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Dividends vs Salary: Why the Simplest Compensation Strategy Isn’t Always the Best
Business Owners, IPP, RCA, Uncategorized
Dividends vs Salary — An Introduction Many owners of Canadian private corporations default to paying themselves in dividends. It feels simple, avoids payroll deductions, offers the dividend tax credit, and seems tax-efficient. But as GBL frequently hears from business owners years later — “I wish I’d taken more T4 income.” Behind this regret lies an […]
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IPPs Are Simpler Than You Think: A Turnkey Option for Investment Advisors
IPP Setup for Advisors: Simple & Turnkey with GBL If you’ve heard that Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) are complex, you’re not alone. Many advisors picture heavy paperwork, actuarial math, and regulatory hoops. In practice, when you partner with experts like GBL, the IPP setup is straightforward; and you keep the client relationship while we handle […]
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Remembering Dave McFarlane (April 19, 1944 – October 13, 2025)
It is with great sadness that we pay this tribute to Dave McFarlane; who passed on October 13th, 2025. Dave was once a respected competitor who became a colleague after McFarlane Amerlee Consulting joined GBL in 2020 – a pivotal year for GBL Most importantly, Dave was our friend. Dave graduated with a Bachelor of […]
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IPP Setup Deadline for Deductions for the 2025 Tax Year
Are you a business owner or incorporated professional considering an Individual Pension Plan (#IPP) for yourself? Or are you an #advisor or #accountant considering one for your client? The deadline for GBL to receive completed IPP applications for the 2025 #tax year is December 12th – roughly two months away. Unlike with the #RRSP, which […]
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Individual Pension Plans for Franchises
How Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) Can Be A Central Tax Strategy Franchises And Their Impact Anywhere you look, you’ll likely see a franchise. From the rest stops on the highway, to nearly every small town and large city. There are over 75,000 franchise locations in Canada in over 50 sectors including food, retail, healthcare, automotive, […]
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GBL Takes Over Maintenance of Pension Plan Interest Rates for Canadian Actuarial Industry
August 15th, 2025 We are thrilled to announce that GBL has taken over maintenance of the Pension Plan Interest Rates database from Hart Actuarial . We now provide these rates for the Canadian actuarial industry and pension managers, including CANSIM / Commuted Value, Marriage Breakdown, and other rates upon request. Rates are updated monthly and can […]
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Retirement Planning for Incorporated Dentists: The Use of Individual Pension Plans
Fraser Lang April 15th, 2025 Federal tax changes have turned what was once prudent planning by dentists on its head, leaving many without adequate retirement savings. This article discusses how Retirement Planning for Incorporated Dentists through the Individual Pension Plan (IPP) can help to resolve the government-created gap. Background Dentists handle important and stressful work; […]
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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP): Funded vs Unfunded – Which is the better Executive Compensation Option?
Retirement Compensation Arrangement (Funded) vs Notional Accrual (Unfunded): This is a question that GBL frequently gets asked when helping companies design compensation packages. The answer depends on your company’s and employee’s individual circumstances. SERP: Funded vs Unfunded? Which is the better Executive Compensation option? Introduction: For executive retirement planning, providing entitlements above the base defined […]
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IPPs Are Easier to Set Up Than You Think
A common misconception is that IPPs are complicated, but the reality that IPPs are easier to set up than you think . Once you have decided that an IPP is the right fit, you can enjoy the benefits of corporate deductions and enhanced retirement savings with ease. The Individual Pension Plan (IPP) is widely regarded […]
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Pension Provider Not Providing Estimates? GBL Can Help You Plan With Commuted Value Estimates
Pat Johnston and Rob Easton March 5th, 2025 An increasingly common question which GBL receives is this: “I am enrolled in my company’s Defined Benefit plan and am nearing retirement age. Should I remain in the plan and draw a lifetime pension, or take the commuted value and invest it with my Advisor?” Further to […]
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