Blog and Articles

For high-earning professionals, entrepreneurs, and incorporated business owners in Canada, income taxes often represent the single largest household expense. Fortunately, with proactive tax planning, it’s possible to significantly reduce tax drag, accelerate wealth accumulation, and align financial strategy with life priorities. This blog post outlines a real-world approach to integrated tax and lifestyle planning, using [...]

Welcoming a new child is an exciting and life-changing event, but it also comes with major financial considerations. For parents in both Canada and the United States, the early years of a child’s life are a critical window for tax-efficient savings, thoughtful estate planning, and long-term financial security. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the [...]

We previously wrote about the proposed impact of Section 899.  Now, as Canadian investors continue to look south of the border for diversification and potential returns, new legislative developments in Washington could have significant tax consequences — or relief — depending on how events unfold. Most recently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on Congress [...]

As more individuals and business owners straddle the Canada-U.S. border—whether for lifestyle, business, or retirement—questions of tax residency, domicile, and income sourcing have become central to smart financial planning. With the rise of remote work, increased M&A activity, and more aggressive tax enforcement on both sides of the border, cross-border clients must navigate a complex [...]

When most people hear “estate planning,” they picture billionaires shielding fortunes from tax through exotic legal structures. But the reality is that strategic estate planning is just as critical—if not more so—for families with assets under the U.S. federal estate tax exemption limit of $13.99 million per individual in 2025 (or $27.98 million for couples). [...]

For many successful Canadian families, cross-border living has become a reality, especially when children or heirs decide to move to the United States for education, career, or lifestyle reasons. When this happens, the tax and estate implications can be significant and complex. This article explores the most common issues and planning strategies that arise when [...]

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: [...]