Blog and Articles

In today’s dynamic estate planning landscape, affluent families—particularly those with cross-border ties between Canada and the U.S.—must navigate both opportunity and complexity. While tax law provides powerful tools for wealth transfer, effective estate planning requires more than legal documents. It demands foresight, communication, and alignment across generations. For families with U.S. or Canadian citizenship, U.S.-situs [...]

Kris Rossignoli, Senior Private Wealth Manager at Cardinal Point Wealth Management, is featured in the National Post discussing a rising trend among Canada’s wealthy: the growing interest in relocating abroad. According to a new survey, 28% more Canadian millionaires are now considering emigration compared to the last federal election. This shift is largely attributed to [...]

For affluent Canadians with significant U.S. investments—whether in real estate, public markets, or U.S. retirement plans—proposed changes to U.S. tax law could quietly and significantly erode your after-tax returns. Under a new legislative proposal—Section 899 of the Internal Revenue Code—the U.S. may impose penalty taxes on residents of foreign countries that it deems to be [...]

he proposed Canadian Snowbird Visa Act could extend the annual U.S. stay for eligible Canadians from 182 to 240 days without a visa. While this offers greater flexibility for snowbirds aged 50+ who maintain homes in both countries, the bill does not eliminate new federal registration rules or address complex tax residency risks.

Canada is on the verge of a massive transfer of business wealth, with nearly half of family business owners planning to exit in the next five years—yet most lack a formal succession plan. Transitioning ownership isn’t just a transaction; it’s a multi-year process that demands careful tax, legal, and family considerations. Whether you’re selling to a third party, passing the reins to family or employees, or winding down, early planning is essential to maximize value and minimize tax exposure. Key strategies include estate freezes, capital gains exemption planning, and hybrid share-asset sales.

As Canadian business owners face a historic wave of transitions, the role of tax planning in mergers, acquisitions, and successions has never been more critical. Whether selling, acquiring, or passing down a business, the right tax strategy can significantly influence deal outcomes and long-term value.

Many Canadian business owners tend to defer succession planning opting to address it at a later date. However, with over 56% of family business owners expected to retire in the next decade, and fewer than 25% having a formal plan in place, the cost of inaction is rising. Avoiding succession planning doesn’t just risk business [...]

For high-net-worth individuals and families considering a move to the United States, the appeal is understandable: access to top-tier education, healthcare, business opportunities, and global connectivity. But beneath the surface lies a complex web of U.S. tax laws that, if not navigated properly, can trigger punitive outcomes, especially around income, gift, estate, and trust taxation. [...]

When it comes to retirement, Americans and Canadians are grappling with a mix of hope and anxiety. From how much money they need to save, to fears about government benefits and inflation, many are searching for clarity in an unpredictable landscape. Let's break down the top concerns and what you need to know. How Much [...]

Terry Ritchie, Senior Director and Private Wealth Manager at Cardinal Point Wealth, was recently featured on the Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners podcast. He shared key updates on U.S. cross-border tax issues affecting Canadians, including potential changes to citizenship-based taxation, updates to Social Security benefits, and the possible sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions.

Are you a U.S. citizen planning to retire in Canada, or a Canadian moving to the U.S. for work? Cross-border transitions bring complex financial challenges that demand careful planning. In this insightful video, Jeffrey Adema, President of Wealth Management, Cross Border at Cardinal Point Wealth Management, breaks down the key elements of successful cross-border wealth [...]

British Columbia's real estate market is known for its dynamic nature, attracting both domestic and international investors. To regulate this market and generate revenue, the province imposes the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) on property transactions. This article delves into the intricacies of the PTT, its implications for foreign entities/nationals, and examines a recent pivotal case: [...]

Cross-border retirement planning has never been more relevant. In 2025, many Canadians living in the U.S. and Americans living in Canada face complex questions around Social Security, CPP, and OAS benefits. Our updated article explores how longstanding agreements like the totalization agreement (1984–2025) and the U.S.-Canada tax treaty continue to shape eligibility and taxation rules—while addressing key developments such as the 85% inclusion rate, new e-filing systems, and the growing importance of residency status. Whether you’re planning to retire soon or already drawing benefits, understanding where and how your income is taxed is crucial.

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently announced that it discovered massive fraud against the Social Security retirement program, citing 130 year-olds collecting Social Security payments as an example. Against that backdrop, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has changed how people must prove their identity when 1) claiming benefits for the first time and [...]

Imagine you’re a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder living in Canada, and you’ve just received the dreaded notice: your U.S.-based brokerage or custodian has decided they can no longer hold your taxable investment account or IRA because you live abroad. They’re giving you 60 days to transfer it elsewhere, or they will liquidate everything [...]

It is the end of an era. Pursuant to a January 20 presidential executive order, the US is changing the rules for foreign nationals, including some Canadian snowbirds, who enter the US as visitors without visas. Key Takeaways America has tightened its immigration policies, even requiring some Canadians to register with US border authorities before [...]

In the article, Rossignoli offers expert commentary on the financial, tax, and immigration challenges Canadian companies face when considering relocating operations to the U.S.

Kris Rossignoli, Senior Private Wealth Manager at Cardinal Point Wealth Management, is a leading voice in cross-border financial planning, guiding clients through rising uncertainty as the U.S. trade war intensifies. Featured in The Globe and Mail article “Five questions cross-border experts are facing as trade war escalates,” Rossignoli offers expert insights into the growing concerns of his clients with ties across the U.S.-Canada border.