The Advisors Table Podcast

If you're a Canadian corporation billing a US client, your setup may look perfectly normal—until CRA decides it looks like employment.

CRA is reviewing a specific profile: one shareholder, one client, full-time hours, and working inside the client's systems. If your corporation is classified as a Personal Services Business (PSB), the tax consequences can be enormous.

In this episode of The Advisors Table, we break down the tax implications of working with US clients, from W-8BEN-E forms and GST/HST registration to salary versus dividends and the risk of a retroactive CRA reassessment.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the W-8BEN-E actually does for Canadian corporations

• Why an incomplete treaty claim can trigger 30% US withholding

• Why you may need to register for HST, even when charging your US client 0%

• Salary vs. dividends when you have one major US client

• How CRA determines whether your corporation is a Personal Services Business

• Four key decisions that can increase or reduce your PSB exposure

Having a US client doesn't automatically create a tax problem. What matters is how CRA views your working relationship. If CRA determines you're effectively an employee, your corporation could face a 44.5% tax rate retroactively.

Discover the steps you can take to structure your corporation, understand your tax obligations, and reduce your exposure to costly reassessments.

Most parents believe the best way to help their children is to give them assets early.

Sometimes, that's the most expensive mistake they can make.

Once you gift an asset, the decision is permanent. Ownership changes—and so does your control.

In this episode of The Advisors Table, Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi explains why gifting assets to your children isn't always the smartest estate planning strategy, and how a family trust can help you protect your wealth while maintaining flexibility and control.

Together, we discuss:

• Why putting assets in your children's names can create irreversible problems

• How a family trust allows you to retain control without giving up ownership

• The tax strategy behind a real-life case study where one family paid $1.6 million in tax while another paid just $270,000

• When your children should actually inherit your wealth

• The two situations where a family trust makes sense—and when it doesn't

• How estate freezes and the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption can preserve family wealth

• Common misconceptions about trusts, inheritance, and estate planning

A family trust isn't about avoiding your family.

It's about protecting what you've spent a lifetime building while keeping your options open for the future.

If you own a business, investment properties, or a growing investment portfolio, this episode offers practical insights into the tax and estate planning decisions that can have a lasting impact on your family's financial future.

Disclaimer: This episode is based on a real client scenario. Names and certain details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. The discussion is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

A holding company can be one of the most valuable planning tools in Canada.

Or it can be a complete waste of money.

For the right person, it can protect assets, improve tax planning, and preserve opportunities that would otherwise be lost. For the wrong person, it’s just unnecessary cost and complexity.

In this episode, we cover:

• The 5 Signs you may actually need a holding company
• Why surplus corporate cash can become a hidden risk
• How investment income can create avoidable tax problems
• The costly mistake one real estate investor was making every year
• Why business owners should think about planning long before a sale
• Who should not set up a holding company

The biggest mistake isn’t failing to create a holding company.

It’s creating one before you know whether it solves a problem you actually have.

🔗 Links:

Instagram: /advisorstablepodcast

LinkedIn: /the-advisors-table-podcast

Free Holding Company Decision Guide:
https://www.theadvisorstable.com/reso...

📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi, CPA, CA, MTax, CFF at Cedar Consulting Group

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website:
https://www.cedargroup.ca/

🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax scenarios that show what happens without planning.

👇 Comment below: Which of the five signs sounds most like your situation?

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions.

#TheAdvisorsTable #HoldingCompany #RRSP #TFSA #Tax #WealthPlanning #TaxPlanning #CPA

00:00 Introduction: When a Holding Company Makes Sense

00:59 Sign #1: Investment Income Is Being Taxed Too Early

01:53 The Hidden Cost of Taxable Investment Accounts

03:00 How Holding Companies Create Tax Deferral

04:01 RRSP & TFSA Come First

04:50 Sign #2: Cash Is Piling Up Inside Your Business

05:23 Protecting Business Savings from Operating Risks

06:04 The $1.3 Million Capital Gains Exemption

07:16 Moving Surplus Cash to a Holding Company

08:19 Sign #3: The Doctor Losing $280,000 Per Year

09:58 Moving Real Estate Into a Holding Company

11:13 Recovering Over $1 Million Tax-Free

12:10 Sign #4: Protecting Personal Assets from Professional Risk

13:29 Sign #5: Preparing for a Major Capital Gain

14:24 Bonus: Holding Companies for Business Partners

15:03 The One Thing Every Successful Structure Has in Common

15:23 Who Should NOT Set Up a Holding Company

16:11 Recap: The 5 Signs You Need a Holding Company

Most Canadians think the tax bill on their RRSP comes when they retire.
For many families, the biggest tax bill comes when they die.
A $1 million RRSP can trigger hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax on a final return — often at rates higher than what many people paid during their working years.
But there is a little-known provision in the tax rules that can dramatically reduce that tax for families with dependent minor children or grandchildren.
In this episode, we cover:
• Why the "lower tax bracket in retirement" assumption often fails
• How a $1M RRSP can create a tax bill of more than $500,000 at death
• Why RRIF withdrawals can trigger OAS clawbacks and higher effective tax rates
• The strategy that can reduce a large RRSP tax bill for qualifying families
• How dependent children and grandchildren can qualify for special RRSP treatment
• Why beneficiary designations and will planning matter more than most people realize
• The critical deadlines that can make or break the strategy
Retirement planning isn't just about growing your RRSP.
It's about understanding what happens when the money eventually comes out — and what happens if it doesn't.
Many families only discover these rules after it's too late to do anything about them.
If you have a large RRSP, minor children or grandchildren, or aging parents with registered accounts, this is a conversation worth having now — not after a death in the family.
Links:
📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit:
🌐 theadvisorstable.com
📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice?
Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group
📧 [email protected]
🌐 cedargroup.ca
🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax, retirement, and estate planning insights.
👇 Comment below: Do you think most Canadians understand what happens to their RRSP when they die?
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.
#TheAdvisorsTable #RRSP #RRIF #RetirementPlanning #TaxPlanning #EstatePlanning #WealthPlanning #CanadianTax
00:00 – The Hidden RRSP Tax Trap
00:24 – The RRSP Tax Escape Plan
00:34 – The Flawed Assumption Behind RRSPs
01:03 – How Average Canadians Build $1M+ RRSPs
01:50 – The Retirement Tax Problem Nobody Discusses
02:10 – Forced RRIF Withdrawals and OAS Clawbacks
03:43 – What Happens to Your RRSP When You Die
04:20 – Deemed Disposition Explained
05:05 – The Tax Law Provision Most People Miss
05:59 – The Child Annuity Strategy
07:31 – Real-World Results and Tax Savings
07:53 – Why Younger Children Save More Tax
08:52 – Eligibility Rules and Important Limits
09:22 – The Five-Step Setup Process
11:44 – What Happens When the Child Turns 18
12:25 – Special Considerations for Grandparents
13:19 – RRSP Exit Planning and Final Takeaways
15:01 – Important Warnings Before You Act
15:29 – Final Advice for Protecting Your Family
15:50 – Share This With Someone Who Needs It

Solo 25

Most Canadians think their will controls everything they own.

It doesn't.

Your will may only govern a small portion of your assets — while the rest passes outside of it entirely.

In this episode, we cover:

• The three ways assets transfer when someone dies

• Why beneficiary designations can override your will

• How joint ownership can bypass probate entirely

• What your will actually controls — and what it doesn't

• Why powers of attorney matter during incapacity

• How family trusts can help with tax planning, control, and asset protection

• The 21-year trust rule most families never hear about

Estate planning isn't just about death.

It's about control, taxes, incapacity, and protecting your family when life changes unexpectedly.

Many families only discover the gaps in their plan after a crisis has already occurred.

If you have children, a corporation, aging parents, or significant assets, this is a conversation worth having before it becomes urgent.

Links:

📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit:

🌐 theadvisorstable.com

📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group

📧 [email protected]

🌐 cedargroup.ca

🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax, estate, and wealth planning insights.

👇 Comment below: Have you ever reviewed the beneficiary designations on your accounts, insurance policies, and registered plans?

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.

#TheAdvisorsTable #EstatePlanning #FamilyTrust #Wills #Probate #TaxPlanning #WealthManagement #CanadianTax

00:00 – Introduction: The Big Will Misconception

00:15 – The Three Ways Your Assets Move When You Die

00:48 – Bucket Three: The Leftovers and the Probate Process

01:06 – Case Study: Why the Kids Didn't Get the Inheritance

01:49 – The Paperwork Trap and Checking Your Beneficiaries

02:09 – What a Standard Will Does (and Where It Fails)

02:55 – The Cost of Probate and Hidden Taxes in Ontario

03:41 – Incapacity Planning: What Happens If You Get Sick?

04:50 – Essential Documents: Powers of Attorney and Directives

05:47 – What Are Dual Wills and How Do They Work?

06:47 – Demystifying the Family Trust for Regular Canadians

07:44 – Four Powerful Things a Trust Can Do That a Will Can't

11:51 – The 21-Year Rule and the Generational Playbook

13:40 – Other Types of Trusts and Overcoming Common Myths

15:33 – Summary Checklist: Who Needs a Will vs. a Family Trust?

Solo 19

You put your home on Airbnb.

The bookings are strong. The income is rolling in.

But according to CRA, your home may no longer be considered a home.

It may now be treated as a commercial property — like a hotel.

And when you sell, you could face a significant and unexpected tax bill.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Airbnb can trigger CRA's "change in use" rules

• Why short-term rentals can jeopardize principal residence treatment

• The 2024 court case where CRA successfully applied HST on sale

• How one homeowner could face approximately $150,000 in HST alone

• Why switching back to long-term rentals may still trigger tax consequences

• The hidden trap between income tax and HST rules

• Why many Airbnb owners don't discover these issues until it's too late

This isn't just about rental income.

It's about how one decision can completely change the tax treatment of your property.

And in many cases, homeowners only discover the consequences after the property has already been sold.

If you own an Airbnb property — or are considering converting your home into one — this is a conversation worth having before CRA has it with you.

Links:

📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit:

🌐 theadvisorstable.com

📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group

📧 [email protected]

🌐 cedargroup.ca

🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax scenarios that show what happens without planning.

👇 Comment below: Did you know Airbnb income could change the tax status of your home?

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.

#TheAdvisorsTable #CRA #Airbnb #Tax #RealEstate #HST

00:00 – The Airbnb Trap Nobody Sees Coming

00:18 – Meet John: The Executive Who Thought Airbnb Was Easy Money

00:38 – Why He Chose Airbnb Instead of Selling

01:05 – The CRA "Change of Use" Rule Explained

01:13 – When Your Home Becomes a Commercial Property

01:50 – The Ottawa Airbnb Court Case CRA Won

01:57 – Breaking Down John's $150,000 HST Problem

02:47 – How $500,000 in Airbnb Income Nearly Disappeared

03:14 – The Capital Gains Tax Hit Nobody Expects

03:45 – Why Airbnb Hosts Can End Up Owing More Than They Made

04:23 – Every Exit Strategy That Still Triggers Tax

05:59 – Why You Need Both Income Tax and HST Expertise Before It's Too Late

Governments love announcing tax cuts — but the headline rarely tells the full story.

In just four months, three different governments — Federal, NDP, and Conservative — announced major tax breaks. But once you look past the press releases, many of these “savings” either shrink dramatically, trigger hidden tax costs, or quietly increase taxes somewhere else.

In this episode, we break down the incomplete story behind these political tax promises. From reduced tax credits to retroactive corporate tax consequences and bracket creep, we show how the real impact is often buried deep inside the legislation — not the headline.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why tax cuts often come with hidden offsets elsewhere
• How the federal 1% tax cut reduced the real benefit of common tax credits
• Why the promised $825 savings was actually closer to $425
• How Ontario’s small business rate drop can trigger retroactive tax on historical corporate earnings
• Why B.C.’s frozen tax brackets quietly increase taxes through bracket creep
• How government headlines often miss the real financial impact hidden in the legislation

Don’t let political marketing dictate your financial decisions.

Watch now to understand what these “tax cuts” actually mean for your money.

Links:

1. Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast

2. LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast

Looking for trusted tax advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group.

Email: [email protected]
Website: cedargroup.ca

Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios.

Comment below — have these recent “tax cuts” actually made a difference in your finances?

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: The Truth Behind Government Tax Cuts
01:08 – Three Governments, Three Different Tax Cuts
02:26 – Why Tax Cut Headlines Mislead the Public
03:18 – Federal 1% Tax Cut Explained
04:17 – Hidden Reduction in Tax Credits for Families
05:14 – Why the Real Savings Are Much Lower Than Advertised
06:33 – How Tax Experts Catch What Politicians Leave Out
08:35 – Ontario’s Small Business Tax Rate Drop Breakdown
10:06 – How Corporate & Personal Tax Integration Actually Works
12:04 – Why Business Owners Eventually Pay More Tax Personally
13:14 – The Retroactive Tax Increase Nobody Is Talking About
15:00 – Example: How a $1M Corporation Gets Hit Harder
16:44 – Why Governments Market Tax Cuts Without Full Disclosure
17:10 – B.C.’s Sneaky Tax Increase Through Frozen Tax Brackets
19:06 – How Federal, Ontario & B.C. Changes Cancel Each Other Out
21:11 – Final Advice: Don’t Trust Tax Headlines Without Research

Buying a car through your corporation doesn’t make it “free.”

And in many cases, it can actually cost you more.

In this episode, we break down one of the most common tax myths among business owners — the idea of the “full write-off.” While it sounds simple, the reality involves strict CRA limits, taxable benefits, and hidden personal tax consequences that most people don’t account for.

We walk through how corporate vehicle ownership actually works, where the numbers fall apart, and why what seems like a smart tax move can quickly turn into an expensive mistake.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why a corporate vehicle is not a “full write-off”
• How CRA caps limit deductions on purchases and leases
• Why personal use creates taxable benefits
• How standby charges increase your personal tax bill
• Leasing vs. buying — and how each impacts taxes
• Why mileage reimbursement is often the simpler, more efficient strategy

Don’t assume the government is paying for your car.

Watch this before you sign anything — it could save you thousands.

Links:

1. Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast

2. LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast

Looking for trusted tax advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group.

Email: [email protected]
Website: cedargroup.ca

Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios.

Comment below — have you ever considered buying a car through your corporation?

Timestamps:

00:00 – BMW Write-Off Myth Explained
02:16 – Company Cars & Hidden Tax Costs
04:14 – 2026 Vehicle Write-Off Limits & Caps
05:23 – Lease Payment & Interest Deduction Limits
06:36 – HST Recovery Rules for Company Cars
08:15 – Employee Taxable Benefits on Luxury Vehicles
09:37 – Standby Charge: 2% Monthly Tax Rule
11:55 – Operating Cost Benefit & $0.34/km Rule
14:22 – Why Company Cars Can Become More Expensive
15:24 – Leasing a Vehicle Through a Corporation
18:12 – Paying Your Own Gas & Repair Costs
19:01 – Reducing Taxable Benefits With Business Use
22:17 – CRA Logbook Requirements & Vehicle Audits
25:09 – Avoiding Taxable Benefits the Right Way
28:12 – Trades Workers, Pickup Trucks & On-Call Use
31:01 – Shareholder Benefit Risks & CRA Penalties
34:02 – EV Incentives & Corporate Tax Advantages
36:08 – Using Your Personal Vehicle for Business
38:23 – Real Client Example: Mileage Reimbursement Strategy
40:04 – Final Thoughts: Calculating the Best Car Ownership Structure

Solo 21

The government says Canada’s debt is only 10% of the economy — one of the lowest levels in the G7.

The real number may be much higher.

Interest costs on the federal debt are now exceeding the amount collected through GST, and within a few years are projected to surpass federal healthcare transfers.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Canada reports a 10% Debt-to-GDP ratio — and what’s excluded from that figure

• Why total government debt can produce a much higher number

• How CPP and pension assets affect the way debt is reported

• Why Canada’s global ranking changes depending on the methodology used

• The cycle of deficits, borrowing, and rising interest costs

• Why debt servicing costs are growing faster than major areas of public spending

This isn’t just about government accounting.

It affects future taxes, public services, and how much government revenue is available for priorities other than debt payments.

Links:

📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit:

🌐 theadvisorstable.com

📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group

📧 [email protected]

🌐 cedargroup.ca

🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax, policy, and financial planning insights.

👇 Comment below: Do you trust the way governments communicate debt and deficit numbers?

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on publicly available information and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances.

#TheAdvisorsTable #CanadaDebt #CanadianTax #FiscalPolicy #DebtToGDP #GovernmentSpending #EconomicPolicy #TaxPlanning

00:00 – Introduction: GST vs Interest Shock

00:33 – Government Claims vs Reality (10% Debt Myth)

00:58 – G7 Comparison Explained

01:25 – Why Canada Looks “Best” Every Year

01:45 – Real Debt Numbers Breakdown

02:04 – Total Debt Calculation (111%)

02:28 – How Government Reporting Works

02:53 – Pension Funds Adjustment Explained

03:25 – Global Ranking Reality Check

04:29 – Deficit and Spending Challenges

04:56 – Rising Interest Burden

05:24 – Taxes Up but Still Not Enough

05:56 – Interest vs Healthcare Spending

06:38 – Real Impact on Public Services

07:03 – Changing Definitions of “Balanced Budget”

07:59 – What This Means for You

08:25 – Final Takeaway

Canada just released its 2026 Spring Economic Update — and at first glance, things look better.

The deficit is down by $11 billion.

But when you dig deeper, the story changes.

In this episode, we break down what’s really driving the numbers — and why the “improvement” may have more to do with timing and external factors than actual policy changes. From unspent government commitments to a temporary boost from oil prices, we unpack how the headline doesn’t reflect the full picture.

We also dive into Canada’s growing $1.42 trillion national debt, how it’s being presented, and what it actually means for taxpayers long term. Plus, we explore why the government is using CPP contributions to improve the appearance of the balance sheet, and the risks involved in the new $25 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund — funded entirely through additional borrowing.

In this episode, we uncover:

• Why the $11B “deficit reduction” isn’t driven by real policy changes
• Why Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio may be far higher than the headline number
• How delayed spending and higher oil prices shaped the update
• What Canada’s $1.42 trillion debt and rising interest costs mean in practice
• How a $25B sovereign wealth fund is being financed through borrowing — not surplus revenue
• Early signals of asset sales and other strategies being discussed to manage long-term deficits

Don’t rely on headlines to understand the economy.

Watch now to see what the numbers actually mean — and how they could impact your future taxes.

Links:

1. Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast

2. LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast

Looking for trusted tax advice?

Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group.

Email: [email protected]
Website: cedargroup.ca

Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios.

Comment below — what do you think is the biggest risk to Canada’s economy right now?

Timestamps:

00:00 – Canada’s Spring Economic Update Overview
00:25 – Rising Debt & Interest Cost Concerns
00:51 – Pension Contributions & Taxpayer Ownership Discussion
01:06 – Initial Reactions to the Economic Update
01:42 – No Changes in Personal or Corporate Taxes
02:01 – Canada’s Ongoing Structural Deficit
02:49 – Has the New Government Really Changed Anything?
03:11 – Deficit Projection Drops from $78B to $68B
04:19 – Delayed Spending & Impact of Rising Oil Prices
05:34 – Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Canada vs. G7 Countries
06:18 – Real vs. Reported Debt (10% vs. ~41%)
07:32 – Breaking Down Canada’s $1.42 Trillion Debt
10:19 – Growing Deficit & Unsustainable Borrowing Trend
11:45 – Interest Payments Surge Toward $81B
14:45 – Canada’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund Explained
17:02 – $25B Fund: Investing Borrowed Money?
19:02 – Risks of Government Involvement in Private Projects
20:11 – Selling Government Assets to Reduce Deficit