Month

Helpful Tip

Helpful Tips to Create a Budget Top up RRSP for the previous year. You can make a contribution for the previous year any time during the first 60 days of the next year. If you’re turning 71 this year you’ll need to make your RRSP contribution prior to converting your RRSP to a RRIF, December 31 at the latest.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Collect information required for your accountant to file your tax returns on time. The tax filing deadline for individuals in Canada is April 30th each year. If you file a US tax return, the deadline is April 15 and if you administer a Trust, you have until March 31 to file its return.

  If you haven’t already, start monthly contributions to match your budget goals. You can allocate monthly contributions to TFSA, RRSP, or non-registered investments based on your budget and goals.

TFSA or RRSP? Contribute to your child’s Registered Education Savings Plan. Ensure you are receiving the maximum matching grants and bonds from the government to help build the savings for your child’s post-secondary education. You can double up your contributions if you have previous year’s unused contribution room.

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) Benefit Information Review your employee benefits and pension to ensure you are getting the most value for your money. Determine what benefits you are entitled to and ensure you are using them if needed. When it comes to matching pension or group RRSP contributions from your employer, ensure you are receiving the maximum from your employer.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans Review your life and disability insurance to ensure adequate coverage to protect you, your loved ones, and your lifestyle.

Life Insurance: Do I Really Need it? Review your Wills and Powers of Attorney and update if necessary. This is also a good time to review the beneficiary designations in your TFSA, RRSP’s, employee benefits & pension and your life and disability insurance to ensure they are aligned with your estate planning.

  Review your non-registered investment portfolio and identify gains and losses generated in the current year. Strategize with your accountant and investment professional to put yourself in the best position come tax time.

  Consider donating to your favourite church or charity. There are many worthwhile causes looking for your hard-earned savings. Have a plan for which organizations you would like to support. You can donate cash, investments, and perhaps even your time.

Charitable Gifting Review your financial and estate planning and modify if necessary. This is your personal roadmap to reach the goals that you set for yourself. Hold yourself accountable to it, but also be flexible when necessary. Your financial planning should consolidate the planning you are doing in the other eleven months of the year into a single working document. Consider measuring your achievement towards your goals by updating your net worth each year.

The Importance of Having a Comprehensive Financial Plan Ensure you have a plan to repay your debts. Set a “Debt Free” date and works towards achieving it. Keep in mind that with inflation on the rise, interest rates will be soon to follow.

Managing Debt Click here for a printable version.

The post 12 Tips to a Brighter Future appeared first on DJB.

Kelly Cole, as president and chief executive officer of Sunnybrook Foundation, is regularly part of these discussions. Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre recently received a $41-million gift from the Weston family that will go toward Sunnybrook Clinical Trials.

The post Why Younger Clients are Having Legacy Conversations Earlier appeared first on DJB.

Donating appreciated publicly traded shares and stock options, exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, segregated funds, or certain other types of capital property to a registered charity allows taxpayers to claim a Donation Tax Credit (DTC) and eliminate the taxes they would otherwise incur on the capital gains realized when they sell the property.

“It’s one of the biggest [tax] advantages you can get,” says Guerlane Noël, assistant vice-president, tax and estate planning, at Mackenzie Investments in Montreal.

Here’s how it works:

When someone donates to a registered charity (or other qualified donee), they receive a tax receipt for the value of the donation, which they can then use to claim a DTC either in that taxation year or any of the next five.

The federal DTC rate is 15% on the first $200 of donations and 29% (33% if the taxpayer’s income exceeds $253,414) on amounts above. When combined with provincial and territorial credits, the top DTC rate ranges from approximately 45% to 55%, depending on where the taxpayer lives.

The DTC, on its own, represents a potentially generous tax break for donors.

Consider an Ontario taxpayer with $275,000 in taxable income who owns $100,000 in publicly traded shares of ABC Co., which they originally bought for $60,000.

If they sell the property and donate the $100,000 in cash proceeds to a registered charity, they can claim a combined DTC of about $41,250.

On the other hand, the taxpayer will have to pay about $10,700 in taxes on the $40,000 in capital gains realized on the sale of the shares.

However, if the taxpayer donates the ABC Co. shares in-kind, they still get the $41,250 DTC, and they also get a 0% inclusion rate on the capital gains realized on the deemed disposition of the property, thereby eliminating the $10,700 in related taxes.

If someone is considering donating appreciated property in-kind to reduce their taxes payable for this year, it’s important to do so well before the end of the year to ensure the transfer of property is processed in the current year.

“We can’t just wake up on Dec. 31 and say, ‘Okay, I’m going to go with that strategy,’” Ms. Noël says. “By the time the transfer happens, it’s going to be 2026. We won’t lose the [donation] tax credit, but we are losing the opportunity to use it in 2025.”

Keep these other factors in mind when considering a charitable donation or gifting property in-kind:

Check with the charity: Not all charities are positioned to accept donations in-kind.

Annual limit: Most Canadians can claim a DTC on up to 75% of their income in a year. (In Quebec, the limit is 100%). In the year of death, the limit increases to 100% of the deceased’s income, and if there’s excess DTC, up to 100% of income in the year before death.

AMT: A person making a large donation and claiming the DTC in the same year they realize significant capital gains, earn significant dividend income, or claim credits or deductions, may be subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), a parallel method of calculating tax that ensures high earners pay at least a minimum rate of tax each year.

The post How Donating Appreciated Securities In-kind Boosts Tax Benefits appeared first on DJB.

Choosing the best accounting software for your individual business is challenging. Each program includes a different set of features. Depending on those features and the number of users, will determine the price point.  Some of the questions you have to ask is:

• Would you like your program to be cloud based so you can access it from anywhere on multiple devices?
• What kind of features are you looking for?
• What kind of reporting are you looking for?
• Do you need to track inventory, payroll, HST?
• Do you invoice and pay bills out of the system?
• How many users will be using the system?
• What is the price point you would like to stay within? 

Creating a list of needs and wants will help you determine which software is best for you.  Reach out to other business owners and ask them what they use and what they like and dislike about the system.  Check to see if the system has a free version; see if it can do all the things you want it to do.  Talk to your accountant or bookkeeper, they will have suggestions as well.  Don’t be afraid to ask the questions.

Once you have made the decision on the software, make sure that the setup is correct.  An incorrectly set-up system can be just as costly as choosing the incorrect system.

The post Choosing the Right Software appeared first on DJB.

Recent legislative amendments would provide an exception from this withholding requirement in certain cases. The effective date of this change is August 12, 2024. CRA has indicated that they are administering this proposal, even though it has not yet been passed into law (as of January 1, 2026).

Individuals would not have to withhold tax in respect of an amount paid or credited to non-resident persons as rent for the use of a residential property in which an individual resides (whether or not that individual is the one paying the rent). This exception from withholdings also applies where the rent paid was for a residence of a deceased individual, the payment was made within 36 months of the individual’s death and the rent was paid by a Graduated Rate Estate (GRE).

If the exception applies, the nonresident person would be required to remit and report (in prescribed form) the withholding, assuming that an agent of the non-resident was not already required to do so.

All rents paid on Canadian real estate to a non-resident that do not fit within the specific terms of these exceptions (e.g. paid by a trust that was not a GRE) would continue to require withholdings and reporting by the tenant.

Review whether rent paid to a non-resident landlord would qualify for this exception from withholding tax.

The post Withholding Tax on Rent Paid to Non-Residents: Some Relief appeared first on DJB.

The taxpayer argued that there was no sale of shares as he accidentally pressed the button to confirm the sale. He also argued that, as CRA determined that the capital gain rollover provisions on the disposition of eligible small business corporation shares and acquisition of replacement shares applied, Revenu Québec (RQ) should come to the same conclusion.

Taxpayer loses

The Court found that, although unintentional, the taxpayer sold the shares and therefore realized the capital gain.

The Court further found that RQ’s denial of the rollover provision was correct. It was unclear why CRA allowed the deferral as it is only applicable on the disposition and acquisition of certain CCPC shares. A decision by CRA is not binding on RQ.

Selling an asset, even if an accident, can trigger tax consequences.

The post Sale of Shares in Error: Careful! appeared first on DJB.

You may have invested so much time and energy into your business that it’s become a part of you. Or there are family issues that are holding you back. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to recognize that this reluctance is not uncommon, and it’s perfectly normal to feel this way.

You may find yourself delaying the acceptance of a fair offer, stalling the process, declining, or otherwise sabotaging the deal without really understanding why. You may think it just didn’t “feel right”, the buyer wasn’t the right fit, or you convince yourself you’re not ready. Perhaps it is one of these reasons, but often this is not the case.

The psychology of selling your business

Selling a business that has been painstakingly created, nurtured, and struggled with, and one that is ultimately successful, is akin to a child leaving home to take on the world for themselves. For owners like you, a business can be like having a child. Whether you’ve conceived the business from an idea, inherited the family business, or purchased an established enterprise, you’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears into your business to make it successful.

Like new parents, you can often feel nervous, unprepared, and overwhelmed, having never done this before. Regardless, you push through as the reward and satisfaction far outweigh the fear; the effort is fulfilling and long-lasting. Over the years, you’ve spent many hours cultivating and nurturing the business, celebrating its successes, and watching it grow into a successful, independent, self-reliant enterprise that is ultimately valuable to the world.

You and your business struggled together, overcame obstacles in the face of adversity, stumbled, got back up, and learned and grew through it all. Like a baby, you initially carried the business when it could not carry itself. Over time, your business grew and found its legs and rhythm. As your business matured, it became important to others – clients, staff, suppliers, and, most importantly, you. Like a child, the business gained independence over time and needed you less and less, becoming an entity unto itself. You no longer manage every aspect of the enterprise, coddle it, and protect it. Your business has become a thriving entity that can stand on its own.

Letting go of what you or your family created, nurtured, and grew is often very difficult. Like a child, you are proud of what it has become but still worry about what might happen if you let it go. Will it be okay without you? Will it be damaged if you are not there to protect it? Will it even survive if you are not guiding it in the future?

With business, as with children, you reach the point where you have done everything you can to prepare it for the world, and you must let go. Let it move on. Let it continue its evolution, whatever that may be.

Considering a different perspective about the sale of your business and understanding the emotions you may be experiencing often helps you conquer the reluctance of finalizing the sale. Selling is a very difficult time for many business owners, which could result in a lost opportunity to monetize your lifelong achievements if you can’t overcome this obstacle.

How we can help

Work with your trusted accounting and financial advisors under our TriCert integrated approach. We specialize in owner-managed businesses to help you overcome many psychological hurdles of selling your business.

Leveraging the experience of accountants and tax specialists, and integrating these advisory services with your financial planner, can give you the peace of mind and the confidence to work through one of the most significant events in your lifetime with a strong team supporting you every step of the way.

The post Psychology of Selling Your Business appeared first on DJB.

For Canadian businesses, these changes create both opportunities and new compliance expectations. Below is DJB’s consolidated overview of the most significant impacts.

Capital Gains Rollover Expansion: More Flexibility for Entrepreneurs and Investors

Bill C‑15 broadens access to the capital gains rollover for Eligible Small Business Corporation (ESBC) shares disposed of after December 31, 2024, where replacement shares acquired.

Highlights:

• Preferred shares now qualify as replacement shares.
• Asset size threshold doubled from $50M to $100M, allowing larger companies to benefit.
• Longer reinvestment window: the rollover is available when replacement shares are acquired in the year of disposition or the following calendar year.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Founders, investors, and growth‑stage companies, particularly in tech, life sciences, and manufacturing, will gain more flexibility to redeploy capital without triggering immediate tax.

Foreign Affiliate Income: Revised Tax Factor for CCPCs and Introduction of the FABI Regime

The legislation introduces a new Relevant Tax Factor (RTF) for CCPCs and substantive CCPCs earning Foreign Accrual Property Income (FAPI). Also, the introduction of the Foreign Accrual Business Income (FABI) regime under section 93.4.

Highlights:

• CCPCs and substantive CCPCs are subject to a RTF of 1.9 on FAPI to eliminate deferral on passive income earned by a Controlled Foreign Affiliate, effectively mimicking the Refundable Dividend Tax on Hand (RDTOH) regime on passive income earned directly by CCPCs.
• To avoid double taxation, when CFAs pay a dividend to the CCPC, an addition to Capital Dividend Account will result to reflect the portion of the FAPI subject to the 1.9 RTF.
• Eligible taxpayers may elect under 93.4 to use the FABI regime on active income earned by certain CFAs to use a higher relevant tax factor (4 instead of 1.9) when calculating foreign tax deductions.
• Elections may apply retroactively in certain cases.
• Designed to align Canadian tax outcomes more closely with domestic treatment of similar income.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: CCPCs and substantive CCPCs with controlled foreign affiliates, especially those earning income from real estate development, leasing, or cross‑border services will benefit from this legislation.

Trust Reporting: Narrowed Requirements and Clearer Rules for Bare Trusts

Background: Many businesses use arrangements that unintentionally create a bare trust, such as holding real estate in one party’s name while another is the beneficial owner, partners holding title to property on behalf of a partnership, corporations holding assets on behalf of related entities, and/or joint ventures where one party is on title for convenience.  These arrangements may require a T3 return and Schedule 15 disclosure.

The new legislation refines the trust reporting rules that were significantly expanded in recent years.

Highlights:

• More trusts are now exempt from filing unless they meet additional criteria (e.g., tax payable in the year).
• Schedule 15 exemptions apply to listed trusts.
• Removal of broader requirement to have bare trusts file a tax return for tax years ending after December 31, 2024.
• For 2026 and beyond, bare trusts must file if they meet certain criteria in new 150(1.3).
• Bare trust definition clarified, with carve‑outs for:
  • Principal‑residence title arrangements
  • Situations where legal and beneficial owners are the same
  • Certain partnership title‑holding structures
• Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).
• The $10M capital gains exemption for qualifying sales is preserved.
• Ordering rules to deal with multiple exemptions claimed in the same tax year (e.g. Employee Ownership Trust Capital Gains Exemption and Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption)
• Clarifications provided on holding period tests and “actively engaged” requirements to allow for holding corporation situations.
• Capital gains on qualifying transfers are eliminated after 10 years if no disqualifying events occur.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: Organizations must analyze whether their arrangements qualify for an exemption. EOTs may also become a more viable succession planning tool but this requires careful oversight and ongoing compliance.

SR&ED Enhancements: Expanded Access and Higher Expenditure Limits

Bill C‑15 implements major updates to the SR&ED program, effective for taxation years beginning on or after December 16, 2024.

Highlights:

• Enhanced credit expenditure limit doubled from $3M to $6M.
• Phase‑out thresholds increased from $10M-$50M to $15M–$75M of taxable capital.
• Eligible Canadian Public Corporations (ECPCs) can now access the enhanced 35% refundable credit.
• CCPCs may elect to use the ECPC phase‑out structure.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: These changes broaden access to enhanced SR&ED credits and support innovation across both private and public Canadian companies.

Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits: New Opportunities for Green Investment

The new Bill introduces the Clean Electricity ITC and expands three previously implemented ITCs: Clean Technology (CT), Clean Technology Manufacturing (CTM), and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS).

Clean Electricity ITC

• Applies to qualifying corporations and certain Crown entities.
• Retroactive to April 16, 2024, for projects not started before March 28, 2023.
• Supports investments in clean power generation and transmission.
• Financing provided by government corporations will not reduce the cost of eligible property when computing the credit.

Updates to existing ITCs

• Clean Technology ITC: now includes property acquired on or after November 21, 2023, that supports waste‑biomass‑based electricity and heat.
• Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC: expanded to include polymetallic projects and critical minerals (e.g., antimony, gallium, scandium).
• CCUS ITC: phase‑out delayed to 2035; full cancellation in 2040.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: The clean economy investment credits can assist businesses in reducing the cost of adopting clean technologies and building low‑carbon infrastructure, and strengthen their long‑term competitiveness.

 Transfer Pricing Overhaul: Stronger Alignment with OECD Standards

Bill C‑15 modernizes Canada’s transfer pricing rules, incorporating Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) concepts directly into legislation.  The amendments apply to taxation years beginning after November 4, 2025.

Highlights:

• Focus on economic substance and “actual conditions” not just legal form.
• CRA may assess whether independent parties would have entered the same transaction.
• Expanded contemporaneous documentation requirements.
• Revised penalty and adjustment framework.

 IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: Multinationals face heightened scrutiny and must ensure documentation is robust, timely, and aligned with OECD principles.

Canadian Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) Incentives and Immediate Expensing: Productivity‑Focused Measures

The new legislation includes several measures to accelerate capital investment and provide immediate expensing for certain assets.

Accelerated Investment Incentive

• Applies to most new depreciable property available for use before 2030.
• No half‑year rule for eligible property available for use before 2034.
• Includes purpose‑built rental housing meeting specific criteria.

 Immediate Expensing

• Applies to manufacturing and processing equipment, clean energy assets, and zero‑emission vehicles acquired after 2024 and available for use before 2030.
• Productivity‑enhancing assets (e.g., patents, data infrastructure) qualify for immediate expensing if available for use before 2027.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: The accelerated CCA incentives lower the after‑tax cost of capital investments by allowing businesses to deduct a larger portion of asset costs sooner, improving cash flow and speeding up returns on new equipment, technology, and infrastructure.

Repealed Taxes Under Bill C‑15

The following taxes have been repealed:

• Digital Services Tax (DST) repealed effective June 20, 2024. Payments already made to the CRA will be fully refunded with interest calculated at the prescribed rate from the date of payment to the date of refund.
• Underused Housing Tax (UHT). Elimination of the UHT as of the 2025 calendar year. No UHT is payable and no UHT returns are required to be filed for 2025 and subsequent calendar years.
• Luxury tax. No luxury tax on aircraft and vessels effective November 5, 2025. The luxury tax continues to be payable on subject vehicles valued above $100,000 unless and exemption applies.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: The repeal eases administrative pressure on businesses and removes tax frameworks that had created ongoing complexity.

Increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE)

The new legislation enacts a increase to the LCGE which can be claimed on Qualified Small Business Corporation (QSBC) shares for dispositions occurring after June 24, 2024:

• Previous limit of $1,016,836 increased to $1.25M .
• The limit of $1.25M is indexed to inflation for the 2026 tax year and beyond.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES: Increased relief from taxation on capital gains on QSBC shares.  Need to plan appropriately to ensure the full LCGE can be claimed on a sale to third parties or on a sale to children via the Intergeneration Business Transfer (IBT) rules.

The post Bill C‑15 Summary: What Businesses Need to Know appeared first on DJB.

Bookkeeping usually ends up low on the priority list, as does the bookkeeping system that is utilized.  Often the year-end reporting is due and you find your shoebox or drawer is full of receipts, and then it becomes both daunting and overwhelming to deal with.  Creating a bookkeeping system early on can make the difference between a successful business and a failure.

A solid bookkeeping method, in conjunction with a bookkeeping system, can make it easier for you to manage your books.  Not only will this save you time, but money as well, leaving you time to work on the business.

Finding the right accounting program is just as important as finding the right accountant or lawyer.  Online accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero can offer you the ability to run accurate and real-time reports.  The better the setup, the more meaningful the reports.

Bookkeeping is an essential part of any business and when done correctly can offer many benefits.  This task should be done as often as possible to ensure accuracy.   If time is constrained, you may want to look at outsourcing your bookkeeping to a professional. Outsourcing can reduce error and be very cost-effective. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!

The post The Importance of Bookkeeping for Your Business appeared first on DJB.

Small Business Tax Reduction

The centerpiece for business is a one‑percentage‑point cut to the small business corporate income tax rate, dropping from 3.2% to 2.2%, effective July 1, 2026.

• The reduced rate applies to Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs) and is available for up to $500,000 of active business income.
• Taxpayers with fiscal years straddling the effective date will apply a prorated rate.
• A corresponding reduction to the non‑eligible dividend tax credit takes effect January 1, 2027, reflecting the lower corporate tax burden (from 2.9863% to 1.9863%).

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Lower tax rates improve after‑tax cash flow for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those reinvesting profits into operations or expansion.

Ontario’s current and proposed future corporate income tax rates can be found in the table below:

* Federal corporate income tax rates for qualifying zero-emission technology manufacturers are reduced to 7.5% (from 15%) for general income and 4.5% (from 9%) for small-business income. This rate reduction is not reflected in the combined rates above.

** An additional federal tax of 1.5% applies to taxable income over CA$100 million for Canadian banks and life insurers.

Accelerated Capital Cost Recovery

Ontario is aligning with federal measures to encourage investment by allowing faster write‑offs for a wide range of assets. Key provisions include:

Immediate 100% Write‑Offs for:

• Manufacturing and processing equipment
• Greenhouse buildings and clean‑technology assets
• Zero‑emission vehicles
• Productivity‑enhancing and R&D‑related capital expenditures

Accelerated Depreciation for:

• Liquefied natural gas equipment and related infrastructure
• Purpose‑built rental housing (rate increased from 4% to 10%)
• Most other depreciable assets (enhanced first‑year deductions up to 3x the normal rate)

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: These measures significantly reduce the after‑tax cost of capital projects, making it more attractive to modernize equipment, expand production capacity, or invest in clean technologies.

Phase‑Out of the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit

The credit will be discontinued on January 1, 2027, with expenditures incurred before December 31, 2026, remaining eligible.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Companies planning projects in designated regions will need to accelerate timelines to benefit before the credit expires.

Insurance Premium Tax Flexibility for Funded Benefit Plans

Beginning April 1, 2026, funded benefit plans may elect to be treated as unfunded for insurance premium tax purposes, shifting tax liability from when contributions are paid into the plan to when benefits are paid out of the plan.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Employers delay paying the tax, improving short-term cash flow because contributions no longer trigger immediate tax.

Housing‑Related HST Measures (Indirect Business Impacts)

While primarily aimed at homebuyers and developers, these measures also affect construction, real estate, and rental markets:

Rebates for New Homes

• Removal of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on qualifying new homes up to $1 million.
• A higher maximum rebate of $80,000, with phased reductions up to $1.85 million (read full details of this measure in our article entitled, HST Relief for New Home Purchases in Ontario).
• Applies to agreements signed April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.

Aligned First‑Time Home Buyer Rebates

Ontario and the federal government will jointly provide up to $130,000 in HST/GST relief for eligible first‑time buyers, representing $2.2 billion in combined tax support.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Developers, builders, and rental housing investors may see increased demand and improved project viability, particularly in the mid‑market housing segment.

Large‑Scale Infrastructure Investments

The province is advancing the largest capital plan in its history, with more than $210 billion in planned investments over 10 years, including $37 billion in 2026–27.  Significant investments will be made into Ontario’s transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, transit), healthcare, community (recreation and sport facilities), education, utilities and government building infrastructure.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: This will enable significant opportunities for construction, engineering, and supply‑chain businesses.

Protect Ontario Account Investment Fund

Ontario will invest up to $4 billion to attract pension funds and private capital into strategic economic priorities.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: Potential new financing pathways and partnership opportunities for businesses in sectors such as clean tech, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Non‑Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) and First Nations Exemption

Ontario continues to apply the 25% Non‑Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) on residential property purchases made by foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and taxable trustees. The tax is intended to curb speculative demand and support housing affordability.

As part of the 2026 Budget, the province is amending the Land Transfer Tax Act to expressly exclude individuals registered under the federal Indian Act from the NRST. This ensures that First Nations individuals are not subject to the tax when acquiring land, aligning the NRST framework with existing Indigenous tax relief policies.

IMPACT FOR BUSINESSES: While the NRST primarily affects non‑resident purchasers of residential property, the exemption for First Nations individuals is important for organizations involved in on‑reserve development, partnerships with Indigenous communities, or real estate transactions that may involve Indigenous purchasers.

Overall Takeaway for Businesses

Ontario’s 2026 budget leans heavily on tax relief and accelerated write‑offs to support business investment and competitiveness. Small businesses benefit immediately from lower income tax rates, while capital‑intensive sectors gain from generous depreciation rules. The phase‑out of regional incentives and targeted housing measures will require strategic planning, especially for developers and businesses operating in previously supported regions.

Read the full government release here: https://budget.ontario.ca/2026/pdf/2026-ontario-budget-en.pdf

Budget highlights can be found here: https://budget.ontario.ca/2026/highlights.html

The post Synopsis: Key 2026 Ontario Budget Measures Affecting Canadian Businesses appeared first on DJB.