Required Travel: Between Home and Work

A June 21, 2022 Tax Court of Canada case considered whether motor vehicle costs of $1,642 associated with a construction foreman’s travel between home and various job sites were deductible against employment income. The taxpayer worked on many of his employer’s 50 projects, located at numerous construction sites. The taxpayer was responsible for ensuring that the workers were in place each morning and were ready to work with properly functioning tools, materials and equipment. This…

Post published:September 29, 2022
Post category:Business – Taxes Corporate Taxes Tax Planning

Poker Playing: Hobby or Business?

In a June 21, 2022 French Tax Court of Canada case, CRA assessed the taxpayer’s poker winnings from 2010 to 2012 as business income. In 2010, the taxpayer won almost $9 million in the No Limit Hold'em Championship (The Main Event) at the World Series of Poker. His net winnings that year were about $5 million. In 2011 and 2012, the other two years under review, his net winnings were about $400,000 and $100,000 respectively.…

Post published:August 26, 2022
Post category:Tax Planning

Principal Residence Exemption: CRA Project

In early 2022, CRA began to send out education letters in respect of individuals claiming the principal residence exemption (PRE) in the British Columbia region. Often, regional projects such as this are used as pilots for subsequent national projects. As CRA has indicated that they have a larger overall focus on real estate transactions, similar or extended versions of the project may be coming. The letters advised that the taxpayer or their representative review the…

Post published:May 27, 2022
Post category:Tax Planning

CRA Programs - Buying and Selling a Home

Buying and Selling a Home: Budget 2022 Proposals

The 2022 Federal Budget included several proposals that would significantly change the taxation environment when buying and selling a home. Broadly, the government proposed various incentives for first-time buyers and extended family units in addition to bright-line tests/restrictions for those purchasing homes for profit (e.g. home flippers). Taxpayers should consider how the changes will affect their intended purchases and sales. In some cases, it may be beneficial to expedite a purchase or sale, while in others, it may…

Post published:May 20, 2022
Post category:Personal Taxes Special Interest Tax Planning

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