Sebastien Desmarais

Total 51 Posts

Sébastien Desmarais is a Tax and Estate Planner at TD Wealth, Wealth Advisory Services.

Clarifying U.S. Estate Tax for Canadians

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It comes as a surprise to many Canadians to learn their estate may be subject to U.S. estate tax. Indeed, the U.S. estate tax regime is broad and complex and misunderstood by many Canadians. This article will provide a summary overview of its application to Canadian and how to minimize its implications. U.S. Estate Tax Regime in General All U.S. persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. resident or green card holder) are….

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Canadian and US Tax Treaty, Estate Planning, International, IRS, Tax Issues, US Taxes

Cross-Border Charitable Donation & U.S. Donor

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Philanthropy can strengthen one’s estate plan. In Canada, an estate plan may integrate charitable donations to leave a legacy to our community while taking advantage of the associated tax benefits. Such strategy can be implemented during the donor’s lifetime or upon the donor’s death. If the donor is a U.S. citizen living in Canada (hereinafter referred as a “U.S. donor”), does the strategy work? U.S. donor & U.S. Tax Filings….

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Charitable Giving, International, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Tax Issues, U.S. Citizen, US Taxes

Joint Ownership & U.S. Estate Tax Considerations

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Canadians are familiar with the concept of joint ownership with right of survivorship. It is the prevalent form of ownership between spouses. Therefore, it is not uncommon for Canadians to own U.S. real property or other U.S. property, jointly, especially between spouses. Many are of the view that it will simplify the estate plan and succession of the U.S. property to the surviving owner yet, few understand the U.S. estate….

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International, Joint Tenancy, Real Estate, Succession Planning, Tax Issues, United States, US Taxes

Provincial Succession Law and Family Law

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One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of working in the trusts and estates field is how different the rules can be, not just internationally, but within our national borders. For example, this week I was chatting with my Quebec colleagues about Bill 56 – An Act respecting family law reform and establishing the parental union regime. It amends provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec (the “Code”) and….

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Family Conflict, International, Spouse, Succession Planning

Joint Ownership & Tax Considerations

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The benefits of joint property ownership as an estate and probate planning strategy are well known; property vests to the surviving owner(s) on death thus, bypassing the estate and avoiding probate fees. In the right circumstances, joint ownership works great and facilitates the succession of the property. However, what may be overlooked are the potential unintended tax consequences associated with joint ownership. Joint Ownership: Legal vs Tax For legal purposes,….

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Estate Planning, Joint Tenancy, Probate Tax, Resulting Trust, Tax Issues

RESP, Incapacity and Power of Attorney

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This article is written by Nicole Ewing, Principal, Wealth Planning Office, TD Wealth Parents and grandparents often help fund a child’s education using Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). These are tax-efficient vehicles that allow contributions, grants, bonds, and income to be invested in a tax-deferred environment to grow for eventual use toward post-secondary education. Generally, the parent/grandparent “subscriber” enters into an RESP contract with a “promotor” and names one or….

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Capacity Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, RESP
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