Tax Law

Real Estate Law: Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST)

In the OREA standard form agreement (“OREA Agreement”), there is a blank space provided where it should be indicated whether taxes are “included in” or “in...

Trusts and Estates: Different Types of Trusts in Canada

Classification of Trusts1. Testamentary TrustsThe Income Tax Act defines a testamentary trust as a trust or estate that is formed consequent to the death of a...

The Taxation of Trusts: Understanding Rates of Tax

Rates of TaxUnder s. 117, ITA, a testamentary trust is subject to tax, at the same graduated rates as an individual, while the rate of tax...

How Trusts are Taxed in Canada

Taxation of TrustsThe taxation of trusts and their beneficiaries are dealt with under Sections 104 to 108, inclusive, of the ITA. The fundamental principle with respect...

Wills and estates of Natives

Administration and probateWhen the estate of a member of the First Nation falls within the jurisdiction of the Indian Act, the procedures for administration and probate...

When to File a Terminal Tax Return

The due date for the terminal return depends upon the date of the deceased’s death:1) For a death prior to November, the terminal return is due...

Taxation of an Estate as a Trust

Upon the death of a taxpayer, a T3 trust tax return is prepared, as well as a report of the income earned by the estate after...

Estate Tax Planning: RRSPs and Rollovers

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)Like non-depreciable capital property and depreciable capital property, a spousal rollover is available for RRSPs. Money directly received by the spouse (as...

Keeping your Trusts Clean

Cleansing Tainted TrustsA qualifying spousal trust could inadvertently lose its special status by inadvertently putting capital in the hands of persons other than the spouse. In such situations,...

Trustees: Distributions and Payments to Minor Children

Wills containing benefits held in trust for minor children would usually include clauses authorizing the estate trustee to distribute from the child’s trust directly to the...