Carol Bezaire , PFPC, TEP, CLU, is the vice-president of tax and estate planning at Mackenzie Investments. Carol can be contacted at: cbezaire@mackenzieinvestments.com
Carol Bezaire , PFPC, TEP, CLU, is the vice-president of tax and estate planning at Mackenzie Investments. Carol can be contacted at: cbezaire@mackenzieinvestments.com
Beginning January 2010, self-employed individuals (including many financial advisors) can opt into the Employment Insurance (‘EI’) system, thereby qualifying for special EI benefits. Bill C-56, the “Fairness for the Self-Employed Act” received Royal Asset on December 15, 2009. This legislation allows self-employed persons to, for the first time, pay premiums on a voluntary basis – […]
Now that the CRA has set the prescribed interest rate at a historical low of 1%, you may be setting up spousal loans for clients to achieve income splitting. You may also be faced with the challenge of trying to refinance existing spousal loans to access the new, lower CRA prescribed rate. (See previous article […]
In both Canada and the United States, many employers are reducing their workforce numbers. If you have clients who have left jobs in the U.S. to resettle in Canada, you may be able to help them amalgamate their cross-border retirement plans. Under the right circumstances, this can simplify retirement planning and reduce or eliminate the […]
In many Canadian families or family-owned businesses, a simple and straightforward transfer of assets between generations is still very effective. But, as the complexities of today’s society bring issues of asset control, protection or tax reduction to the planning forefront, the use of formal trusts is increasing. Trusts are structures through which property or assets […]
Widespread awareness has not translated into widespread impact
New risks and rewards from Canada’s second-largest sector
Things are about to get (more) complicated for investors
How important is shareholder democracy?
A Tax Court case offers a warning about missing corporate returns
A lack of understanding about spousal RRSP limits was no excuse
After starting a side business selling insurance, an advisor went too far in claiming expenses
Expense claims are possible without receipts, but it’s an uphill battle
What I learned from taking four firms’ personality or behavioural assessments
Building trust remotely is still a challenge
The loss of that loathsome ritual may be contributing to stress
Regulators are asking if ESG funds are doing what they're supposed to. Clients may be asking, too.
Avoid the tax consequences of not distributing a TFSA quickly after the account holder dies
Make sure clients don’t run afoul of the attribution rules
Now is the time to review plans jolted by the pandemic
Help this client and her daughter maximize their savings account
Creating value by shrinking
Claims of novel technology are at the centre of many collapses
When does accounting become important?
Use the fraud triangle to root out problem investments
For the best tax treatment, distinguish between current and capital expenses
A client scenario with a family cottage shows the importance of planning
A change in use could result in a deemed disposition
There are benefits and risks to owning property personally, through a trust or through a corporation
These initiatives can help clients enter the housing market
Use these tips to make the most of a donation tax credit
U.S. tax rules can lead to TFSA troubles
Use these tips for discussions and decision-making
Tax rules offer flexibility when a client has both a spouse and a common-law partner
Completing the T1’s marital status isn’t always straightforward
Consider the tax consequences before transferring property after a separation
The absence of withholding taxes can create unexpected consequences if no planning is done
Help your client claim these non-refundable tax credits
A sample case illustrates the impacts for the surviving spouse
Contributions and loans to a graduated rate estate can have tax consequences
Planning for foreign assets may require multiple documents
The advice channel’s survival depends on seasoned veterans who are willing to impart knowledge
Editorial: Financial firms still have work to do in acknowledging their role in systemic racism
Advisor's Edge asked 20 banks, asset managers, insurers and advisory firms how they are addressing anti-Black racism
The regulatory regime has not caught up to investors’ needs
Help business-owner clients manage foreign dividend investments
It’s time to stress-test client portfolios
Don’t underestimate the behavioural element
Using historical returns to forecast a recovery
Factors to consider when setting aside funds for minors
Qualification is a gateway to additional tax savings
Here’s what your clients need to know for the 2020 tax year
Issues and strategies for Canadians thinking about transferring their U.S.-based retirement plans
Keeping it in the family and maintaining harmony
A recent court case illustrates the risks that come with longer lives
Estate planning centres on one main goal: preserving estate assets. While advisors offer planning advice and employ various strategies to reduce the tax liability of…
Testamentary trusts can be a useful tool in creating an estate plan, and ensuring that spouses who remarry, children from previous marriages and disabled children…
Projections are essential for planning but they rely on the quality of the variables used
This example highlights tax and planning considerations
What to consider regarding the use of LBTs
Why people living with Type 1 diabetes have been refused the Disability Tax Credit
Interest deductibility may be at stake
The rules are restrictive and deductions require the employer’s support
The process of selling losing investments is fairly straightforward
Find out when your client’s investment income could be subject to the tax on split income
Clients may need to revise their wills if they’ve named out-of-jurisdiction executors
Help your client avoid these estate planning pitfalls
Knowing the answer will help you and your client prepare for incapacity
Know the tax implications when moving into care
A trustee’s tax liability has limits, a court case suggests
The decumulation game requires a dynamic strategy
Will the pandemic lead to higher future premiums?
What Seinfeld can teach us about the value of staying the course
Clients need advisors who control costs
Getting intentional about putting clients first
Industry research can make advisors feel vulnerable. Use that feeling as a call to action.
Be clear about what you stand for, so clients won’t fall for what you don’t
Planning helps reduce the negative impacts