What we do
- Deemed disposition and capital-gains rollover
- Post-mortem pipeline and bump planning
- Capital Dividend Account utilization
- US estate tax for Canadian residents
CANADA'S TAX & BUSINESS LAWYERS
Our Specialty is When the Estate Plan Involves Complex Tax Matters
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Common issues we provide advice on:
01.
Estate Freezes
02.
Establishing trusts (including cross-border trusts)
03.
Succession of family businesses
04.
Powers of attorney
05.
Probate fee planning
Two Different Procedures Conducted in the TCC
Post-mortem tax planning
Even the best prepared estate plans still require additional steps to be undertaken post-mortem to avoid unnecessary tax. It is prudent to undertake a review of the tax implications on the estate, and a tax lawyer can identify if there are any tax planning opportunities. This is particularly important for estates where the taxpayer had owned private company shares at the time of death, as without proper advice, double (or triple) taxation will frequently apply.
Cross-border estate planning
We provide tax and estate planning advice to Canadians who have a nexus to the United States. For many clients, this is a result of owning property in the US. We provide advice on how best to structure ownership of US properties, with a view of limiting complexity, while balancing potential US estate taxes against other taxes. It is best to reach out to us before purchasing the property, as this provides the greatest flexibility. If you have already purchased the property, it can still be worthwhile to conduct a review to ensure the structure should not be changed.
3 Ways to Schedule a Consultation
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We listen to your objectives and devise an estate plan to suit your needs
CALL US TODAY 1-877-882-9829
Working with us
Every engagement begins with a tax-aware review of your goals. We pair the corporate work — incorporations, agreements, transactions — with the tax planning that lets the structure deliver value over the long term. Your consultation is confidential, and once we are retained, communications are protected by solicitor–client privilege.
We work on fixed-fee quotes for most corporate matters so you know the cost up front.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tax lawyer for estate planning if I already have a will?
Wills handle distribution. Tax planning handles what's left after the deemed disposition on death, the capital-gains rollover to a spouse, the post-mortem pipeline, and US estate tax for snowbirds. The two work together.
What is a post-mortem pipeline?
A pipeline transaction lets the estate of a deceased shareholder extract corporate value as a return of capital instead of a deemed dividend, avoiding double taxation. It typically requires a holdco freeze and is most effective when planned within the first year after death.