Tax News

Home Buyers’ Plan troubles

The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) allows first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSPs to assist them with the purchase of a home. The funds need to be paid back over a 15-year period. If payment is missed in a particular year, the amount not repaid must be included in the participant’s income for that year.

January 1, 2011

4 min read

Creating an RRSP exit strategy

As one of Canada’s best savings programs and biggest tax breaks, the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) should be wildly popular. However, Canadians are not taking full advantage of them. Year after year, over 90% of taxpayers eligible to make RRSP contributions fail to make the maximum contribution, leaving unused contribution room on the table.

By Michael Callahan |January 1, 2011

7 min read

Income trusts beyond 2011

Canada is in the midst of a bull market in yield securities. Retail and institutional investors alike are clamouring for securities generating and paying a steady cash flow. The demographics of this country provide strong evidence of why the demand for yield has seemingly accelerated in recent years.

By Dennis Mitchell |January 1, 2011

9 min read

Clock is ticking on 2010 donations

The federal Minister of National Revenue is reminding Canadians that they have until December 31, 2010 to make a charitable donation that will generate a tax receipt for 2010. “Donating to registered charities is truly a win-win situation. Donors receive tax relief and charities continue to carry out work in the community,” said Keith Ashfield. […]

By Staff |December 29, 2010

1 min read