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FAQ

>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> Sent: Monday, January 16, 2023 6:23 AM
> To: Timothy Ross <advisor@timothyross.com>
> Subject: Business Vehicle?
>
> Hi Tim,
>
> We are currently in the process of buying a new vehicle. It will be
> used for our business as well as personal use. Business wise, to pick
> up smaller materials or tools, driving to estimates where ladders are
> not required, etc.
>
> My question is this: what parameters would need to be met for us to be
> able to make the vehicle payments and fuel a business expense & make
> sure everything is being written up by the book?

> On Jan 16, 2023, at 6:50 AM, advisor@timothyross.com wrote:
>
> Good morning and Happy New Year !
>
> For vehicles with mixed use, you need to keep a log book to track
> personal vs business. You keep track of all expenses, then we do a
> calculation at year end to determine how much is deductible.
>
> The truck can be owned personally or by the business. Check with your
> insurance company for coverage, also financing can be an issue,
> company credit is sometimes harder to get than personal, especially in
> a companies early start-up stages.
>
>
> If the truck is owned personally, you also have the option of charging
> the business by the km for the usage.
>
> It's 59 cents per km in 2023
> https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/about-canada-revenue -agency-cra/travel-directive/appendix-a-cra-kilometric-rates-jan-2023.html
>
> With that option you don't have to track expenses as diligently,
> however it is a good policy to know what your spending. Depending on
> usage, the best option can be selected later, the important thing is
> to track and log the usage.
>
> That should cover the basics on this.
>
> There is always a number of special twists and turns on this item.
> Please check out the official CRA link below.
> https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/small- businesses-self-employed-income/business-income-tax-reporting/business-expenses/motor-vehicle-expenses.html
>
> One other note, vehicle value is a consideration, the more expenses
> vehicles are sometimes restricted in how much can be deducted for
> depreciation purposes. The limit for 2022 was 30,000 plus tax.. Also
> there is a special accelerated depreciation rate effective June 2022 which is beneficial .
>
> This sounds like a car or suv, I would not put them in the company
> personally, less critical review by CRA, if it's a truck, then inside
> a corporation makes sense, and would help get around the valuation
> rule easier.
>
> I hope that helps. Once you get the purchase done, please send us the
> purchase and loan info for our tax files.
>
> One finally thought, there is a few online vehicle tracking software
> that you could invest in to help keep track of trips. The one I use is
> Mile IQ https://mileiq.com/
>
> Tim

***

Wow, thank you so much. This was really helpful.

It is an SUV so I think based on the info and your insight, it might be best for us to finance personally. I will continue to look into it and get all the appropriate forms to you once we have them.

Thank you again - this was so helpful! Happy new year to you as well!

All the best !

****

NOTE: please always check the comment section for additional resources that we may post down their later on this topic. ~ TLR

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Timothy Ross, Family Advisor, CEO & Founder, Brock Shores Financial

Mutual Funds offered through PEAK Investment Services Inc.

Life & Travel,Insurance, Seg Funds & Banking offered through Financial Horizons Group

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Year-End Survival KITS: Conquering payroll year-end without falling apart (canadian-accountant.com)

http://www.canadian-accountant.com/content/partner-posts/year-end-survival-kits

Some excellent resources from Dynamic, click on the links below for some great information ~ Tim

Re-envision your retirement.

It’s no secret that the road to building a comfortable retirement has become much more difficult over the last few decades. In today’s economic environment, retirees will have to adjust their retirement planning to meet a number of evolving challenges.
Dynamic's Retirement Income Centre is designed to provide a road map to retirement insights, investing strategies and new perspectives on helping retirees, and those on the cusp, create sustainable cash flow to meet today's retirement realities head on.
Learn more

https://dynamic.ca/en/insights/planning-and-strategies/retirement-centre.html

Time flys by so quickly, hard to belive 2022 will soon be with us. Here is some quick tips to help us going forward. ~ Tim

https://www.advisor.ca/tax/tax-news/essential-tax-numbers-updated-for-2022/

This article was updated on Dec. 8, 2021, to include 2022 numbers.

You have a lot to remember as an advisor, so we’ve assembled this reference list of tax numbers. We’ll update it as things change.

Working clients

Maximum RRSP contribution: The maximum contribution for 2022 is $29,210; for 2021, it’s $27,830. The 2023 limit is $30,780.

TFSA limit: In 2022, the annual limit is $6,000, for a total of $81,500 for someone who has never contributed and has been eligible for the TFSA since its introduction in 2009. The annual limit for 2021 is also $6,000, for a total of $75,500 in room available in 2021 for someone who has been eligible since 2009.

Maximum pensionable earnings: For 2022, the maximum pensionable earnings amount is $64,900 (up from $61,600 in 2021), and the basic exemption amount remains $3,500 for 2021 and 2022.

Maximum EI insurable earnings: The maximum annual insurable earnings (federal) for 2022 is $60,300, up from $56,300 in 2021.

Lifetime capital gains exemption: The lifetime capital gains exemption is $913,630 in 2022, up from $892,218 in 2021.

Low-interest loans: The current family loan rate is 1%.

Home buyers’ amount: Did your client buy a home? He or she may be able to claim up to $5,000 of the purchase cost, and get a non-refundable tax credit of up to $750.

Medical expenses threshold: For the 2022 tax year, the maximum is 3% of net income or $2,479, whichever is less. For 2021, the max is 3% or $2,421.

Basic personal amount: The basic personal amount for 2022 is $14,398 for taxpayers with net income of $155,625 or less. At income levels above $155,625, the basic personal amount is gradually clawed back until it reaches $12,719 for net income of $221,708. The basic personal amount for 2021 ranges from $12,421 to $13,808.

Older clients

Age amount: Clients can claim this amount if they were 65 years of age or older on Dec. 31 of the taxation year. The maximum amount they can claim in 2022 is $7,898, up from $7,713 in 2021.

OAS recovery threshold: If your client’s net world income exceeds $81,761 in 2022 or $79,845 in 2021, he or she may have to repay part of or the entire OAS pension.

Clients with children, dependants

Canada caregiver credit: If you have a dependant under the age of 18 who’s physically or mentally impaired, you may be able to claim up to an additional $2,350 in 2022 and $2,295 for 2021 in calculating certain non-refundable tax credits. For infirm dependants 18 or older, the amount for 2022 is $7,525 and the 2021 amount is $7,348.

Disability amount: The amount for 2022 is $8,870 (non-refundable credit; $8,662 in 2021), with a supplement up to $5,174 for those under 18 (the amount is reduced if child care expenses are claimed; $5,053 in 2021).

Child disability benefit: The child disability benefit is a tax-free benefit of up to $2,985 (2022) for families who care for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. For 2021, the amount is $2,915.

Canada child benefit: In 2022, the maximum CCB benefit is $6,997 per child under six and up to $5,903 per child aged six through 17. In 2020, those amounts are $6,833 per child under six and up to $5,765 per child aged six through 17.

Here is a link to a recent email I got on how to prep for getting a mortgage

https://eximius.malink.ca:8111/Public/EE/11613372

Step 1 - Your Credit Score
Whether you qualify for a mortgage through a bank, credit union or other financial institution, you should be aiming for a credit score of 680 for at least one borrower (or guarantor), especially if you are putting under 20% down. If you are able to make a larger down payment of 20% or more, then a score of 680 is not required.
If your credit score does not meet the minimum requirements, there are a number of things you can do to improve it and your future financial success, including:
• Paying your bills in full and on time. If you cannot afford the full amount, try paying at least the minimum required.
• Pay off your debts (such as loans, credit cards, lines of credit, etc.) as quickly as possible.
• Stay within the limit on your credit cards and try to keep your balances as low as possible.
• Reduce the number of credit card or loan applications you submit.
• Considering an Alternative Lender (or B Lender) if you are struggling with credit issues.
I can help review your credit score and provide you with options for your mortgage needs.

Step 2 - Your Budget
When considering your budget, it is important to look at the purchase price budget, as well as your cash flow budget. Being house rich and cash poor makes for a no-fun home! The home price based on your cash flow budget may be dramatically different from the budget home price you qualify for. Not only does having a budget help you to understand your purchase price range and help you to find an affordable home, but it can also help you to see any gaps or opportunities for future savings. This will be instrumental when you become responsible for mortgage payments.
Step 3 - Your Down Payment
The ideal down payment for purchasing a home is 20%. However, we understand in today’s market that is not always possible. Therefore, it is important to note that any potential home buyer with less than a 20% down payment MUST purchase default insurance on the mortgage, and they must have a minimum down payment of 5%.
The down payment on your home could come from your own savings such as a savings account or RRSPs. Thanks to the federal government’s Home Buyers’ Plan, potential first-time home owners are able to leverage up to $35,000 of your RRSP savings ($70,000 for a couple) to help finance the down payment. A gift of a down payment from an immediate relative is also acceptable. If your down payment comes from TFSA or RRSP, the bank will want 90 days of statements to ensure the funds are accounted for. Gifted funds rarely require 90 days of proof.

Step 4 - Your Mortgage Options
Rate is only ONE of the many features in selecting the best mortgage product that meets your financial goals. With access to hundreds of lending institutions, I am familiar with a variety of mortgage products allowing them to help find the best mortgage for YOU! Plus, unlike banks, mortgage agents are a third-party service focused on YOUR needs. This means that you can get the best rates and unbiased advice all for FREE from someone whose only goal is helping you achieve your dream of home ownership.

Step 5 - Your Paperwork
When you apply for a mortgage, you will typically need to provide a standard package of documents, which almost always includes:
• Your government-issued personal identification
• One month of recent pay stubs from any applicants who will be listed on the loan
• Letter of employment
• Your most recent two years’ worth of personal CRA tax filings and financials (if incorporated)
• Three months of bank account statements
• Your down payment (minimum 5%)
• Documentation to explain any unusual (generally non-payroll) large deposits or withdrawals

Step 6 - Your Pre-Approval
To have the best success with your mortgage, it is recommended that you get pre-approved! This can be done through your Mortgage Professional to ensure that you get the best mortgage product FOR YOU, from the best rate to the best term agreement. Pre-approval helps verify your budget and allows your real estate agent to find the best home in your price range.
• Pre-approval guarantees the rate offered and locks it in for up to 120 days. This protects you from any increases in interest rates while you are shopping (phew!).
• Pre-approval lets the seller know that securing financing should not be an issue, which is beneficial in competitive markets!
Quick Tip: Don’t forget about the closing costs! These range from 1 to 4% of the purchase price and should be factored into your budget.

Step 7 - You’re Ready to Shop
You made it!! Once you have your down payment and have qualified for a pre-approved mortgage (your credit score is in order and all documentation has been provided), you are ready to start searching for your perfect home. If you’re stuck, I would be happy to give you recommendations for a realtor, if you don’t have one already.

Mortgage Renewal Coming Up 

"When it comes time to renew your mortgage, most lenders will send you a renewal letter when there is 3 to 6 months remaining on your term. While nearly 60% of borrowers simply sign and send back their renewal without ever shopping around for a more favourable interest rate, I would urge you to take a moment to check out your options.

Most standard mortgages are on a 5-year-term, meaning the market rates could be very different from the time you initially began your term to today! Despite this, lenders tend to provide higher rates on renewals versus new clients as typically the ease of renewal will prevent you from seeking out new rates. But, with my help, finding a better rate is not as difficult as it sounds - and it could end up saving you a couple hundred dollars a month!

It may turn out that your bank is offering a great rate, in which case you can simply submit the renewal! However, I urge you to take this opportunity to contact me about finding a lower rate to ensure you aren’t missing out. As your trusted mortgage advisor, I have access to dozens of lenders and hundreds of rates allowing me to narrow down the best options for you.

If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the next 3 to 6 months, and you want to find out what lower rates may await you, contact me today! I can help you find the best option for where you are at in your life now and help you to ensure future financial success. I promise you will thank yourself for reaching out!

Tips from today's email Hustel 

Amazon’s writing culture, explained
Making fun of PowerPoint presentations is a popular pastime in corporate America (to be fair, they really do suck).
Back in 2004, Jeff Bezos actually did something about it: In lieu of crafting a PowerPoint, Amazon employees had to write a narrative-driven, 6-page memo before executive meetings.
In their new book Working Backwards, longtime Amazon execs Bill Carr and Colin Bryar explain the company’s writing culture, including why memos are better than PowerPoint:
• Decision-making requires narrative: While PowerPoint is good for conveying data, decisions require persuading stakeholders. Memos are better at achieving this goal.
• Higher information density: People can read faster than people can talk. One author says a memo conveys 10x as much information as a PowerPoint presentation.
• Ideas > charisma: A charismatic PowerPoint presenter can sell a bad idea, while a poor presenter may be unable to sell a good idea. In a memo, the idea wins.
• Better analysis: PowerPoint’s hierarchical (and sequential) structure is not ideal to address complex issues. Narrative-driven memos can be multi-causal and provide a 360-degree view on a topic.
• Shared understanding: Whether or not one agrees with the memo, a focused reading of it puts everyone on the same page to begin discussions.
It’s not just memos, either
The book’s title comes from Amazon’s product development philosophy: Instead of creating a product and then finding customers, Amazon asks, “What does the customer need?” and works backwards toward a product.
As part of the process, employees write a mock press release, which accomplishes a few things:
• Forces big thinking: You don’t write press releases for incremental improvements.
• Creates an FAQ: This document answers all potential customer questions, and also uncovers potential hurdles and opportunities.
If you want a PowerPoint of this article, email us and we definitely won’t get back to you.
(Check out the book’s authors on the a16z podcast for much more.)

https://a16z.com/2021/02/07/working-backwards-amazon-bezos-memos-releases-narratives-innovation/

PEAK disclosure, click for a peak

https://www.fastcompany.com/90416548/im-an-eye-doctor-heres-how-to-keep-screens-from-ruining-your-vision?utm_campaign=eem524%3A524%3As00%3A20191014_fc&utm_medium=Compass&utm_source=newsletter

First, follow the “20-20-20” rule. The American Optometric Association defines this rule as taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet in the distance. This will allow your eyes to blink and relax. There are many apps available to help remind you to follow this rule.

Second, use lubricating eye drops before extended computer use. This tactic will reinforce the body’s natural tears and keep the eye’s surface hydrated. But avoid those “get-the-red-out” drops. They contain drugs that cause long-term redness and preservatives that may damage the outer layers of the eye. I have found that artificial tears labeled “preservative free” often work best.

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/average-cost-of-divorce-breakdown-lawyers-fees/

lets get this tagged and will accumulate some divorce tips here 

great quick overview about the challenges of growing

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/steps-scaling-your-business/

great pic from last nights Rotary Christmas Ham packing workshop.

https://www.realtor.com/videos/these-trends-will-shape-the-real-estate-market-in-2019/403a1091-3062-442b-beec-2faa666b3e19?playlist_id=ec2ed8e8-16a1-46f8-a91e-c6753b0417e0

came across this site today from one of my realtors in my network 

figure will store some real estate info on this posting as a resource 

Enjoy

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/entrepreneur/ive-been-working-from-home-for-almost-10-years-—-these-are-the-6-tricks-i-use-to-get-more-done-in-less-time/ss-BBPEQ1L?ocid=spartanntp#image=7

Working From home tips

Some great ideas I came across

I encourage people to work from home if they can.

There is some good tax deductions that you can take advantage of as well. 

Tim

6. I cut myself some slack.

5. I log out of my email during a particularly pressing project.

4. I eat well.

In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, eating well helps increase energy levels as well as your ability to focus. What "eating well" looks like will differ to everyone, but for me it includes a lot of fresh vegetables, a moderate amount of protein, and a diet that's high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates and sugar, which can cause crashes in excess.

3. I listen to ASMR videos on YouTube. ( I like this, I actuay invested in Premium YouTube so I can listen and work on my phone without it cutting out, speakers to hear better as well)

2. I get up from my desk at least once an hour.

1. I set a schedule.

Personally I work from home a bit, mainly when I am doing research and planning for my  meeting schedules and business planning.  Tips 2-3-4-6 are what I practice :)

Be blessed 

Tim

Word of the day  - Recalcitrant 

https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/recalcitrant-2018-11-13

Code for "Stubborn like a Mule " !

1 : obstinately defiant of authority or restraint
2 a : difficult to manage or operate
b : not responsive to treatment
c : resistant

Did You Know?
Long before any human was dubbed "recalcitrant" in English (that first occurred in the 18th century), there were stubborn mules (and horses) kicking back their heels. The ancient Romans noted as much (Pliny the Elder among them), and they had a word for it: recalcitrare, which literally means "to kick back." (Its root calc-, meaning "heel," is also the root of calcaneus, the large bone of the heel in humans.) Certainly Roman citizens in Pliny's time were sometimes willful and hardheaded—as attested by various Latin words meaning "stubborn"—but it wasn't until later that writers of Late Latin applied recalcitrare and its derivative adjective to humans who were stubborn as mules.

• Mentally Tough Tips

sleep a pretty important area to focus on for a number of reasons 

some good reminders in the article link 

Looking ahead to 2018 (December 2017)

Planning for – or even thinking about – 2018 taxes when it’s not even mid-December 2017 may seem more than a little premature. However, most Canadians will start paying their taxes for 2018 with the first paycheque they receive in January, and it’s worth taking a bit of time to make sure that things start off – and stay – on the right foot.

For most Canadians, (certainly for the vast majority who earn their income from employment), income tax, along with other statutory deductions like Canada Pension Plan contributions and Employment Insurance premiums, are paid periodically throughout the year by means of deductions taken from each paycheque received, with those deductions then remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on the taxpayer’s behalf by his or her employer.

Quick Download for Federal Form TD1 & respective Provincial Forms

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/td1-personal-tax-credits-returns/td1-forms-pay-received-on-january-1-later.html

Of course, each taxpayer’s situation is unique and so the employer has to have some guidance as to how much to deduct and remit on behalf of each employee. That guidance is provided by the employee/taxpayer in the form of TD1 forms which are completed and signed by each employee, sometimes at the start of each year, but certainly at the time employment commences. Each employee must, in fact, complete two TD1 forms – one for federal tax purposes and the other for provincial tax imposed by the province in which the taxpayer lives. Federal and provincial TD1 forms for 2018 (which were recently posted on the CRA website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms.html) list the most common statutory credits claimed by taxpayers, including the basic personal credit, the spousal credit amount, and the age amount. Adding amounts claimed on each form gives the Total Claim Amounts (one federal, one provincial) which the employer then uses to determine, based on tables issued by the CRA, the amount of income tax which should be deducted (or withheld) from each of the employee’s paycheques and remitted on his or her behalf to the federal government.

While the TD1 completed by the employee at the time his or her employment commenced will have accurately reflected the credits claimable by the employee at that time, everyone’s life circumstances change. Where a baby is born, or a son or daughter starts post-secondary education, a taxpayer turns 65 years of age, or an elderly parent comes to live with his or her children, the affected taxpayer will be become eligible to claim tax credits not previously available. And, since the employer can only calculate source deductions based on information provided to it by the employee, those new credit claims won’t be reflected in the amounts deducted at source from the employee’s paycheque.

Consequently, it’s a good idea for all employees to review the TD1 form prior to the start of each taxation year and to make any changes needed to ensure that a claim is made for any and all credit amounts currently available to him or her. Doing so will ensure that the correct amount of tax is deducted at source throughout the year.

Where the taxpayer has available deductions which cannot be recorded on the TD1, like RRSP contributions, deductible support payments or child care expenses, it makes things a little more complicated, but it’s still possible to have source deductions adjusted to accurately reflect the employee’s tax liability for 2018. The way to do so is to file Form T1213, Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source (available on the CRA website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t1213.html) with the CRA. Once that form is filed with the CRA, the Agency will, after verifying that the claims made are accurate, provide the employer with a Letter of Authority authorizing that employer to reduce the amount of tax being withheld at source.

Of course, as with all things bureaucratic, having one’s source deductions reduced by filing a T1213 takes time. Consequently, the sooner a T1213 for 2018 is filed with the CRA, the sooner source deductions can be adjusted, effective for all paycheques subsequently issued in that year. Providing an employer with an updated TD1 for 2018 at the same time will ensure that source deductions made during 2018 will accurately reflect all of the employee’s current circumstances, and consequently his or her actual tax liability for the year.

Year-end tax planning – some steps to take before December 31st (December 2017)

As the 2017 calendar year winds down, the window of opportunity to take steps to reduce one’s tax bill for the 2017 tax year is closing. As a general rule, tax planning or tax saving strategies must be undertaken and completed by December 31^st, in order to make a difference to one’s tax liability for 2017. (For individual taxpayers, the only significant exception to that rule is registered retirement savings plan contributions. Such contributions can be made any time up to and including March 1, 2018, and claimed on the return for 2017.)

While the remaining time frame in which tax planning strategies for 2017 can be implemented is only a few weeks, the good news is that the most readily available of those strategies don’t involve a lot of planning or complicated financial structures – in many cases, it’s just a question of considering the timing of expenditures which would have been made in any case. Below is a list of the most common such opportunities available to individual Canadians.

Charitable donations

The federal government and all of the provincial and territorial governments provide a tax credit for donations made to registered charities during the year. In all cases, in order to claim a credit for a donation in a particular tax year, that donation must be made by the end of that calendar year – there are no exceptions.

There is, however, another reason to ensure donations are made by December 31^st. The credit provided by each of the federal, provincial, and territorial governments is a two-level credit, in which the percentage credit claimable increases with the amount of donation made. For federal tax purposes, the first $200 in donations is eligible for a non-refundable tax credit equal to 15% of the donation. The credit for donations made during the year which exceed the $200 threshold is, however, calculated as 29% of the excess. Where the taxpayer making the donation has taxable income (for 2017) over $202,800, charitable donations above the $200 threshold can receive a federal tax credit of 33%.

As a result of the two-level credit structure, the best tax result is obtained when donations made during a single calendar year are maximized. For instance, a qualifying charitable donation of $400 made in December 2017 will receive a federal credit of $88  ($200 × 15% + $200 × 29%). If the same amount is donated, but the donation is split equally between December 2017 and January 2018, the total credit claimable is only $60 ($200 × 15% + $200 × 15%), and the 2018 donation can’t be claimed until the 2018 return is filed in April 2019. And, of course, the larger the donation in any one calendar year, the greater the proportion of that donation which will receive credit at the 29% level rather than the 15% level.

It’s also possible to carry forward, for up to 5 years, donations which were made in a particular tax year. So, if donations made in 2017 don’t reach the $200 level, it’s usually worth holding off on claiming the donation and carrying forward to the next year in which total donations, including carryforwards, are over that threshold. Of course, this also means that donations made but not claimed in any of the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 tax years can be carried forward and added to the total donations made in 2017, and the aggregate then claimed on the 2017 tax return.

When claiming charitable donations, it’s possible to combine donations made by oneself and one’s spouse and claim them on a single return. Generally, and especially in provinces and territories which impose a high-income surtax – currently, Ontario and Prince Edward Island – it makes sense for the higher income spouse to make the claim for the total of charitable donations made by both spouses. Doing so will reduce the tax payable by that spouse and thereby minimize (or avoid) liability for the provincial high-income surtax.

This year, there is an additional last-chance incentive for Canadians who have not been in the habit of making charitable donations to make a cash donation to a registered charity. In the 2013 Budget, the federal government introduced a temporary charitable donations super-credit. That super-credit (which can be claimed only once) allows individuals who have not claimed a charitable donations tax credit in any tax year since 2007 to claim a super-credit on up to $1,000 in cash donations made during the year. The super-credit works by providing an additional 25% credit for cash donations. Consequently, when the super-credit is combined with the regular charitable donations tax credit, the total credit claimable is equal to 40% (15% + 25%) of donations under $200 and 54% (29% + 25%) of donations over the $200 threshold. This year (2017) is the last year for which the super-credit can be claimed, and only in respect of qualifying donations made before the end of the year.

Timing of medical expenses

There are an increasing number of medical expenses which are not covered by provincial health care plans, and an increasing number of Canadians who do not have private coverage for such costs through their employer. In those situations, Canadians have to pay for such unavoidable expenditures – including dental care, prescription drugs, ambulance trips, and many other para-medical services, like physiotherapy, on an  out-of-pocket basis. Fortunately, where such costs must be paid for partially or entirely by the taxpayer, the medical expense tax credit is available to help offset those costs. Unfortunately, the computation of such expenses and, in particular, the timing of making a claim for the credit, can be confusing. In addition, the determination of which expenses qualify for the credit and which expenses do not isn’t necessarily intuitive, nor is the determination of when it’s necessary to obtain prior authorization from a medical professional in order to ensure that the contemplated expenditure will qualify for the credit.

The basic rule is that qualifying medical expenses (a lengthy list of which can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/medical/#mdcl_xpns) over 3% of the taxpayer’s net income, or $2,268, whichever is less, can be claimed for purposes of the medical expense tax credit on the taxpayer’s return for 2017.

Put in more practical terms, the rule for 2017 is that any taxpayer whose net income is less than $75,500 will be entitled to claim medical expenses that are greater than 3% of his or her net income for the year. Those having income over $75,500 will be limited to claiming qualifying expenses which exceed the $2,268 threshold.

The other aspect of the medical expense tax credit which can cause some confusion is that it’s possible to claim medical expenses which were incurred prior to the current tax year, but weren’t claimed on the return for the year that the expenditure was made. The actual rule is that the taxpayer can claim qualifying medical expenses incurred during any 12-month period which ends in the current tax year, meaning that each taxpayer must determine which 12-month period ending in 2017 will produce the greatest amount eligible for the credit. That determination will obviously depend on when medical expenses were incurred so there is, unfortunately, no universal rule of thumb which can be used.

Medical expenses incurred by family members – the taxpayer, his or her spouse, dependent children who were born in 2000 or later, and certain other dependent relatives – can be added together and claimed by one member of the family. In most cases, it’s best, in order to maximize the amount claimable, to make that claim on the tax return of the lower income spouse, where that spouse has tax payable for the year.

As December 31^st approaches, it’s a good idea to add up the medical expenses which have been incurred during 2017, as well as those paid during 2016 and not claimed on the 2016 return. Once those totals are known, it will be easier to determine whether to make a claim for 2017 or to wait and claim 2017 expenses on the return for 2018. And, if the decision is to make a claim for 2017, knowing what medical expenses were paid and when, will enable the taxpayer to determine the optimal 12-month waiting period for the claim.

Finally, it’s a good idea to look into the timing of medical expenses which will have to be paid early in 2018. Where those are significant expenses (for instance, a particularly costly medication which must be taken on an ongoing basis) it may make sense, where possible, to accelerate the payment of those expenses to December 2017, where that means they can be included in 2017 totals and claimed on the 2017 return.  

Reviewing tax instalments for 2017

Millions of Canadian taxpayers (particularly the self-employed and retired Canadians) pay income taxes by quarterly instalments, with the amount of those instalments representing an estimate of the taxpayer’s total liability for the year.

The final quarterly instalment for this year will be due on Friday December 15, 2017. By that time, almost everyone will have a reasonably good idea of what his or her income and deductions will be for 2017 and so will be in a position to estimate what the final tax bill for the year will be, taking into account any tax planning strategies already put in place, as well as any RRSP contributions which will be made before March 2, 2018. While the tax return forms to be used for the 2017 year haven’t yet been released by the CRA, it’s possible to arrive at an estimate by using the 2016 form. Increases in tax credit amounts and tax brackets from 2016 to 2017 will mean that using the 2016 form will likely result in a slight over-estimate of tax liability for 2017.

Once one’s tax bill for 2017 has been calculated, that figure should be compared to the total of tax instalments already made during 2017 (that figure can be obtained by calling the CRA’s Individual Income Tax Enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281). Depending on the result, it may then be possible to reduce the amount of the tax instalment to be paid on December 15 – and thereby free up some funds for the inevitable holiday spending!