TAX PLANNING SERVICES
At Cardinal Point, we guide our clients through a full range of Canadian, U.S. and cross-border tax planning strategy. These strategies are designed to minimize our clients’ tax liabilities, maximize their cash flow, and help them to realize their financial goals.
TAX PLANNING
At Cardinal Point, we guide our clients through a full range of Canadian, U.S. and cross-border tax planning strategy. These strategies are designed to minimize our clients’ tax liabilities, maximize their cash flow, and help them to realize their financial goals.
Our tax planning initiatives are fully integrated with our clients’ investment, financial and estate planning strategy. This coordinated approach to wealth management streamlines the financial planning process and helps our clients ensure lasting wealth for today, tomorrow and generations to come.
Canada and U.S. Tax Preparation
Our domestic and cross-border tax planning services also include tax preparation and tax compliance for clients living, working, investing, transitioning residency and/or conducting business in the U.S. and Canada. Our team of professionals specialize in providing the following list of services:
- Canada and U.S. tax preparation, including all provinces and states
- Tax preparation for Canadians living, working or investing in the United States
- Tax preparation for Americans living, working or investing in Canada
- Tax planning services for Canadians moving to the U.S. and Americans moving to Canada
- Reporting of Canadian financial accounts in the United States, e.g., FinCEN Report 114 (FBAR), Form 8938
- U.S. and Canadian tax residency status determination, including any applicable exemptions
- Canadian departure return and deemed disposition filings
- U.S.-Canada Tax Treaty elections review to eliminate double taxation
- Canadian foreign tax credit claims in the United States
- Comprehensive review of CPP/OAS taxation in the United States and social security-CPP equalization
- Tax advice for Canadians returning to Canada and Americans returning to the U.S., as well as on the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative
- Review of reporting requirements for RRSP, TSFA, RESP accounts in the U.S. and cross-border inheritances
- Integrated tax planning on Canadian tax positions and evaluation of U.S. estate tax issues for Canadian residents holding U.S. investments (including U.S. real estate)
- Tax preparation and planning for owners of cross-border rental properties
Whether you are a Canadian or American living in your home country, a Canadian living in the U.S., an American living in Canada or an expat living abroad, Cardinal Point can handle all aspects of your tax needs to help you comply with the relevant tax laws and regulations in Canada and the U.S.
Do you file both Canada and U.S. taxes?
Our team can handle all of your cross-border tax planning needs
Moving across the border?
Important tax planning initiatives must be considered prior to any move.
OUR RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Probate Fee Planning: Understanding the Pros and Cons
There are fees or taxes associated with probate, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and can be quite high. Failing to plan carefully can result in greater tax liability and assets not being distributed among beneficiaries as intended. Fortunately, strategies to reduce those fees can have a significant impact on the distribution of wealth upon death. But while some strategies work in certain jurisdictions, they may not be applicable elsewhere. There are also special ways to reduce fees for those over the age of 65. While probate fee planning is a complex process, it’s valuable – and worthy of guidance from a qualified professional advisor.
Pension Options for the Canadian Business Owner-Managers Retirement
Planning for retirement is an important objective for owner-managers operating businesses in Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPC). Their options include Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Canada Pension Plans, Quebec Pension Plans, or Individual Pension Plans. Generally, these are funded by the employer for the benefit of employees once they retire. They can either be funded only by the employer or may by the employer and the employee. Each plan has its own rules and timelines regarding contributions, contribution limits, and withdrawals – and there may be penalties for not adhering to the rules. Planning ahead with strategies based on your particular situation can help boost retirement savings. Learn more by reading our article devoted to this topic.
Canadian Business Owner-Manager Remuneration Planning
If you are an incorporated Canadian entrepreneur or business owner, there are two general ways to pay yourself from your corporation. You can use a salary or bonus, and that’s a deductible business expense but is fully taxable as your personal employment income. Or the company can pay a dividend that isn’t a deductible business expense but is taxed at a lower rate to you as personal income. Each option has different personal and corporate tax implications. There may also be some different tax rate advantages or disadvantages, depending on the province. Our article covers the details to provide understanding and strategic tax planning insights.