On August 13, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) signed an agreement mediated by US President Donald Trump. Under the Israel-UAE peace agreement, Israel and the UAE are to establish full diplomatic relations, with the UAE becoming the third Arab state to recognize Israel. Bahrain has followed suit and is establishing full diplomatic relations ….
Land planning and profitability | Part 2 in a 3-part land development series
Once land is owned or banked, it is not uncommon for several years to pass before it is ready for land development. Those who are new to the industry, or seasoned players looking to develop in Canada for the first time often arrive with the common misconception that this will be a quick process. In ….
Is land banking an effective investment strategy? Part 1 in a 3-part land development series
At Zeifmans, we have over 60 years of experience assisting clients throughout all the phases of their land development projects. We’ve seen how the market has changed over the years, and we have a unique understanding of the strategies that will yield the best results as the market continues to evolve. Today, in the first ….
How to minimize or defer taxation on your trust’s 21st anniversary
Trusts are an indispensable tool that can produce significant benefits in wealth optimization and estate planning. Trusts separate the management and control of an asset from its ownership. When correctly structured and maintained, a trust can save a family or group of individuals from overpaying taxes, while ensuring that all major financial decisions are made ….
The cross-border implications of life insurance taxation
The purpose of life insurance is to provide tax-free funds to those we love in the event of our passing. Ultimately, we want the policy to offer more than just money; we want it to deliver peace of mind. When a family loses a loved one, the intensity of emotion is enough to deal with, ….
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Revised, reworked and extended
On July 17, 2020 the Federal Government proposed significant changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) effective as of July 5, 2020. These changes follow from a consultation process that ended as of June 5, 2020. The key changes are as follows: CEWS extension and filing deadline The current CEWS which is in place ….
Ownership transition strategies: 4 factors to bridge the generation gap
If there is a single constant in the world of business, it’s change. Savvy and successful business owners know that when things get a little too comfortable, it’s often a signal that a big change is coming, and the time to take action has arrived. Change is thrust upon us from external circumstances (like, say ….
The non-resident’s guide to Canadian real estate
Economic and political stability. Low unemployment rates. Excellent health care. It’s no wonder why so many people from across the world choose Canada as their ideal location for real estate investment. Home to many ex-pats, and a vacation favourite for global travellers, the Canadian market provides fertile ground for both overseas investors and new immigrants ….
Golf course restructuring: A return to profitability
Canadian golf lovers and golf course owners breathed a collective sigh of relief when the sport was provided with reopening status relatively early in the easing of lockdown measures across the country. And while the disruption of business has been minimal compared to the economic crisis seen in other industries like hospitality and retail, the ….
Foreign Trustee vs. Canadian Trustee: What’s right for you?
When choosing a trustee for your trust, the tax consequences are often not front of mind. But they should be. While the most critical qualities in a trustee are trustworthiness, financial acumen, and business know-how, having an understanding of how different trustees affect taxation is key to protecting your wealth. Many people are unaware that ….