Publications

Trusts are often used in tax and estate planning because of the flexibility they offer over the control, management and distribution of appreciating assets. In an estate planning context, trusts can be used to provide control and protection of assets, reduce probate fees at death or serve as a Will substitute, and as a vehicle to transfer wealth to future generations. From a tax planning perspective, in the right circumstances, trusts can be used to facilitate income splitting by spreading income amongst family members who are taxed at lower marginal tax rates, thereby reducing the family’s overall tax burden. In particular, the use of a discretionary family trust to reduce the after-tax cost of children’s educational and other expenses is a common tax

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.

The pension income-splitting rules provide an effective, yet simple, strategy to lower family taxes. Being able to split pension income provides an opportunity for couples to reduce their overall family tax bill by taking advantage of a spouse’s or common law partner’s lower marginal tax rate where retirement incomes are disproportionate.

When it comes to investment income, all is not equal after tax. Knowing how tax rules affect your investments is essential in order to maximize your after-tax return. This publication explains the taxation of investment income held in a taxable account as it pertains to an individual resident in Canada.

Like many Canadians, making the world a better place and creating a legacy aligned to your personal values, beliefs and convictions is an important wealth planning priority. Establishing a private foundation can help you achieve these priorities and give meaning and structure to your philanthropic goals. It can also help you to pass these values on to your children and grandchildren, by involving them and other family members in your giving strategy and family legacy.

The successful transfer of wealth to the next generation requires the careful construction of a plan that considers the wealth requirements of each generation and the communication of a family constitution across the generations. Only about 10% of wealthy families adequately prepared the heirs for their future. Intergenerational wealth transfer does not happen by accident; families must work together to document their constitution and build family governance that will manage the wealth over the generations.

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

At BMO Nesbitt Burns we can help you determine the best way to finance your child’s education and work with you to develop a savings program that helps meet your educational savings goals.

A RRIF is very much like an RRSP in reverse. An RRSP is an account designed to help you save for retirement – a RRIF is an account designed to provide annual income in the form of withdrawals from a registered plan during your retirement. Click to read on about how you can benefit from an RRIF.

Insurance Considerations for Business Owners and Incorporated Professionals

Investing in real estate has always been a popular investment strategy for building wealth, particularly in active housing markets and big cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. No matter where you choose to invest, the decision to purchase real estate should be reviewed with your tax and legal advisors to understand the tax and legal issues applicable to your particular circumstances, and to determine whether it is a suitable option for your situation.

Are they prepared? Children and grandchildren need to get ready for their roles as inheritors.

What Happens When a Canadian Resident Dies? discusses what happens to the assets of a deceased Canadian resident from a tax and estate perspective.

This is designed to help your family, executor (referred to as a “liquidator” in Quebec), or Power of Attorney for Property (referred to as a “mandatory” in Quebec) locate all of your important documents and other information needed to administer your estate or act as your Power of Attorney for Property

Rates Scenario, covering currencies and markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.

Focus is the flagship publication of the BMO Economics team. This weekly publication covers major economic developments, provides updated forecasts, looks ahead to the key events of the upcoming week, and provides detailed insights into key economic issues.

Understanding the Three Major Asset Classes:Cash, Bonds and Stocks