Income splitting is a tax strategy that allows family members to allocate income from a high-income earner to lower-income family members in order to reduce the overall tax liability. For family-owned businesses in Canada, income splitting can be an effective way to optimize their tax situation and maximize tax savings.
1. Dividend Income Splitting
Dividend income splitting involves distributing dividends to family members who are shareholders of the corporation. Since dividends are taxed at a lower rate than regular income, this strategy can help shift income from higher tax brackets to lower ones. However, it’s important to ensure that the dividends paid are reasonable and reflective of the individual’s contribution to the business. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has rules in place to prevent excessive income splitting, so it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines.
2. Salary Income Splitting
Paying a salary to family members who are actively involved in the business is another way to split income. By providing a reasonable salary for their roles and responsibilities, you can effectively allocate income while also benefitting from deducting the salary as a business expense. However, the salary paid must be justifiable based on market rates for similar positions, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
3. Hiring Family Members
Hiring family members who are not currently involved in the business can also be a legitimate strategy for income splitting. By employing family members in roles that contribute to the business’s operations, you can allocate income to them through their salaries. This approach can be particularly effective if the family member has a lower income or is in a lower tax bracket.
Take help of corporate tax return services to seek more understanding.
4. Gifting Shares
Transferring shares of the corporation to family members can allow for income splitting, as the dividends paid on those shares will be distributed among the new shareholders. However, gifting shares should be approached carefully, considering factors such as control of the business, future capital gains implications, and potential attribution rules that might apply.
5. Avoiding the Tax on Split Income (TOSI) Rules
The Tax on Split Income (TOSI) rules were introduced by the Canadian government to prevent excessive income splitting among family members. These rules apply a higher tax rate to certain types of income earned by individuals who are subject to TOSI. However, there are exceptions for those who are actively involved in the business or meet specific criteria. Understanding the TOSI rules and their exceptions is crucial for designing effective income splitting strategies.
6. Seeking Professional Advice
While income splitting can offer significant tax benefits, it’s essential to navigate the rules carefully and ethically. Consulting with tax professionals who specialize in Canadian corporate tax and family-owned businesses can help you develop tailored strategies that comply with tax regulations while maximizing your tax savings.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, income splitting strategies can be valuable tools for optimizing tax savings within family-owned businesses in Canada. However, it’s important to approach these strategies with a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding income splitting to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties. By working with experienced corporate tax accountant and designing thoughtful income splitting plans, family-owned businesses can benefit from reduced tax liabilities and improved financial outcomes.
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