Most producers are aware that farm property can be passed to the next generation without tax consequences if certain conditions are met. However, what if you want to relocate your operation? What if an opportunity arises to sell farmland at a premium but you wish to purchase other land in another area? What if you […] Read more
Tag Archives Taking Care of Business
Capital gains can be saved when moving the family farm
What to consider when planning retirement income
Retirement results in major changes to lifestyle and income. People planning for retirement should consider all income sources that they will have. These range from renting out land, selling land or assets (like inventory) over a period of time, or potentially payments from succession agreements to pass along the farm to the next generation. Other […] Read more
New exclusions made to proposed income sprinkling rules
The federal finance department recently announced simplification to the new proposed income sprinkling rules that begin to apply in 2018. It has provided clear guidelines (“bright line tests”) for when these rules will no longer apply to a taxpayer. The changes appear to provide relief for a majority of structures that farms may have in […] Read more
Optional inventory or deferring: how do they compare?
Farmers are relieved that the grain ticket deferral option has been saved, but they should also be aware of the optional inventory adjustment when planning their taxes. Grain ticket deferrals are useful because they help to smooth income by allowing grain to be delivered in one year and cash to be received and tax paid […] Read more
Here is the latest on Ottawa’s tax change proposals
The federal government has made several amendments in the past month to its proposed tax changes for private corporations. Since July 18, when the initial proposal was released, there have been many areas of concern on how the proposal would affect family farm corporations. Some of the most worrisome parts of the proposal have been […] Read more
Which GST remittance method is right for you?
The Goods and Services Tax affects all farmers in the Western provinces. The basic rule is that you must be registered for the GST if you have GST-taxable sales (either five percent taxable or zero-rated) over $30,000 in the last four quarters. In most cases, the agricultural goods that you sell are considered zero-rated, that […] Read more
Ottawa proposes stricter rules on income sprinkling
The federal finance department recently released a consultation paper focusing on owners of private companies in Canada. The proposed rules are aimed at eliminating tax planning strategies that the finance department believes “inappropriately reduce personal taxes.” Because most farming corporations in Canada are private companies, these new rules could be applicable. Under the current rules, […] Read more
Can I deduct that: ‘reasonable expenses’ to earn income
A common question I receive is whether a certain expense is deductible for tax purposes on a farm. A common mistake people make is claiming personal expenses as farm expenses. When this issue is uncovered, it generally results in all unreasonable business expenses to be denied. On top of this, penalties can be charged, and […] Read more
Insurance coverage among things to consider when hiring employees
Many family farms have grown larger, acquiring and seeding additional acres. As the family farm expands, so does the demand for skilled labour. There are a number of things to consider when hiring employees to work with you on your farm, such as government filing requirements, employee retention and having adequate insurance coverage. Payroll filing […] Read more
How to determine if youare an active farmer
Quick, check your heart rate. No, not to see if you are living an active lifestyle but to see how nervous this subject makes you. I recently received a question on the consequences of being an active versus inactive farmer. We notice many clients coming in with a different perspective of how these rules apply, […] Read more
