As 2016 draws to a close, now is a good time to plan ahead to take advantage of tax savings, particularly as tax rates increased this year across the country. In addition to maximizing your RRSP and TFSA contributions and realizing any capital losses, make sure that any payments that may be eligible for tax deductions or credits are made ahead of the deadline.

Here are some key CRA dates for consideration:

Payments due by December 31, 2016:

• Investment counsel fees, interest and other investment expenses

• Medical expenses

• Child and spousal support payments

• Charitable donations

• Deductible legal fees

• Interest on student loans

• Contributions to your RRSP if you turned 71 on or before    December 31, 2016

You also have until December 31, 2016, to:

• Rebalance corporate class mutual funds tax-free

• Benefit from tax-loss selling

• Delay RRSP withdrawals under the Home Buyers Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan (until January 1, 2017)

• Make TFSA contributions as well as any necessary withdrawals

• Make RESP contributions to qualify for CESG

• Convert your RRSP to a RRIF if you turned 71 in 2016

• Benefit from the Children’s Fitness and Arts Credit

Payments due by January 30, 2017:

• Interest owed on spousal loans

Payments due by March 1, 2017:

• Contributions to your own RRSP or a spousal RRSP

• Contributions to federal or provincial labour-sponsored venture capital corporations

• RRSP repayments under a Home Buyers’ Plan or a Lifelong Learning Plan

Philip G. Kuzyk FCSI, CIM

Portfolio Manager, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management

609 Granville Street, Suite 2200, Vancouver BC V7Y 1H2

T: 604.699.0869 | F: 604.643.1802 | TF: 888.589.9591

E: philip.kuzyk@canaccord.com |www.canaccordgenuity.com