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Tax savings tips
Discover ways that can help you make the most of your tax savings.
Expert advice by:
Jamie Golombek
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Tax strategies to help you achieve your goals
Tax planning can be an important strategy to help you achieve your financial goals. Here are some featured tax articles that can make tax planning easy to understand, relevant and actionable.
Reports may include information on proposed measures that were not enacted before Parliament was prorogued on January 7, 2025. The information in these reports may no longer be current.
Featured advice
It's 2025: Do you know what your tax rate is? (PDF, 365 KB) Opens a new window.
This report will help you understand how your income is taxed and why the “advertised” tax rate isn’t always what you end up paying.
Five ways to reduce your 2025 tax bill (PDF, 285 KB) Opens a new window.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to review your tax minimization strategies for the year ahead. Here are 5 things to consider early in 2025.
2025 Tax toolkit (PDF, 1.3 MB) Opens a new window.
Discover Jamie’s top tax tips for investors, plus 2025 tax tables, rates and much more in the CIBC Tax Toolkit.
Retirement
Retiring right: Understanding the taxation of retirement income (PDF, 470 KB) Opens a new window.
This report provides an overview of the main ways to fund your retirement and describes how each source of funds is taxed.
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Get insights and tips on how to maximize your income in retirement.
Registered plans
Building family wealth with registered plans (PDF, 405 KB) Opens in a new window.
Registered plans can have a big impact on family wealth.
Inside out: Fees for registered plans (PDF, 190 KB) Opens in a new window.
This report reviews the tax rules surrounding the payment of fees for registered plans. It also tackles the question of the best place to pay fees based on a variety of factors, such as time horizon, rate of return and tax rates.
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Jamie Golombek discusses some of the tax rules about the payment of fees for registered plans, as well as where to pay the fees from.
Advanced Planning with RDSPs (PDF, 240 KB) Opens in a new window.
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is an effective long-term savings vehicle that can help provide for the financial security of eligible persons with disabilities.
Blinded by the refund (PDF, 345 KB) Opens a new window.
Why TFSAs may beat RRSPs as better retirement savings vehicles for some Canadians.
Getting the most out of your RRSP (PDF, 150 KB) Opens in a new window.
An RRSP is one of the best ways to save for retirement. You get a tax deduction on contributions. Plus, you pay no tax on the accumulated investment income inside the plan.
In defence of RRSPs: Dispelling common myths (PDF, 335 KB) Opens a new window.
This report debunks some of the myths that may be keeping Canadians from saving in an RRSP.
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Just do it: The case for tax-free investing (PDF, 375 KB) Opens in a new window.
Whether you choose an RRSP or TFSA, most Canadians would be well served by simply making a contribution to either plan.
Paying down debt at the expense of retirement may harm your long-term savings.
Planning with RDSPs (PDF, 175 KB) Opens in a new window.
People with disabilities and their families have an important tool in their planning toolkit: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
Tax planning with TFSAs (PDF, 170 KB) Opens in a new window.
According to the government, the TFSA is a “flexible, registered general-purpose savings vehicle that allows Canadians to earn tax-free investment income to more easily meet lifetime savings needs.”
Ten RRSP hacks (PDF, 335 KB) Opens a new window.
An RRSP allows you to set aside income for retirement. Here are 10 hacks that will help you reap the full benefits of your contributions.
The best school supply? RESPs (PDF, 105 KB) Opens in a new window.
The best school supply is a well-funded education savings plan, ideally in the form of a Registered Education Savings Plan.
The RRSP, the TFSA and the mortgage (PDF, 370 KB) Opens a new window.
Making the best choice for saving via an RRSP, TFSA or debt repayment.
When it makes sense to maximize RESPs over RRSPs (PDF, 295 KB) Opens a new window.
An individual could come out ahead if they were to bypass their RRSP contribution for the time being in favour of maximizing contributions to their RESP, to start catching up on missed Canada Education Savings Grants (CESGs).
An overview of the registered plan contribution limits and the various ways you can maximize your tax-sheltered investment income.
Unlocking LIFs (PDF, 535 KB) Opens a new window.
This report outlines some circumstances under which you can withdraw money beyond your maximum amount from a Life Income Fund.
Personal tax planning strategies
Alternative minimum tax: Impact on charitable giving (PDF, 330 KB) Opens a new window.
This report will summarize the proposed changes to the AMT regime that could impact charitable giving.
Employee stock options (PDF, 215 KB) Opens a new window.
Here’s a quick overview of how employee stock options work, the tax treatment for options granted prior to July 1, 2021, and the new tax treatment for some options granted as of July 1, 2021.
The new Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) (PDF, 365 KB) Opens a new window.
This report reviews how the AMT system works, the proposed changes, some examples where the AMT may or may not arise and some planning considerations.
2024 year end tax tips
As year end approaches, this report reviews some tax tips that you might want to consider.
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Jamie Golombek discusses some tax tips that you might want to consider as year end approaches.
If you’re an investor who buys and sells stocks, mutual funds or other securities with some regularity in your non-registered trading or brokerage account, one of the things you need to pay attention to is whether you have triggered the superficial loss rule.
Mutual obligations — tax tips for mutual fund investors (PDF, 295 KB) Opens a new window.
This report provides a brief overview of how mutual fund trusts are taxed and delves deeper into reporting redemptions of mutual fund units and handling a return of capital.
A warning on interest deductibility (PDF, 340 KB) Opens a new window.
If you’ve borrowed money to invest, and hope to write off interest expenses come tax time, you need to be particularly careful when you invest those borrowed funds in mutual funds that distribute return of capital.
Foreign income tax tips and traps (PDF, 290 KB) Opens a new window.
If you invest in foreign securities, you need to ensure that you are properly reporting your income and any gains or losses. It’s also important to understand the type of account holding your foreign investment and any tax considerations that come with it.
The T1 Personal Income Tax Return has been redesigned for the 2019 tax year. This report lets you know where to look within the new form to claim valuable tax deductions and credits.
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Video: Tax changes for 2020 (2:11)
Jamie Golombek discusses some important tax changes for 2020.
Transcriptfor the video tax changes for 2020. Opens a new window in your browser.
This report reviews the tax treatment of the most common forms of investment income and deductible investment expenses.
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Video: How is investment income taxed? (3:45)
Debbie Pearl-Weinberg describes how different types of investment income can impact the after-tax amount you get to keep.
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Learn how to use your tax refund to your advantage. Even better, eliminate next year’s refund altogether and benefit from the taxes you save all year.
It's 2025: Do you know what your tax rate is? (PDF, 365 KB) Opens a new window.
This report will help you understand how your income is taxed and why the “advertised” tax rate isn’t always what you end up paying.
Five ways to reduce your 2025 tax bill (PDF, 285 KB) Opens a new window.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to review your tax minimization strategies for the year ahead. Here are 5 things to consider early in 2025.
This report outlines some things to bear in mind before redeeming loyalty points for rewards, with a focus on tax considerations.
Top tax tips for kids heading back to school (PDF, 365 KB) Opens a new window.
As kids head off to college or university, why not share some tips with them so they can be sure they’re taking full advantage of the tax system to maximize the cash in their pockets?
Tax and estate planning in uncertain times (PDF, 360 KB) Opens a new window.
This report reviews some of the tax and estate planning opportunities in uncertain times, such as when stock markets or business revenues have declined.
CRA raises prescribed interest rate for employee loans (PDF, 255 KB) Opens a new window.
If you receive an interest-free or reduced interest loan from your employer, you will generally have a taxable employment benefit.
The tax treatment of art and other collectibles
Whether you collect art, stamps or antique furniture, you should be aware of the tax consequences that occur when you ultimately dispose of these items, either by sale, gift or upon death.
Home-office expenses: Post-COVID rules (PDF, 145 KB) Opens in a new window.
This report reviews the tax deductibility of home-office expenses for employees.
The tax incentive to gift securities (PDF, 290 KB) Opens a new window.
If you want to make a gift to your favorite charity and save more on your taxes, consider donating publicly-traded securities.
Ten tax tips for charitable giving as December deadline nears (PDF, 245 KB) Opens a new window.
If you have plans to donate this year, check out our list of the top 10 tax tips for charitable giving.
Charitable tax incentives can work generously for you (PDF, 295 KB) Opens a new window.
The government encourages the donation of publicly traded securities to charitable organizations, which can significantly benefit you and the charity.
Estate planning
Rethinking your estate plan: Beyond the traditional will (PDF, 255 KB) Opens a new window.
When it comes to estate planning, many people follow a common script: leaving everything to a spouse, and if the spouse passes away first, then everything is passed on to their children. While this traditional approach may seem straightforward and logical, it doesn't always align with everyone's unique circumstances. There are scenarios where a different approach may be warranted.
Enhanced trust reporting rules (PDF, 315 KB) Opens a new window.
This report reviews the previous T3 Income Tax Return reporting rules and the changes to these rules.
Give a little bit (PDF, 360 KB) Opens a new window.
To help you with your gifting plans, Jamie Golombek gives answers to some common questions.
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Video: Give a Little Bit: Tax Planning and Gifting. 4:53. | Transcriptfor the Give a Little Bit: Tax Planning and Gifting video. Opens a new window in your browser.
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Heir un-apparent: Estate planning for U.S. beneficiaries (PDF, 370 KB) Opens a new window.
If your heirs are U.S. citizens or residents, taxes may erode their inheritance. Estate planning may help them to preserve family wealth.
While people often think of transferring property upon death, you may also wish to consider transferring property during your lifetime.
Key estate planning documents (PDF, 390 KB) Opens in a new window.
When putting together your estate plan, there are many issues to consider and having the right documents in place will go a long way toward your intentions being followed.
For many families, trusts can play an integral role in the planning process.
Planning from the grave – Testamentary trust (PDF, 155 KB) Opens in a new window.
Leaving assets in a trust rather than naming direct beneficiaries who will receive assets outright upon your death can help solve some common estate planning mistakes.
What happens when a TFSA holder dies? (PDF, 275 KB) Opens a new window.
Despite the reams of advertising and promotion surrounding TFSAs, there is still some confusion about what happens when a TFSA holder dies.
Willpower — Common will planning mistakes and how to avoid them (PDF, 290 KB) Opens a new window.
In this report, we explore some common mistakes, even when a will has been executed as part of an estate plan.
You’ve got the power! Planning for incapacity (PDF, 310 KB) Opens a new window.
A comprehensive estate plan should include plans for the needs of your surviving beneficiaries in case of death, as well as plans for management of your finances if you become unable to manage them by yourself.
Your estate matters! Common traps and how to avoid them (PDF, 145 KB) Opens in a new window.
Many estate planning mistakes are a result of inexperience and lack of knowledge. This report will help identify 2 of the most common mistakes people make with their estate plans, as well as some strategies to remedy them.
U.S. estate tax planning for Canadians (PDF, 440 KB) Opens in a new window.
U.S. transfer taxes may arise when assets are transferred to others during lifetime or upon death.
Estate preservation and enhancement (PDF, 270 KB) Opens a new window.
An estate plan sets out who you’d like to receive your property upon your death. Done properly, this plan takes into account how the various assets you own should be transferred so that as much of your estate value as possible is preserved for your beneficiaries.
The estate plans of effective people (PDF, 120 KB) Opens a new window.
Estate planning is important for everyone, not just the rich. If you have any assets at all, you need an estate plan so these assets go to the people you care about.
Property ownership
Beware the big tax hit (PDF, 265 KB) Opens a new window.
Beware the big tax hit that could be lurking in your house, if you decide to rent part of it out or have your office in it.
Home sweet home (PDF, 280 KB) Opens a new window.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, you’re already a homeowner or you sold your home during the year, here are some tax tips to keep in mind.
Tax and estate planning for your vacation property (PDF, 280 KB) Opens a new window.
With real estate values increasing significantly in the past year, and notably so for vacation properties, it’s also a good time to do some estate planning for the potential transfer of your cottage, chalet or cabin to future generations. This report focuses on tax and estate planning strategies for Canadian vacation properties.
Whether you’re purchasing a residential or commercial property for the purpose of leasing it out or considering renting your home or a part of it, this report highlights some of the more common tax issues you should consider before taking the plunge.
Tax tips for U.S. vacation property owners (PDF, 540 KB) Opens a new window.
Jamie Golombek discusses Canadian and U.S. tax implications of owning a U.S. vacation property.
What’s up dock? Tax and estate planning for your vacation property (PDF, 375 KB) Opens a new window.
During the summer months, many families spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of daily living, but what is your transition plan for your vacation home?
Here's a quick review of the “change in use” rules that apply when a principal residence is converted to a rental property and vice versa.
Tax-Free First Home Savings Accounts: An overview (PDF, 285 KB) Opens in a new window.
The FHSA is expected to launch at some point in 2023, so to get you prepared, here’s a guide to what we know so far.
U.S. vacation property planning for Canadians (PDF, 315 KB) Opens a new window.
If you own a vacation property in the United States, taxes could be substantial when you eventually gift, transfer or sell the property.
Family finances
Trusts and other alternatives for making financial gifts (PDF, 130 KB) Opens in a new window.
This report discusses how a trust may be used to make gifts, along with some alternatives.
Loans to family members: The debt forgiveness rules (PDF, 345 KB) Opens a new window.
This report reviews some potential tax consequences of debt forgiveness for different types of personal loans made to family members.
Prescribed rate loans for family income splitting (PDF, 320 KB) Opens a new window.
Here's how to use prescribed rate loans to split income with family members.
Prescribed rate loan deadline fast approaching (PDF, 305 KB) Opens a new window.
For prescribed rate loans, it's critical that the borrower pay the loan interest no later than 30 days after the end of the year.
For richer or poorer: Financial planning tips for newlyweds (PDF, 165 KB) Opens in a new window.
Whether you’re a couple who’s about to get married or you’re simply considering moving in together, it’s important to have an open and frank discussion about finances before you take the big step so you can agree on how your finances will be handled.
Starting over: Financial planning tips for blended families (PDF, 320 KB) Opens a new window.
It’s critical for couples to get professional assistance with their finances when entering a blended family relationship, such as remarrying with children from a previous relationship, or if partners have accumulated significant assets before uniting.
Now is a great time to revisit some income-splitting strategies, both old and new.
Who cares? Easing the financial burden for caregivers (PDF, 190 KB) Opens in a new window.
This report examines some tax relief that may be available to individuals or their caregivers to help offset the costs of care. It also explores some financial considerations related to Powers of Attorney and joint assets for proper planning for the care years ahead.
Business owners
RRSPs and TFSAs: Smart choices for business owners (PDF, 655 KB) Opens a new window.
For many business owners, withdrawing excess funds from a corporation and investing personally in an RRSP or TFSA may be a better choice than investing within a corporation.
Holdcos for investment purposes (PDF, 320 KB) Opens a new window.
This report will look at the combined tax effects of earning investment income inside a Holdco, taking into consideration both the corporate level tax and the shareholder tax on the distributed dividends.
REALTOR® Inc. — Tax benefits of Personal Real Estate Corporations (PDF, 405 KB) Opens a new window.
This report looks at some of the tax advantages, benefits and opportunities that may be available with a personal real estate corporation.
Business transition planning: Unleashing the tax opportunities (PDF, 510 KB) Opens a new window.
This report highlights some of the key tax and estate planning opportunities in the context of a properly structured transition plan.
Bye-bye bonus! (PDF, 500 KB) Opens a new window.
Why small business owners should favour dividends over a bonus.
CCPC tax planning for passive income (PDF, 495 KB) Opens a new window.
Learn why new tax rules may limit access to the small business deduction for CCPCs with more than $50,000 of passive income and strategies to minimize the impact.
Hold the Holdco! Is a holding company right for you? (PDF, 340 KB) Opens a new window.
This report provides an overview of the tax consequences for use of a holding company.
In good company: Earning investment income in your corporation (PDF, 600 KB) Opens a new window.
Jamie Golombek, Managing Director, Tax and Estate Planning, CIBC Wealth Strategies Group, examines how investment income earned in a private Canadian corporation is taxed.
Making the leap from employee to owner: Some tax considerations (PDF, 135 KB) Opens in a new window.
If you’re making the leap from employee to small business owner, it’s important to consider to structure your business, since choosing to operate as a sole proprietorship, corporation or partnership can impact the taxes you will pay.
Professional Inc. (PDF, 180 KB) Opens a new window in your browser.
By understanding the tax advantages of professional corporations, some value-added financial solutions are available for professionals.
The compensation conundrum (PDF, 340 KB) Opens a new window.
Jamie Golombek, Managing Director, Tax and Estate Planning, CIBC Wealth Strategies Group, highlights the advantages and disadvantages of different compensation decisions of owner-managers, discusses strategies to minimize taxes and advises on effectively managing business and personal finances.
The CCPC tax rules (PDF, 295 KB) Opens a new window.
Jamie Golombek and Debbie Pearl-Weinberg review the new Canadian-controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) tax rules and set out steps to consider if you have a private corporation structure.
Medical professionals: are you a sole proprietor? (PDF, 110 KB) Opens in a new window.
The taxation of professional income, including a medical practice operated as a sole proprietorship, can be complex. This report explores a few of the tax matters to be considered.
General tips
2025 Tax toolkit (PDF, 1.3 MB) Opens a new window.
Discover Jamie’s top tax tips for investors, plus 2025 tax tables, rates and much more in the CIBC Tax Toolkit.
2024 federal budget (PDF, 155 KB) Opens in a new window.
Learn how this year’s federal budget could affect you.
Timely tax return advice to help you avoid common, potentially costly errors when preparing your tax return.
T1135 reporting of foreign property (PDF, 280 KB) Opens a new window.
If you own “specified foreign property” whose total cost exceeds $100,000 at any point in a tax year, you’re required to file Canada Revenue Agency’s Form T1135, Foreign Income Verification Statement.
Retirement planning
It’s time for retirement planning to evolve into life planning. Explore the stages of life and retirement planning
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
It’s never too early to begin investing in your child's post-secondary education.