
News


2021 Financial Calendar
We’ve put together a financial calendar for 2021. It contains all the dates you need to know to make the most of your government benefits and investment options. Whether you want to bookmark this or print it out and post it somewhere prominent, you’ll have everything you need to know in one place!

Government of Canada to allow up to $400 for home office expenses
For the 2020 tax year, the Government of Canada introduced a temporary flat rate method to allow Canadians working from home this year due to Covid-19 to claim expenses of up to $400.

Business Owners: 2020 Tax Planning Tips for the End of the Year
It's a great time to review your business finances now that we are nearing year-end. We have listed some of the critical areas to consider and provide you with some helpful guidelines to make sure that you cover all the essentials. We have divided our tax planning tips into four sections:
- Year-end tax checklist
- Remuneration
- Business tax
- Estate

Highlights of the 2020 Federal Fall Economic Statement | Additional $20,000 CEBA loan available now
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently provided the government's fall economic update. It included information on the government's strategy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its plan to help shape the recovery. We've summarized the highlights for you:
• Corporate Tax Changes, including extensions to subsidy programs.
• Personal Tax Changes, including additional Canada Child Benefit Plan payments and a new "Work from home" tax credit.
• Indirect Tax Changes, including the proposal to charge GST/HST on services provided via digital platforms, as well as the temporary removal of GST/HST on face masks and shields.
For business owners, as of December 4th, the CEBA loan has been expanded by an additional $20,000.

Personal Tax Planning Tips - End of 2020 Tax Year
To help our clients, we’ve put together a comprehensive article filled with great tips on how to get ready for 2020 tax season. Here’s a summary of our personal tax tips article:
• Details about the different COVID-19 benefits programs and the tax ramifications of them
• Information about family tax issues including the Canada Child Benefits and tips on how to split income.
• Managing investments. Details about contributing to various savings plans such as a TFSA, RESP, or RDSP. Also tips on how and when to donate to charity and how to time the purchase or sale of investments.
• Retirement planning. How to make the most of your RRSP, things to know if you’ve turned 71, and tips on RRIF conversion.

Applications for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy starts today!
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is open for applications today! Unlike the previous program, this subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
CERS covers up to 65% of rent for businesses, charities and non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
An additional 25% Lockdown Support is available during a public health lockdown order.

The Difference between Segregated Funds and Mutual Funds
Segregated Funds and Mutual Funds often have many of the same benefits however there are key differences you should consider like Maturity and Death Benefit Guarantees.

Applications for Canada Recovery Benefit now open!
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is now open for applications.
If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.
If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

New Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy | Wage Subsidy extended | CEBA additional $20,000 loan
Great news for businesses! The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy will be available directly to business owners who need rent relief. The Wage Subsidy has been extended to June 2021. And the CEBA has been expanded to provide up to $20,000 interest-free loan.

Applications for Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and Caregiving Benefit starts today!
Starting October 5, 2020, the Government of Canada will be accepting online applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).

Financial Advice for Business Owners
We can help you determine where you are today financially and where you want to go. We can provide you guidance on how to reach your short, medium and long term financial goals.

Throne Speech: Recovery Plan Highlights
On September 23rd, in a speech delivered by Governor General Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the Federal government's priorities.

CEBA extended to October 31st. Expanded to include more businesses.
On August 31st, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to October 31st, 2020. This will give small businesses 2 additional months to apply for the $40,000 loan.
In addition, the Federal Government said it was working with financial institutions to make the CEBA program available to those with qualifying payroll or non-deferrable expenses that have so far been unable to apply due to not operating from a business banking account.

6 Steps to Retirement Success
Retirement planning can be challenging, we’ve outlined what we feel are 6 steps to retirement success. Talk to us about a complimentary comprehensive review of your retirement plan.

CERB transitions to NEW Recovery Benefits and EI
On August 20th, the Federal Government announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by one month and the transition to the Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and a simplified EI.

Details of the EXPANDED Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
On August 11th, the Government of Canada updated the calculator and Canada.ca with the changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
If you're a business owner who has suffered losses as a result of COVID-19 and did NOT qualify previously for CEWS, you may now qualify.

Insurance Planning for Business Owners
For business owners, making sure your business is financially protected can be overwhelming. Business owners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk. Insurance can play an important role.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy expanded to include more businesses!
On July 17th, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced proposed changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) that will expand the number of businesses that qualify for the program.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended into December!
On July 13th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until December.

10 Essential Decisions for Business Owners
Business owners can be busy… they’re busy running a successful business, wearing lots of hats and making a ton of decisions. We've put together a list of 10 essential decisions for every business owner to consider.

CERB Extended | Business Owners who did not qualify previously - expanded CEBA starts June 19th
Great news for Canadians out of work and looking for work. The CERB will be extended another 8 weeks for a total of up to 24 weeks.
The expanded CEBA will begin June 19th.

2020 Saskatchewan Budget Highlights
The much anticipated revised Saskatchewan Budget was delivered on June 15th, 2020 by Finance Minister Donna Harpauer. The budget now anticipates a deficit of $2.4 billion for 2020/2021.

Insurance Planning for Young Families
For young families, making sure your family is financially protected can be overwhelming, especially since there’s so much information floating online. This infographic addresses the importance of insurance- personal insurance.

Small Businesses! Applications for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance starts May 25th
The Application portal for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) opens at 8:00am EST on May 25th

Expanded eligibility for CEBA $40,000 interest-free loan
The Prime Minister outlined the expanded eligibility for the Canada Emergency Business Account and highlighted companies such as hair salon owners, independent gym owners with contracted trainers and local physio businesses will now be eligible.
"If you are the sole owner-operator of a business, if your business relies on contractors, or if you have a family-owned business and you pay employees through dividends, you will now qualify." - PM Justin Trudeau

Apply starting Friday for Canada Emergency Student Benefit! Help on the way for seniors.
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19.

Extended! Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended beyond June
On May 8th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that they will extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond June.

Guide to Covid-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada
The intention for our "Guide to Covid-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada” is to help businesses and individuals to cut through the noise and make sure they’re getting all the help they can receive from the federal and provincial programs.

75% Commercial Rent Assistance Program
On April 24th, the Federal Government in partnership with the provinces and territories unveiled the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance which provides rent relief to businesses.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit: Students will be eligible for $1,250 a month from May through August
Great news for students worried about financially making ends meet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit which provides $1,250/month from May through August or $1,750/month for those taking care of someone else or have a disability.
For students looking to volunteer to help fight COVID-19, the Canada Student Service Grant provides $1,000 to $5,000

Apply for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy starting April 27th | Calculate your subsidy
On April 21st, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canada Revenue Agency will accept applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) starting Monday, April 27th. This new measure gives qualifying employers up to $847 per employee each week so they can keep people on the payroll.

New Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance | Canada Emergency Business Account Expanded
On April 16th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced support for to help small businesses with their rent for the months of April, May and June.
The program is being worked out with the provinces and more details will be available shortly.

Expanded eligibility for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) & Boosted wages for Essential Workers
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced:
"Today, we're announcing more help for more Canadians. This includes topping up the pay of essential workers. At the same time, we'll also be expanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to reach people who are earning some income as well as seasonal workers who are facing no jobs and for those who have run out of EI recently. Expanding the CERB to include people who earn up to $1,000 per month. Maybe you're a volunteer firefighter, or a contractor who can pickup some shifts, or you have a part-time job in a grocery store."

Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment - up to $5,000 for business
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment program provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to small businesses in Saskatchewan that have been ordered to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations during the public emergency period due to a public health order to help control transmission of COVID-19.

Applications for the Canada Emergency Business Account starts TODAY!
The new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is available starting TODAY and is available through major banking institutions.
The CEBA will provide qualifying businesses an interest-free loans of up to $40,000 until December 31, 2022.

Rules changed to allow more struggling business owners access to CERB, Wage Subsidy. Summer jobs program increased to 100%
A big win today for some small business owners who previously did not qualify for the $500/week Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).

Accepting Applications starting April 6th - Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The sheer volume of applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will likely overwhelm the system. If you or someone you know need to apply for this benefit, we suggest you prepare TODAY before the applications begin:
Double check your myCRA account username and password
Setup Direct Deposit with CRA

Saskatoon: SREDA SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY CONTINUITY GRANT PROGRAM
Helping small businesses that are experiencing significant financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Grants of up to $5,000 to small businesses located in the Saskatoon Region
Application deadline: April 6, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

Tax Loss Selling
Over the last few weeks, the financial market has taken a downturn amidst fears over Coronavirus.
Understandably, you are concerned with your portfolio, it’s important to stay level-headed to avoid making financial missteps. However, staying level-headed doesn’t necessarily mean you sit there and do nothing. In fact, one consideration you can look is taking an active tax management approach.
Tax loss selling is a strategy to crystallize or realize any capital losses in your non-registered accounts so it can be used to offset any capital gains.

Do I Qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit & EI?
To help Canadians through this difficult time, the Federal Government created the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and made changes to the Employment Insurance Program (EI). For those whose employment has affected by the Coronavirus, we have created a chart to help you figure out which program you qualify for and provide links to apply for each program.

Help for Small/Medium Businesses & Entrepreneurs - 75% wage subsidy, $40,000 interest-free loan & more
March 27, 2019 - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced programs and measures focused on helping Small & Medium Sized Businesses and Entrepreneurs cope with the economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With these new measures, our hope is that employers being pushed to laying off people due to COVID-19 will think again,” Trudeau said. “And for those of you who have already had to lay off workers, we hope you will re-hire them.”

Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
$2,000/month for 4 months - Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses

How to apply for EI benefits for COVID-19 quarantines and other support programs
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.

Support for Business Owners and Employees Covid 19
We know that clients have questions about the Federal government's economic response plan, we have included a summary of the information below specifically for business owners and employees.




The Duties Of An Executor
An executor is an individual or institution that is named in a will whose duty is to distribute estate assets according to the testator’s wishes. Acting as an executor can be stressful and time consuming so it is a good idea for a testator to make his or her choice wisely, and for someone who is asked to be an executor to investigate and review exactly what the job entails.
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(e) skye@skyeplanning.com
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