Charitable Giving

Total 81 Posts

Once You Give You Can’t Take Back, Even Though You May Regret It

In the recent decision of Johnston v. Song [1], the Ontario Superior Court of Justice considered the consequences of a property’s transfer into joint ownership in advance of a breakdown of a common law relationship. Facts: Johnston and Song began living together in November 2005, when Song moved into a home owned by Johnston. Johnston had purchased the home in 2003, for which he paid the down payment and obtained….

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Charitable Giving

Charity v. Benevolence

Last week I received two inquiries from caring colleagues hoping to help individuals in need.  One person had cancer and had lost his business, while the other was a sick child who perhaps could benefit from her own charitable foundation.  As heart-rending as these stories are, neither qualify as “charity”.   Both are forms of benevolence. Charity and benevolence are confused all the time.  Simply, benevolence is support of an individual….

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Charitable Giving, Estate Donations, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

September 21 was World Alzheimer’s Day. The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that more than 402,000 seniors (65 years and older) are living with dementia and this a number that will continue to grow. Dementia is the plague of the 21st century and we don’t yet have a cure. It will impact all of us and countries around the world are developing Dementia strategies to address this growing health….

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Caregiving, Charitable Giving, Elder Care

GIFTS – Some Additional Thougths

Recently, I wrote about the gifting of cash or assets during one’s lifetime as an alternative method of distributing your wealth (beyond what you need to live on comfortably) and possibly avoid taxes (probate, income etc.) at time of death. I suggested that your heirs could use the funds in a manner that will likely cost less tax: For example pay down some personal debt, apply it as a deposit….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Charitable Giving, Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, Family Conflict, Investments, Joint Tenancy, Loans, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Probate Tax, Property, Real Estate, Tax Issues, Trusts, Uncategorized

Estate Planning – Can You Just Give Some of it Away?

A recent article in the press reminded me of a trend in estate planning which appears to be taking more favor in recent times. It is not very complicated, can lead to considerable tax savings and other benefits while you are with the living. I am referring to the gifting of cash or assets during your lifetime. Many people who consult me and other members of my practice are often….

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Charitable Giving, Estate Administration, Estate Donations, Estate Planning, Investments, Probate Tax, Tax Issues, Uncategorized

Gift returned receipt required

The Canada Revenue Agency was asked to speak to the implications of a gift return and their response included some commentary on the impact on the donor. The situation the CRA was asked to consider involved an individual taxpayer who, in 1981, gave a whole life insurance policy to a charitable foundation raising funds to support a specific college. The gift was made on the condition that the funds be….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Charitable Giving, Estate Donations, Executors, Insurance, Philanthropy/Charitable Giving, Tax Issues
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