Tax Planning Strategies

Having a TFSA works. Get one working for you. Whether you’re saving for a new car, a home purchase, your child’s education or retirement, a TFSA can help you reach your financial goals sooner.

Entrepreneurs who have built successful companies often want to see their business passed effectively to the next generation. However, a sale or transfer of ownership of the business will generally trigger capital gains tax. If the value of the shares of your business has increased, you or your estate may be burdened with a substantial tax bill. The business may even have to be sold to cover the liability.

Although Canadian snowbirds reside in the U.S. for only a part of the year, there is the potential of being considered a U.S. resident and, in turn, having to pay U.S. income tax on the same basis as a permanent U.S. resident. This article outlines how the U.S. government determines whether you are a resident for income tax purposes; namely, it covers the criteria for meeting the Substantial Presence Test, Closer Connection Exception and the Canada U.S. Income Tax Treaty Tie-Breaker Rules.