The Advisors Table Podcast

AdvisorsTablePodcast

Most of the decisions that shape the outcome happen long before the paperwork. They happen quietly. Behind closed doors. With consequences that don’t reset. Soon, those conversations won’t be private anymore. If you’re navigating complexity, you’ll want a seat at this table.

  1. May 27

    Estate Planning Explained: Will vs Trust in Canada

    Solo 25 Most Canadians think their will controls everything they own. It doesn't. Your will may only govern a small portion of your assets — while the rest passes outside of it entirely. In this episode, we cover: • The three ways assets transfer when someone dies • Why beneficiary designations can override your will • How joint ownership can bypass probate entirely • What your will actually controls — and what it doesn't • Why powers of attorney matter during incapacity • How family trusts can help with tax planning, control, and asset protection • The 21-year trust rule most families never hear about Estate planning isn't just about death. It's about control, taxes, incapacity, and protecting your family when life changes unexpectedly. Many families only discover the gaps in their plan after a crisis has already occurred. If you have children, a corporation, aging parents, or significant assets, this is a conversation worth having before it becomes urgent. Links: 📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit: 🌐 theadvisorstable.com 📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group 📧 sunny@cedargroup.ca 🌐 cedargroup.ca 🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax, estate, and wealth planning insights. 👇 Comment below: Have you ever reviewed the beneficiary designations on your accounts, insurance policies, and registered plans? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances. #TheAdvisorsTable #EstatePlanning #FamilyTrust #Wills #Probate #TaxPlanning #WealthManagement #CanadianTax 00:00 – Introduction: The Big Will Misconception 00:15 – The Three Ways Your Assets Move When You Die 00:48 – Bucket Three: The Leftovers and the Probate Process 01:06 – Case Study: Why the Kids Didn't Get the Inheritance 01:49 – The Paperwork Trap and Checking Your Beneficiaries 02:09 – What a Standard Will Does (and Where It Fails) 02:55 – The Cost of Probate and Hidden Taxes in Ontario 03:41 – Incapacity Planning: What Happens If You Get Sick? 04:50 – Essential Documents: Powers of Attorney and Directives 05:47 – What Are Dual Wills and How Do They Work? 06:47 – Demystifying the Family Trust for Regular Canadians 07:44 – Four Powerful Things a Trust Can Do That a Will Can't 11:51 – The 21-Year Rule and the Generational Playbook 13:40 – Other Types of Trusts and Overcoming Common Myths 15:33 – Summary Checklist: Who Needs a Will vs. a Family Trust?

    17 min
  2. May 20

    The Airbnb Tax Nobody Knows About

    Solo 19 You put your home on Airbnb. The bookings are strong. The income is rolling in. But according to CRA, your home may no longer be considered a home. It may now be treated as a commercial property — like a hotel. And when you sell, you could face a significant and unexpected tax bill. In this episode, we cover: • How Airbnb can trigger CRA's "change in use" rules • Why short-term rentals can jeopardize principal residence treatment • The 2024 court case where CRA successfully applied HST on sale • How one homeowner could face approximately $150,000 in HST alone • Why switching back to long-term rentals may still trigger tax consequences • The hidden trap between income tax and HST rules • Why many Airbnb owners don't discover these issues until it's too late This isn't just about rental income. It's about how one decision can completely change the tax treatment of your property. And in many cases, homeowners only discover the consequences after the property has already been sold. If you own an Airbnb property — or are considering converting your home into one — this is a conversation worth having before CRA has it with you. Links: 📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit: 🌐 theadvisorstable.com 📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group 📧 sunny@cedargroup.ca 🌐 cedargroup.ca 🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax scenarios that show what happens without planning. 👇 Comment below: Did you know Airbnb income could change the tax status of your home? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances. #TheAdvisorsTable #CRA #Airbnb #Tax #RealEstate #HST 00:00 – The Airbnb Trap Nobody Sees Coming 00:18 – Meet John: The Executive Who Thought Airbnb Was Easy Money 00:38 – Why He Chose Airbnb Instead of Selling 01:05 – The CRA "Change of Use" Rule Explained 01:13 – When Your Home Becomes a Commercial Property 01:50 – The Ottawa Airbnb Court Case CRA Won 01:57 – Breaking Down John's $150,000 HST Problem 02:47 – How $500,000 in Airbnb Income Nearly Disappeared 03:14 – The Capital Gains Tax Hit Nobody Expects 03:45 – Why Airbnb Hosts Can End Up Owing More Than They Made 04:23 – Every Exit Strategy That Still Triggers Tax 05:59 – Why You Need Both Income Tax and HST Expertise Before It's Too Late

    8 min
  3. 3 Tax Cuts That Weren’t Tax Cuts

    May 14

    3 Tax Cuts That Weren’t Tax Cuts

    Governments love announcing tax cuts — but the headline rarely tells the full story. In just four months, three different governments — Federal, NDP, and Conservative — announced major tax breaks. But once you look past the press releases, many of these “savings” either shrink dramatically, trigger hidden tax costs, or quietly increase taxes somewhere else. In this episode, we break down the incomplete story behind these political tax promises. From reduced tax credits to retroactive corporate tax consequences and bracket creep, we show how the real impact is often buried deep inside the legislation — not the headline. In this episode, we break down: • Why tax cuts often come with hidden offsets elsewhere• How the federal 1% tax cut reduced the real benefit of common tax credits• Why the promised $825 savings was actually closer to $425• How Ontario’s small business rate drop can trigger retroactive tax on historical corporate earnings• Why B.C.’s frozen tax brackets quietly increase taxes through bracket creep• How government headlines often miss the real financial impact hidden in the legislation Don’t let political marketing dictate your financial decisions. Watch now to understand what these “tax cuts” actually mean for your money. Links: Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast Looking for trusted tax advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group. Email: sunny@cedargroup.caWebsite: cedargroup.ca Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios. Comment below — have these recent “tax cuts” actually made a difference in your finances? Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The Truth Behind Government Tax Cuts01:08 – Three Governments, Three Different Tax Cuts02:26 – Why Tax Cut Headlines Mislead the Public03:18 – Federal 1% Tax Cut Explained04:17 – Hidden Reduction in Tax Credits for Families05:14 – Why the Real Savings Are Much Lower Than Advertised06:33 – How Tax Experts Catch What Politicians Leave Out08:35 – Ontario’s Small Business Tax Rate Drop Breakdown10:06 – How Corporate & Personal Tax Integration Actually Works12:04 – Why Business Owners Eventually Pay More Tax Personally13:14 – The Retroactive Tax Increase Nobody Is Talking About15:00 – Example: How a $1M Corporation Gets Hit Harder16:44 – Why Governments Market Tax Cuts Without Full Disclosure17:10 – B.C.’s Sneaky Tax Increase Through Frozen Tax Brackets19:06 – How Federal, Ontario & B.C. Changes Cancel Each Other Out21:11 – Final Advice: Don’t Trust Tax Headlines Without Research

    22 min
  4. Don’t Buy A Car In 2026 Until You Learn CRA’s Rules

    May 7

    Don’t Buy A Car In 2026 Until You Learn CRA’s Rules

    Buying a car through your corporation doesn’t make it “free.” And in many cases, it can actually cost you more. In this episode, we break down one of the most common tax myths among business owners — the idea of the “full write-off.” While it sounds simple, the reality involves strict CRA limits, taxable benefits, and hidden personal tax consequences that most people don’t account for. We walk through how corporate vehicle ownership actually works, where the numbers fall apart, and why what seems like a smart tax move can quickly turn into an expensive mistake. In this episode, we break down: • Why a corporate vehicle is not a “full write-off”• How CRA caps limit deductions on purchases and leases• Why personal use creates taxable benefits• How standby charges increase your personal tax bill• Leasing vs. buying — and how each impacts taxes• Why mileage reimbursement is often the simpler, more efficient strategy Don’t assume the government is paying for your car. Watch this before you sign anything — it could save you thousands. Links: Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast Looking for trusted tax advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group. Email: sunny@cedargroup.caWebsite: cedargroup.ca Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios. Comment below — have you ever considered buying a car through your corporation? Timestamps: 00:00 – BMW Write-Off Myth Explained02:16 – Company Cars & Hidden Tax Costs04:14 – 2026 Vehicle Write-Off Limits & Caps05:23 – Lease Payment & Interest Deduction Limits06:36 – HST Recovery Rules for Company Cars08:15 – Employee Taxable Benefits on Luxury Vehicles09:37 – Standby Charge: 2% Monthly Tax Rule11:55 – Operating Cost Benefit & $0.34/km Rule14:22 – Why Company Cars Can Become More Expensive15:24 – Leasing a Vehicle Through a Corporation18:12 – Paying Your Own Gas & Repair Costs19:01 – Reducing Taxable Benefits With Business Use22:17 – CRA Logbook Requirements & Vehicle Audits25:09 – Avoiding Taxable Benefits the Right Way28:12 – Trades Workers, Pickup Trucks & On-Call Use31:01 – Shareholder Benefit Risks & CRA Penalties34:02 – EV Incentives & Corporate Tax Advantages36:08 – Using Your Personal Vehicle for Business38:23 – Real Client Example: Mileage Reimbursement Strategy40:04 – Final Thoughts: Calculating the Best Car Ownership Structure

    41 min
  5. May 5

    Canada Is Running Out of Money For You

    Solo 21 The government says Canada’s debt is only 10% of the economy — one of the lowest levels in the G7. The real number may be much higher. Interest costs on the federal debt are now exceeding the amount collected through GST, and within a few years are projected to surpass federal healthcare transfers. In this episode, we cover: • How Canada reports a 10% Debt-to-GDP ratio — and what’s excluded from that figure • Why total government debt can produce a much higher number • How CPP and pension assets affect the way debt is reported • Why Canada’s global ranking changes depending on the methodology used • The cycle of deficits, borrowing, and rising interest costs • Why debt servicing costs are growing faster than major areas of public spending This isn’t just about government accounting. It affects future taxes, public services, and how much government revenue is available for priorities other than debt payments. Links: 📋 For the full episode breakdown and additional tax resources, visit: 🌐 theadvisorstable.com 📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group 📧 sunny@cedargroup.ca 🌐 cedargroup.ca 🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax, policy, and financial planning insights. 👇 Comment below: Do you trust the way governments communicate debt and deficit numbers? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on publicly available information and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances. #TheAdvisorsTable #CanadaDebt #CanadianTax #FiscalPolicy #DebtToGDP #GovernmentSpending #EconomicPolicy #TaxPlanning 00:00 – Introduction: GST vs Interest Shock 00:33 – Government Claims vs Reality (10% Debt Myth) 00:58 – G7 Comparison Explained 01:25 – Why Canada Looks “Best” Every Year 01:45 – Real Debt Numbers Breakdown 02:04 – Total Debt Calculation (111%) 02:28 – How Government Reporting Works 02:53 – Pension Funds Adjustment Explained 03:25 – Global Ranking Reality Check 04:29 – Deficit and Spending Challenges 04:56 – Rising Interest Burden 05:24 – Taxes Up but Still Not Enough 05:56 – Interest vs Healthcare Spending 06:38 – Real Impact on Public Services 07:03 – Changing Definitions of “Balanced Budget” 07:59 – What This Means for You 08:25 – Final Takeaway

    9 min
  6. We Checked Carney’s Math. He’s Wrong.

    May 1

    We Checked Carney’s Math. He’s Wrong.

    Canada just released its 2026 Spring Economic Update — and at first glance, things look better. The deficit is down by $11 billion. But when you dig deeper, the story changes. In this episode, we break down what’s really driving the numbers — and why the “improvement” may have more to do with timing and external factors than actual policy changes. From unspent government commitments to a temporary boost from oil prices, we unpack how the headline doesn’t reflect the full picture. We also dive into Canada’s growing $1.42 trillion national debt, how it’s being presented, and what it actually means for taxpayers long term. Plus, we explore why the government is using CPP contributions to improve the appearance of the balance sheet, and the risks involved in the new $25 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund — funded entirely through additional borrowing. In this episode, we uncover: • Why the $11B “deficit reduction” isn’t driven by real policy changes• Why Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio may be far higher than the headline number• How delayed spending and higher oil prices shaped the update• What Canada’s $1.42 trillion debt and rising interest costs mean in practice• How a $25B sovereign wealth fund is being financed through borrowing — not surplus revenue• Early signals of asset sales and other strategies being discussed to manage long-term deficits Don’t rely on headlines to understand the economy. Watch now to see what the numbers actually mean — and how they could impact your future taxes. Links: Instagram: @advisorstablepodcast LinkedIn: The Advisors Table Podcast Looking for trusted tax advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group. Email: sunny@cedargroup.caWebsite: cedargroup.ca Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios. Comment below — what do you think is the biggest risk to Canada’s economy right now? Timestamps: 00:00 – Canada’s Spring Economic Update Overview00:25 – Rising Debt & Interest Cost Concerns00:51 – Pension Contributions & Taxpayer Ownership Discussion01:06 – Initial Reactions to the Economic Update01:42 – No Changes in Personal or Corporate Taxes02:01 – Canada’s Ongoing Structural Deficit02:49 – Has the New Government Really Changed Anything?03:11 – Deficit Projection Drops from $78B to $68B04:19 – Delayed Spending & Impact of Rising Oil Prices05:34 – Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Canada vs. G7 Countries06:18 – Real vs. Reported Debt (10% vs. ~41%)07:32 – Breaking Down Canada’s $1.42 Trillion Debt10:19 – Growing Deficit & Unsustainable Borrowing Trend11:45 – Interest Payments Surge Toward $81B14:45 – Canada’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund Explained17:02 – $25B Fund: Investing Borrowed Money?19:02 – Risks of Government Involvement in Private Projects20:11 – Selling Government Assets to Reduce Deficit

    23 min
  7. Apr 25

    CRA Charges $307/hr to Be Right

    CRA charges $307 per hour for a tax answer they'll actually stand behind. But if you call the regular phone line and receive incorrect information, you can still end up owing the tax, interest, and penalties. In one court case, a taxpayer relied on CRA phone guidance for years. When CRA later reassessed him, he challenged the decision in court — and lost. In this video, I break down the difference between CRA information services, written interpretations, and binding rulings, and why understanding the distinction matters. In this episode, we cover: • The $307/hour CRA ruling service and how it works • Why CRA phone advice doesn't legally protect taxpayers • The court case confirming CRA isn't bound by phone guidance • The free written response option many Canadians don't know exists • Why CRA won't provide tax planning advice — even through paid services • Who taxpayers should rely on when making important tax decisions CRA's role is to administer tax legislation, not act as your personal tax advisor. Understanding that distinction could save you from making a very expensive mistake. If you've ever called CRA and made a financial decision based on what you were told, this is a conversation worth watching. 📋 Additional tax resources, episode breakdowns, guides, and planning tools are available at: https://theadvisorstable.com 📞 Looking for Trusted Tax Advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi, at Cedar Consulting Group 📧 Email: sunny@cedargroup.ca 🌐 Website: https://www.cedargroup.ca/ 🔔 Subscribe for real-world tax scenarios, CRA insights, and practical planning strategies. 👇 Comment below: Have you ever relied on CRA phone advice before? LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a real case, but names and some details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions. 00:00 — The $307/Hour CRA Answer They'll Stand Behind00:20 — The Truck Driver Who Trusted CRA and Lost00:41 — What CRA Actually Offers (Paid vs Free)01:10 — Inside CRA's Binding Ruling Service02:00 — Expensive, Slow, and the 90-Day Wait02:43 — What CRA Will Never Do — Even If You Pay03:37 — Real Tax Situations CRA Won't Help You Plan05:11 — Why CRA Only Gives Yes or No Answers05:35 — Who Actually Helps With Tax Decisions06:41 — The Free CRA Written Response Option07:33 — CRA Isn't Your Tax Advisor08:24 — CRA Phone Advice Only 17% Accurate #TheAdvisorsTable #CRA #CanadianTax #CRAAdvice #TaxPolicy #TaxAdvice

    11 min
  8. Canada Wants $500K to Let You Leave | Majority, Exit Tax, Bare Trusts

    Apr 22

    Canada Wants $500K to Let You Leave | Majority, Exit Tax, Bare Trusts

    The political landscape in Canada just underwent a seismic shift. Following the April 13 by-elections, the government secured a majority in the House of Commons. This means the “cooperation” era is over, and the administration can now fast-track major tax changes — including expanding CRA audit powers and codifying controversial Bare Trust rules. In this episode, we unpack the proposal discussed at the recent Liberal convention to charge graduates a $500,000 tax for leaving the country to fight “brain drain.” We also dive into the newly passed Bare Trust legislation (Bill C-15), which requires mandatory filings for joint accounts, co-signed mortgages, and even shared car ownership — or face penalties tied to the value of the asset. In this episode, we break down: • Why $2.4 billion in government spending translated to only a $0.05 drop at the pump instead of the promised $0.10• What happens to tax law when the government no longer needs compromises to pass legislation• The proposed “$500K Exit Fee” and why critics argue it could discourage mobility and entrepreneurship• How departure tax and unrealized gains taxation already impact Canadians leaving the country• Why joint bank accounts and co-signed investment properties may now require mandatory Bare Trust filings• The growing compliance risks and penalties tied to Bare Trust reporting Don’t let government marketing fool you. The fine print is where the real costs are buried. Watch now to protect your assets and your exit. Links: CRA’s 2026 Rule Punishes You For Helping Family 3 CRA Powers Coming in 2026 Will Ruin You They Want Your Kid To Pay This Sign the Petition: c.org/vPVFWkJQTy Looking for trusted tax advice? Connect with Sankalp (Sunny) Jaggi at Cedar Consulting Group. Email: sunny@cedargroup.caWebsite: cedargroup.ca Subscribe if you want practical breakdowns of real tax scenarios. Comment below — do you think policies like the proposed “exit tax” would keep talent in Canada or push more people out? Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Major Political Shift in Canada00:42 – What a Majority Government Means01:31 – Fuel Tax Cut & $2.4B Spending02:19 – Bill C-15 & Recent Changes03:10 – How Majority Power Works04:12 – Why Majority Changes Everything05:28 – Upcoming Economic & Tax Changes06:46 – CRA Powers & Policy Concerns07:31 – Fuel Tax Impact on Gas Prices09:21 – Are Tax Cuts Actually Helping?11:01 – GST Holiday vs. Current Spending12:43 – Liberal Convention & Big Ideas13:22 – Brain Drain Problem Explained14:56 – $500K Exit Tax Proposal Debate16:05 – Existing Departure Tax Reality23:42 – Talent Leaving Canada (Stats & Impact)25:42 – Bare Trust Rules Explained31:06 – Who Needs to File & Exceptions35:16 – Compliance Risks & Penalties

    39 min

About

Most of the decisions that shape the outcome happen long before the paperwork. They happen quietly. Behind closed doors. With consequences that don’t reset. Soon, those conversations won’t be private anymore. If you’re navigating complexity, you’ll want a seat at this table.