Estate Administration

Total 518 Posts

Graduated rate estate – don’t lose it!

A graduated rate estate (GRE) is an estate that arises as the result of the death of a person on or after December 31, 2015, and no more than 36 months after the person’s death. The estate at that time must be a testamentary trust. The GRE designation brings with key benefits such as access to the lower marginal tax rates and simpler and more flexible donation rules.  Perhaps more important in….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Executors, Tax Issues, Uncategorized, Wills

Inheritances and Taxes – Be Careful Where you Step?

Frequently, I am reminded how careful one has to be with making sure that tax-free inheritances generally maintain their status throughout all steps to liquidate and realize the proceeds. Here is a case in point. In Owen v The Queen (2018 TCC 90), the taxpayer’s father resided in the United States of America and had a US individual retirement account (“IRA”). The taxpayer’s father passed away. The taxpayer and his….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Investments, IRS, Property, Tax Issues, Uncategorized, United States, US Taxes

The Cost of Winning, Sort of….

In my practice, I have been engaged on valuation matters which, on occasion despite the efforts of all those involved, go to trial to have a trial judge settle for the parties. Most trials are expensive and the actual outcome is not always certain, no matter how strong one side of the matter or case might be. It has been my experience that even if one happens to be on….

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Costs, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Executors, Joint Tenancy, Property, Uncategorized, Undue influence, Wills

The Toronto Maple Leafs and “Pour Over” Clauses have something in Common

With the Toronto Maple Leafs season ending earlier this week, I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling involving the estate of former Leafs head coach, Pat Quinn (“Pat”). On March 9, 2018, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Funt declared the “pour over” clause in Pat’s Will invalid.  The clause could not be “cured” by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, S.B.C. 2009, c…..

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Estate Administration, Estate Planning, In the News, Wills

TRUST REPORTING: NEW REQUIREMENTS COMING SOON!

Under the current rules, a trust only needs to file an annual tax return but generally does not need to file the return if it does not earn an income or make any distributions in the year. (Notwithstanding that the Canada Revenue Agency has increased its demand for “nil returns” to be filed under certain circumstances). Further, there is currently no requirement for the trust to report the specific identity….

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Canada Revenue Agency, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, In the News, Tax Issues, Trustee, Trusts, Uncategorized, United States

Frida Kahlo’s Barbie – Life in Plastic, Not so Fantastic

This Blog was written by: Peter Meitanis Here’s a question you never thought you would read in an estates blog: Where’s the unibrow? Last month, Mattel, the maker of Barbie introduced a group of new dolls based on real-life figures to celebrate International Women’s Day. The collection features inspiring women past and present, including Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist famous for her self-portraits and works inspired by the nature and….

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Estate Administration, Uncategorized
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