Tax

Hidden costs of American property

An American vacation home appears to have a double advantage for Canadians: both as an investment and as a chance to escape to sunnier climates during the winter.

By Thomas G. Dolan |April 1, 2011

9 min read

Tax planning and dual citizenship

If you work with dual citizens of Canada and the United States, it’s important to be aware of the unique financial, tax and estate planning issues these clients face. Given the recent tax changes in the United States, these clients and their advisors will need to be ahead of the curve.

By Terry F. Ritchie |April 1, 2011

6 min read

Ecological gifts receive superior tax treatment

Environment Canada seems an unlikely partner in saving taxes, but its Ecological Gifts Program can do just that. With the help of the program, Don and Heather Elliott have conserved a rare seven-hectare woodlot northeast of Barrie, Ontario into perpetuity. “Don wanted to protect a small corner of the world to ensure future generations could experience the same joy he had as a child while playing in the woodlot,” explains Heather.

By Natasha van Bentum |April 1, 2011

4 min read

International income isn’t always tax-free

It’s common these days for nearly every financial advisor to have at least one client with a foreign connection. That could mean a client with a foreign parent living overseas or a child living in the United States. It could also be a client who has previously lived in Europe and then immigrated to Canada, but still has financial ties with the foreign jurisdiction.

By Jamie Golombek |April 1, 2011

3 min read