Estate Planning
Estate Planning
A clear plan means the people you love are looked after, your wishes are followed, and less of what you built goes to taxes and fees.
Why it matters
Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy. If you have a home, savings, a business or children, a plan decides who receives what, who makes decisions if you can’t, and how much money your family has available when they need it most.
The building blocks
The costs that catch families off guard
Probate (Estate Administration Tax). Ontario charges no tax on the first $50,000 of an estate that goes through probate, then $15 per $1,000 above that. For example, a $500,000 estate would pay $6,750. Your family may also face legal fees and delays before assets can be released.
Income tax at death. This is often the larger bill. In general, Canada treats your investments and other capital property as sold when you die, and your RRSP or RRIF is generally taxed as income on your final return. Assets passing to a spouse can often be deferred, so the largest bill tends to arrive at the second death. A family cottage, business or large RRSP can create a tax bill your family has to fund.
How insurance can help
- Cash when it’s needed: life insurance can cover taxes and expenses, so your family doesn’t have to sell a home, cottage or business in a hurry.
- Outside your estate: proceeds paid to a named beneficiary generally bypass the estate and probate.
- Investments that can pass directly: segregated funds with a named beneficiary can also avoid probate.
- Treating children fairly: if one child takes over the business or the cottage, insurance can provide an equal share for the others.
A quick checklist
- Is your will up to date?
- Do you have both powers of attorney, and do those people know?
- Are the beneficiaries on your insurance, RRSP, TFSA and other plans current?
- If a beneficiary is a minor, is there a plan for who manages the money? Children generally can’t receive it directly.
- Do you know roughly how much tax your estate would owe?
- Does your family know where your documents are?
Review your plan after marriage, separation or divorce, a new child, buying a home, or starting or selling a business.
How I work with you
I focus on the insurance and investment side of your plan: reviewing your coverage and beneficiaries, and estimating what your family would need. Your will and powers of attorney should be prepared with a lawyer, and your tax questions answered by an accountant. I’m happy to work alongside them.
Start with a simple review
Bring what you have, even if it’s nothing yet, and we’ll work out what’s missing.
This page is general information for Ontario residents, not legal, tax or personal financial advice. Rules and rates can change; speak with a lawyer and tax professional about your situation.
