Blog and Articles

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. Who must register: Beginning April 11, the following visitors without visas (including infants) who are not otherwise exempt must [...]

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.

Focus Financial Partners Inc., an interdependent partnership of wealth management, business management, and related financial services firms, has announced that Focus network firm Dorchester Wealth Management, headquartered in Montreal, QC, has formally joined Toronto, ON-based Cardinal Point Capital Management ULC, a part of Cardinal Point, Focus Partners Canada, in a transaction that was completed on [...]

Relocating from the U.S. to Canada requires careful financial, tax, and logistical planning to avoid unexpected costs and compliance issues. This blog highlights key considerations, including securing the right immigration status, navigating customs regulations, and optimizing cross-border banking and investments. Learn how to handle tax residency, leverage foreign tax credits, and manage U.S.-based retirement accounts effectively. Explore real estate strategies, healthcare planning, and estate law differences to safeguard your assets. From establishing a Canadian credit history to ensuring proper insurance coverage, this checklist provides essential steps for a seamless transition. Planning ahead can minimize tax burdens and maximize financial efficiency.

Navigating the Canadian tax landscape is much simpler when you understand the difference between deductions (which reduce taxable income) and credits (which lower tax owed). If you’re a Canadian resident or a US citizen living in Canada, consider how RRSP or FHSA contributions can reduce your taxable income, while non-refundable and refundable tax credits can yield significant savings. Deductions for childcare, moving expenses, carrying charges, and employment costs also play a key role. For instance, by deducting daycare fees or home office expenses, you could lower your overall tax burden and potentially boost your refund. Meanwhile, non-refundable credits such as the Basic Personal Amount or Age Amount help shrink what you owe, and refundable credits like the CWB or GST/HST credit may generate a direct payment. Stay informed of annual limits, income thresholds, and eligibility requirements. For tailored guidance, consult a Cardinal Point financial advisor.

Relocating from Canada to the U.S. requires careful planning and specialized cross-border expertise to ensure that your finances and taxes remain optimized. Understanding your immigration pathway is just the first step. By severing tax residency in Canada, you can avoid ongoing obligations and potential departure tax implications, while preparing for new U.S. tax rules and reporting requirements. Coordinating cross-border investments, such as RRSPs and TFSAs, is also vital to minimize unnecessary taxation and streamline compliance. Estate planning should be updated to reflect U.S. regulations, including potential exposure to estate taxes. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of obtaining appropriate health insurance coverage, given the differences in healthcare systems. A comprehensive strategy, guided by a cross-border financial advisor, ensures that every piece—from retirement accounts to currency management—is handled seamlessly.