Viewpoints about transferring wealth
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Ontario Estate Information Return
Executors in Ontario must file an Estate Information Return for probate. Learn about the requirements including timing, assets and liabilities that are included, the penalties for late filing and more.
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National edition: Wills 101¹
There are many good reasons to not procrastinate, but take steps now to prepare a will, especially when you consider the benefits and the small cost involved.
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Estate planning 101
It's not just for the older and affluent. Whatever your age or your assets, estate planning is a smart move.
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Protect your legacy¹: Take advantage of Segregated Fund Contracts to empower your bequests (National edition)
Ensure your family inherits quickly and cost-effectively
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When to consider the RRIF Successor Annuitant Option¹
If you want to provide for your children, or your spouse is incapacitated or financially irresponsible, consider naming them successor annuitant or Joint Life.
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Be Careful with Joint Ownership
Using joint ownership to avoid probate is a complex and potentially litigious process. Consider these other, less-risky methods that offer additional benefits.
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Taking capital gains or losses now to avoid probate and estate fees later
Triggering a capital gains tax bill to gain the wealth transfer benefits of segregated funds or insurance company GICs may increase an estate's final value.
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Keeping the Family Cottage in the Family
Passing on a family cottage? Half of any increase in value is taxable at death. This strategy protects against an estate having to sell a cottage to pay the tax.
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Understanding trusts and contracts held in trust
Learn trust basics: Formal vs. informal, attribution rules, end of the preferred beneficiary election, contracts held 'in trust'. Sample forms included.
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A testamentary trust or not a testamentary trust, that is the question
Maximize trust tax benefits: Assets passed into testamentary trusts enjoy graduated tax rates, while inter vivos trusts are taxed at the highest marginal rate.
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