Managing Your Wealth

One of the most important tax breaks offered to Canadians is the “Principal Residence Exemption” which can reduce or eliminate any capital gain otherwise occurring for income tax purposes on the disposition (or deemed disposition, such as upon death) of your home. In general, a resident of Canada who owns only one housing unit, which is situated on land of one-half hectare or less, and which has been used since its acquisition strictly as their residence, will qualify for the principal residence exemption. Although simple in concept, in situations other than the one described above the tax rules governing the exemption can quickly become complicated, particularly when more than one residence is owned by a family unit.

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.

Towards the end of the year, many investors review their investment portfolios to determine the anticipated tax impact of any capital gains and losses realized during the year. For investors who have realized significant capital gains, this article examines various strategies to help reduce the impact of a potential tax liability of these gains, regardless of whether they were the result of a voluntary or involuntary sale.

2022 Tax Documents Overview and Schedule

This article discusses common digital asset considerations and important information for making sure they are properly addressed in your estate plan.

This is a helpful resource summarizing important tax, retirement and estate planning information.

As a client of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., your dedicated BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisor takes pride in helping you manage your wealth and reaching your financial goals. You trust us with your most confidential information, as well as safeguarding the wealth that you’ve worked hard to build. We take this responsibility seriously and have protections in place to safeguard your assets. Beyond our internal controls, BMO Nesbitt Burns is a member of the governing bodies of our industry and, as such, operates its business in strict adherence to the regulations, policies and bylaws dictated by these governing organizations.

Wealth Themes provides timely articles on a variety of wealth planning topics. This month we focus on the impact of emotional intelligence and behavioural finance on our investment decisions. We also include an article to assist in having healthy discussions about family wealth with your adult children and, with the new school year fast approaching, information on the increased RESP withdrawal limits.

At BMO, we take your security seriously. We are committed to respecting and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information you entrust to us. It is also important to know how to keep your information secure. This article provides a few simple ways you can protect yourself online, as well as some key reminders for detecting fraud. Please be reminded that these are suggestions and we recommend that you speak to a technology professional about your digital security.