Top 10 Income Tax Saving Tips

Top 10 Tax Tips
  1. Reduce taxable income with a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). RRSPs can be eligible for a tax deduction in the amount of the annual contribution. Up to 18% of earned income to a maximum of $23,820 can be added in 2013. The deadline for contributions that can be claimed as a 2013 RRSP deduction is Saturday, March 1, 2014. As March 1 falls on a Saturday, this deadline will automatically be extended until Monday, March 3.
  2. Build wealth with a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). TFSAs allow you to make up to a $5,500 annual contribution. Income earned in the TFSA is non-taxable, so maximize the amount of tax free growth.
  3. Contribute to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Help your child or grandchild save for post-secondary education. Contributions are not tax deductible and they are not taxable when withdrawn.
  4. Compile all Tuition Fee and Education Credits. If you don’t need these deductions you can transfer up to $5,000 (indexed at $6,620 in Ontario) to parents who would welcome your generosity.
  5. Weigh the benefits of withdrawing from an RRSP to purchase a home. Individuals may withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP. Withdrawn amounts are repayable in equal annual sums over 15 years.
  6. Capitalize on family if you are a small business owner: Hire family members for legitimate work opportunities and write off the costs of their salaries.
  7. Income splitting. If you earn more than your spouse you could reduce your family’s combined tax bill by paying your spouse’s expenses, freeing up money that can then be used for investment purposes.
  8. Minimize overall tax liability of medical expenses. You can distribute the medical expenses claimed on behalf of each other to be advantageous for the lower-income spouse to claim allowable medical expenses.
  9. Take advantage of all eligible credits. The Public Transit Pass Credit; and both the Children’s Fitness and Arts Credits are all ones sometimes forgotten.
  10. Maximize charitable donations credits. Consider combining both donations if they total more than $200.

Tax tips to save you money

Every year millions of Canadians pay more tax than they should. They either don’t file their returns to their family’s best advantage or they leave valuable credits and deductions on the table. Even worse, they don’t file at all and face unnecessary penalties.

Here are some ways to make sure the tax system works to your advantage:

1. File as a family. When it comes to getting the best return for your family unit, it is important to file all returns together. There are three simple steps:

• Prepare Read more

Canadian business owners tax planning review

AccXpert_TaxServices_Workshop

Tax planning review end of the year is also a good time to reassess and review whether you’re achieving the most effective tax savings opportunities for the future in:

  • Your tax rate
  • Your tax-assisted savings strategy
  • Your other investments
  • Your family tax planning
  • Your trust arrangements
  • Claiming your credits and deductions
  • Special situations.

Review your your personal marginal tax rate

You should consider your personal marginal tax rate and that of your business, registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contribution room (a salary of $132,333 in 2012 provides the maximum in contribution room for 2013), and provincial health or payroll taxes. For example, it is Read more