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Latest News
Saskatchewan deficit down to $595M, aiming to balance by 2020: fiscal update + MORE Mar 3rd
REGINA _ The Saskatchewan government’s latest fiscal update shows a dip in the provincial deficit forecast and a slight slip in provincial revenue and expenses.
The third-quarter report projects the 2017-2018 deficit will be $595 million _ down $101 million from the red ink outlined in the las.... More »
Estate planning considerations for single parents Nov 23rd
If you are a single parent, here are key questions you should consider:
1. Are your estate plan and related documents up to date? The death of a spouse or separation or divorce generally triggers a significant change in intentions on death. If you are widowed or if you no longer want your for.... More »
Should you transfer property to a child and then rent it from them? Jul 27th
I would like to know if transferring our home into our daughter’s name—can we stay and pay rent and get a rental home credit? Is it valid?—Satyesh
Tax credits when renting property from a family member
There is a lot to unpack with your question, Satyesh, but I will address your direct q.... More »
Planning to buy your first home? Be ready to jump in when the post-pandemic market picks up Apr 17th
Closing costs, such as land transfer tax, lawyer fees and title insurance, have to be paid on top of the down payment when you take legal possession of your new home, and they add up fast..... More »
If my flight is delayed or cancelled, can insurance offered by my credit card help cover the cost? Aug 4th
Medical insurance is typically the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions travel insurance. But you could get a lot more out of your credit card..... More »
CHMC explores cutting red tape for self employed borrowers
– moneysense.ca
OTTAWA — The national housing agency is exploring ways to make it easier for entrepreneurs and new immigrants to buy a home by cutting some of the red tape required to prove they can afford to pay the mortgage.
“Right now, under our mortgage insurance policies, you have to be able to document income to get mortgage insurance, to a level of specificity that discriminates against new Canadians, because they can’t do that,” Evan Siddall, the CEO of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., said in a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press.
READ: Should you use RRSPs to pay down the mortgage?
“It discriminates against entrepreneurs, as well, because they can’t prove their income as well, so we’re looking at our own policies to try and make sure that there is more equity in our mortgage insurance programs,” he said.
Anyone who wants to buy a home in Canada without a down payment of at least 20 per cent of the purchase price is usually required to get mortgage loan insurance from the CMHC, which requires a smaller down payment of five per cent on a home worth up to $500,000…
“Right now, under our mortgage insurance policies, you have to be able to document income to get mortgage insurance, to a level of specificity that discriminates against new Canadians, because they can’t do that,” Evan Siddall, the CEO of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., said in a wide-ranging interview with The Canadian Press.
READ: Should you use RRSPs to pay down the mortgage?
“It discriminates against entrepreneurs, as well, because they can’t prove their income as well, so we’re looking at our own policies to try and make sure that there is more equity in our mortgage insurance programs,” he said.
Anyone who wants to buy a home in Canada without a down payment of at least 20 per cent of the purchase price is usually required to get mortgage loan insurance from the CMHC, which requires a smaller down payment of five per cent on a home worth up to $500,000…
Bring back the $10,000 TFSA
– macleans.ca
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, left, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Jake Wright/CP)For those who pay attention to what politicians are up to on taxes, consider that since 2015, the focus has mostly been on raising them. From Atlantic Canada to Alberta, British Columbia and federally, new brackets were invented and other rates raised; in addition, new and higher taxes are yet to come including a federal carbon tax.
Even the new Progressive Conservative government of Brian Pallister in Manitoba, elected last year on opposition to a sales tax increase by the previous government, is toying with new taxes, including a carbon tax and higher taxes on insurance products.
One rare exception to this flurry of higher tax activity was in 2016 when the federal government dropped the rate for one middle income bracket, to 20.5 per cent from 22 per cent.
Middle-class Canada takes a hit
Regrettably, as the Fraser Institute discovered last week, that change wasn’t enough to offset the removal of many boutique tax credits…
