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Financial Planning For Canadian Business Owners

Insurance Grey Areas | E123

Ep. 123

avigating Gray Areas in Insurance and Tax Law In this episode, host Jason Pereira, alongside guest Jason Watt, embarks on an in-depth discussion about the gray areas in insurance and tax law that Canadian business owners need to be aware of. They explore complex issues surrounding the Income Tax Act’s treatment of insurance, the potential risks involved with current sales tactics, and the specifics regarding corporate-owned insurance and individual policies. They discuss critical illness insurance, the implications of using corporate assets for personal loans, the nuances of the Capital Dividend Account (CDA), the mechanics of health spending accounts, and group benefits. They also touch upon the responsibilities and potential liabilities for insurance agents and financial planners. This episode aims to provide clarity and caution on often misunderstood and convoluted topics in the insurance field.

00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning for Canadian Business Owners

00:11 Gray Areas in Insurance and Tax Law

01:04 Historical Context of Insurance in the Income Tax Act

02:01 Critical Illness Insurance and Tax Code Gaps

02:59 Taxation of Corporate-Owned Insurance

05:06 Complexities of Borrowing Against Insurance Policies

10:45 Offshore Insurance Arrangements

13:56 Capital Dividend Account (CDA) Explained

17:05 Critical Illness Insurance with Return of Premium

20:43 Understanding Actuarial Valuation for ROP

21:06 Critical Illness Insurance: Real-Life Scenarios

21:56 Tax Implications and Full Disclosure

24:21 Group Benefits: Tax Outcomes and Gray Areas

29:14 Health Spending Accounts: Rules and Risks

33:43 Shareholder Benefits and Tax Risks

37:49 Agent's Obligations and Client Protection

41:52 CRA's Response and Tax Court Realities

45:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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