Tax filing season is in full swing.
As we prepare to file our 2023 income tax returns, it’s also time to check our investment portfolios because income earned on investments can be taxable. So you’ll need to find out if you have any taxable investment income to report when filing your taxes.
This article will go through the basics of reviewing your portfolio, and some key information to know when reporting your investment income.
2024 Tax-filing Deadline in Canada
The deadline to file your individual 2023 income tax return is April 30, 2024, to avoid interest.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) receives it on or before Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
- It is postmarked on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024.
The deadline to file your return if you, your spouse, or common-law partner are self-employed is June 15, 2023. As this date falls on a Saturday, your tax return will be considered filed on time if the CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before June 17, 2024.
Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more about what’s new this tax-filing season.
How to Check Your Portfolio
Regular account statements from investment firms, and from the companies you’re investing in, will provide you with information on how your investments are doing.
Request Investment Account Statements
You can get information on how your portfolio is performing by checking your investment account statements. If you’re working with a registered investment advisor, their firm must provide you with account statements at least every three months (or every month if you request them). The firm must also provide you with an annual investment performance report. Click here to see a sample report.
You can also watch this video to learn more about the details of your investment performance report.
Check in with Your Registered Advisor
Monitoring your portfolio on a regular basis can also make it easier to talk to your registered investment advisor about your investments. Together you can determine if your mix of assets is working for you.
There are some considerations to go over with your advisor when deciding on changes to your portfolio. Here are some key questions you should ask before buying or selling an investment.
It’s important to remember the client-advisor relationship is a two-way street, and you as the client also have responsibilities. Learn more about how you can play a more active role by watching the video below.
Working with an advisor virtually? Make sure you send sensitive information securely. If you need to send private, sensitive, and/or confidential information to your advisor, do not send it using unsecured websites or email services. Private information like your SIN is best communicated directly over the phone, or via other secure methods.
The Importance of Monitoring Your Investments
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to check your portfolio during tax season in order to determine whether you have taxable investment income to report. Outside of tax season, monitoring your portfolio regularly is a good investing habit to build. Let’s explore three additional reasons why monitoring your portfolio matters.
1. You Can Determine Whether Your Investments Are Still Right for You
Investment account statements generally set out the cost and market value of each investment. Checking these account statements regularly can help you determine if your investments are still aligned with your financial goals. You may find that your goals or your financial situation changed over time, and your investment plan may need to be updated.
2. You Can Take Steps to Stay on Track
If you think your portfolio is off track or no longer suits your short- or long-term goals, work with your registered investment advisor to figure out the best way forward. This can help determine whether you need to take action. Rebalancing your portfolio or diversifying so that you hold a mix of investments, are some tactics you can use to refresh your investment strategy.
3. You Can Better Understand Investment Fees & Charges
If you’re monitoring your investments statements regularly, you will become better informed about the investment fees and charges you’re paying. Understanding the fees you pay helps to evaluate the true cost of your investments, as well as the services you receive from your registered investment advisor. Learn more about fees and charges.
If you feel like you’re paying too much in fees, it may be a good time to talk to your registered advisor about other investment options that may be more cost-effective, but still fit with your goals. Exploring your investment management options could also include considering a robo-advisory service, or going the self-directed route. Learn more about these options.
Reporting Income Earned Through Investments
The income you earn through investments makes up a component of your taxable income. It is calculated in with the income you earn from employment and other sources. There are a couple of points to be aware of when reporting your investment income.
1. Not all Investment Income is Taxed at the Same Rate
When it comes to investing, the income you earn can come in various ways, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) taxes income types differently.
For example, income earned from interest may be taxed differently than income earned from dividends. In some cases, investment income isn’t taxed at all. For instance, if you hold investments in a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), the amount contributed as well as the income gained from investments in the account is tax-free, even on withdrawal.
Talk to your registered advisor and/or a tax expert to understand how your investments will be taxed.
2. Some Investment Fees & Charges May Be Tax-deductible
Many BC investors want to know if their broker or investment advisor fees, mutual fund management fees, and any trailing commissions they incur are tax-deductible in Canada.
The rules vary widely, but it’s helpful to know that some types of investment fees and charges are tax-deductible. For more information, it’s best to speak with an accountant or another tax expert, or contact the CRA.
Report a Concern
If you have any concerns about a person or company offering an investment opportunity, please contact BCSC Contact Centre at 604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393, or through e-mail at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint or submit a tip anonymously using BCSC’s online complaint form.
InvestRight.org is the BC Securities Commission’s investor education website. Subscribe to receive email updates from BCSC InvestRight.
