Stuart Dollar, Florence Marino, Patrick Uzan and Brent Vandekerckhove for the contributions to the review of the publication. Download Now
Liberal Leadership Candidates – Positions on Key Issues
Read our latest “Tax Byte” which focusses on the positions of Liberal leadership candidates on key tax and policy issues. Download now
A Fresh Look at the Capital Gains Rollover Provision
Read our latest “Tax Byte” which focusses on a lesser-known tax planning option – the capital gains roller provision of the Income Tax Act (ITA). This six-page article reviews the main elements of the provision, discusses current proposals to expand its scope and concludes with commentary on the urgent need to review and rationalize the various provisions of the ITA that apply to small businesses owners. Download now
Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Increase Deferred to 2026
Last week Finance Canada announced it would defer to January 1, 2026, the implementation date of the increase in the capital gains inclusion rate announced in Budget 2024 for which legislation was not enacted. In parallel, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced it reverted to administering the currently enacted capital gains inclusion rate of one-half. Read our short “Tax Byte” which reviews the key elements of both announcements and discusses implications for taxpayers. Download now
Extension of Charitable Gifting Rules – More Certainty
The federal government recently provided additional information on its previous announcement it would extend the 2024 tax deadline for charitable donations to February 28, 2025. Draft legislation from Finance Canada now confirms the deadline extension will apply to gifts made by corporations and individual donors including trusts. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) also announced it will administer the 2024 deadline extension as if it has been enacted. Read CALU’s analysis on the scope and limitations of some of these provisions, including in relation to and individual’s death after 2024. Download now
Extension of 2024 Charitable Donation Deadline
The federal government recently announced it would amend the Income Tax Act to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations in 2024 to include donations made up to February 28, 2025 to mitigate the impact of the recent postal strike on charities and their donors. The government indicated it would introduce the enacting legislation “once Parliament returns in the new year.” Read CALU’s perspective on the planning and political considerations related to this measure. Download now
