The federal government’s expanded Tax on Split Income (TOSI) rules came into effect on January 01, 2019. These changes were significant for small business owners and their families because many of the tax flexibilities they had enjoyed until 2019 were no longer present.

Below, we have outlined how these changes will affect you and the potential steps you can take in light of the government’s revised TOSI rules.

What is Income Splitting?

Income splitting is a tax strategy used in Canada to reduce a taxpayer’s overall tax bill by allocating income to lower-income family members. The idea behind income splitting is to take advantage of Canada’s progressive tax system, which imposes higher tax rates on higher income levels. By allocating income to lower-income family members, taxpayers can effectively lower their overall taxable income and reduce their tax bill.

There are several methods and rules for income splitting in Canada, including:

1. Spousal Loans: This involves lending money to a lower-income spouse or common-law partner and charging interest on the loan. The lower-income spouse can then claim the interest income, effectively splitting the taxpayer’s income.
2. Family Trusts: A family trust is a type of trust that allows for the income generated by the trust to be allocated to different family members. Using a family trust, taxpayers can allocate income to lower-income family members and reduce their overall tax bill.

Investment Income Splitting: This involves holding investments in the names of lower-income family members. The income generated by these investments can then be claimed as income by the lower-income family members, effectively splitting the taxpayer’s income.

It’s important to note that income-splitting strategies Canada is effective; they must be done following Canada’s tax laws and regulations. The CRA has rules to prevent taxpayers from artificially using income splitting to reduce their tax bill, and taxpayers who engage in improper income splitting may face penalties and fines. If you’re looking for tips to reduce taxable income in Canada, income splitting is a great choice.

How Does Income Splitting Work in Canada Now?

Previously, TOSI only applied to split income gains of individuals under 18, but now, the split income of those over 18 will be subject to TOSI.

According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the split income of all persons over 18 will be taxed at “the highest marginal tax rate.” In effect, the new rules take away the ability to leverage lower tax rates by income splitting with a family member in a lower tax bracket.

There are some exceptions to the income-splitting law Canada that business owners can leverage moving forward. Note: in the examples below, the split income recipient must be immediate family, i.e., parent, child, or sibling, not an aunt, uncle, nephew, or niece.

What’s Exempted from TOSI in Canada Income Splitting?

1. Excluded Business Gains

If the family member is 18-24 of age and has worked with the business for an average of at least 20 hours per week in the current tax year, then their gains are exempt from TOSI.

You can also qualify for the exemption if you can demonstrate the 20 hours a week requirement in any 5 previous taxation years (these years do not need to be in succession).

Moreover, if the business only operates for part of the year (e.g. 6 months), you only need to demonstrate the family member’s work input during that period.

Not only are earnings made in the taxation years the individual worked exempt from TOSI, but dividend earnings made after that period are also exempt. This comes in handy when you want to convert a sole proprietorship into a corporation.

For example, let’s say a child had worked at their parents’ bakery from 19 to 24, and then stepped away from the business’ daily operations, but earned dividends from 25 to 28.

Those dividends will be exempt from TOSI so long as they are determined to be ‘reasonable.’ This means there are many benefits of incorporation for realtors.

Need More Information On Filing Your Taxes?

• What To Do If You Haven’t Filed Your Tax Returns (Voluntary Disclosure Program)
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2. Excluded Shares

If the relative is 25 or older and owns at least 10% of the company in both votes and value, then their dividends are exempt from TOSI.

However, Finance Canada states that this exemption will only apply to corporations that “earn less than 90 percent of [their] income from the provision of services” and are not professional corporations, such as law firms, accounting firms, or dentistry and physician clinics.

3. Other Exemptions

Business Owners Aged 65+

Spousal income splitting of business owners that made contributions to the business and over 65 will not be subject to TOSI.

Gains From the Disposition of Qualified Business Shares, Farm, or Fishing Property

Split income from gains made from selling shares from a qualified farm or fishing property, or from selling shares in a qualified small business (CRA).

The New Rules are Complex.

The new TOSI exemption rules are not only complicated, but maybe in flux in the coming years.

From what constitutes as an “unreasonable return” to sufficiently documenting the fact that your child or spouse has worked in your company, there are many ‘grey areas’ that you can’t leave to guesswork. Unfortunately, many businesses have a lot of work ahead in terms of re-aligning themselves to the expanded TOSI framework.

This article is just a brief look into the issue, but because every business is different — and that you have specific questions — your first step should be to speak to an accounting firm that’s fully aware of the legal environment and your small business’ needs.

Be it managing your business’ regular tax needs or re-aligning how its organized to leverage new tax laws such as TOSI, we are ready to help. We will help you gain clarity about your tax obligations so that you can focus on growing your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for income splitting in Canada?

Several factors go into determining whether someone is eligible for income splitting, such as their age and the type of pension they are receiving. For example, those above the age of 65 who are not receiving credits such as CPP (Canada Pension Plan) can split their income from their RRSP, RRIF, and other qualifying payments. Those under the age of 65 are only eligible for pension splitting on certain life annuity payments or in the case of a partner (spouse) passing.

What is income splitting in Canada?

Income splitting is a tax strategy used in Canada to reduce a taxpayer’s overall tax bill by allocating income to lower-income family members. The idea behind income splitting is to take advantage of Canada’s progressive tax system, which imposes higher tax rates on higher income levels. By allocating income to lower-income family members, taxpayers can effectively lower their overall taxable income and reduce their tax bill.

Is income splitting allowed for 2023?

Yes, although now the TOSI (tax on split income) will affect those over the age of 18 whereas previously, it only applied to those under 18. These income-splitting rules Canada will affect many families who have benefited from splitting income to their children. Although, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, those between 18-24 who have worked at least 20 hours per week have their gains exempted from TOSI.

Is income splitting allowed in Canada?

In order to be eligible for income splitting, an individual and their spouse both must reside in Canada by the end of the calendar year unless for reasons such as work or school.

What does income splitting mean in Canada?

Income splitting in Canada is a tax strategy that involves allocating income to lower-income family members to take advantage of the progressive tax system and reduce a taxpayer’s overall tax bill. Income-splitting strategies Canada is effective; they must be done following Canada’s tax laws and regulations. The CRA has rules to prevent taxpayers from artificially using income splitting to reduce their tax bill, and taxpayers who engage in improper income splitting may face penalties and fines

How does split income work?

Income splitting works by allowing the higher-earning spouse to transfer income over to their partner, who is usually in a lower tax bracket. This lowers the overall tax burden on the family as there is more taxable income in the lower earners’ hands. If you’re a doctor or a highly paid professional, consider looking into tax planning tips for Canadian doctors.

How does income splitting ing work for seniors in Canada?

Income splitting in Canada for seniors involves allocating income to a lower-income spouse or common-law partner to take advantage of the lower tax rates applicable to that person’s income. This can be done through spousal loans, pension, and investment income splitting. Seniors can lower their overall tax bill by reducing their combined taxable income and maximizing their retirement savings. However, it’s important to ensure that any income-splitting strategies used by seniors comply with Canadian tax laws and regulations.

Do both spouses have to be 65 to income split?

No, the receiving spouse is not required to be 65 years of age or older. In addition, the amount split can also be changed on a yearly basis to the benefit of the couple.

What are the benefits of income splitting in Canada?

Income splitting can allow families with low and high income earners to save money on taxes by “splitting” their income to even things out.

Is income splitting legal in Canada ?

Yes, income splitting is legal, although depending on the age and credit received, a TOIS (tax on income splitting) may be included.