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On today's episode, Darren and Christina are breaking down the OpCo trap! Most Canadian business owners are unknowingly making a massive mistake with their corporate cash — one that could cost them millions in unnecessary taxes and wipe out their eligibility for the lifetime capital gains exemption.
They discuss the difference between an Operating Company (OpCo) and a Holding Company (HoldCo), why so many business owners are leaving too much cash inside their active company, and how that decision exposes them to creditor risk, tax traps, and missed opportunities for wealth protection.
Whether you plan to sell your business, pass it on to your family, or build long-term wealth through your corporation, this episode explains how to properly structure your company — and why high cash value life insurance plays a crucial role in creating a tax-free corporate opportunity fund.
This is essential education for business owners, incorporated professionals, farmers, and real estate investors who want to maximize wealth and minimize risk. Tune in now!
Show notes:
00:00 - Introduction: Why the OpCo Trap matters
03:00 - What is an OpCo vs. a HoldCo?
04:30 - Why business owners leave too much cash inside their operating company
05:45 - Tax differences between corporate and personal income
06:30 - Why keeping cash in your OpCo feels smart… until it isn’t
08:30 - The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) explained
11:00 - What is a CCPC (Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation)?
12:40 - What are QSBC shares, and how to maintain eligibility
13:40 - The 3 qualification tests for LCGE (ownership, 50% rule, 90% rule)
15:00 - How too much passive cash or real estate can disqualify your shares
16:30 - The “purification” process explained — and how to fix a dirty OpCo
18:00 - Why timing matters: you need 24 months to requalify
20:00 - Moving funds into your HoldCo for protection and flexibility
21:00 - Corporate investing do’s and don’ts — passive income warnings
22:00 - Why over $50,000 of passive income can reduce your small business deduction
23:00 - Comparing HoldCo investment options: real estate, markets, and life insurance
23:45 - Why high cash value life insurance outperforms other corporate assets
25:00 - Corporate tax efficiency, CDA benefits, and wealth preservation
26:00 - Action steps: how to avoid the OpCo Trap and build your corporate wealth strategy
27:00 - Final disclaimer and closing thoughts
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode. The information contained in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is separate and apart from the wealth coach services provided by Darren Mitchell and Associates, Inc. To its qualified clients, Control and Compound Financial expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental or any other damages arising out of any individual's use of this podcast or the information in it.
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