Dates and location

Registration open until
September 4, 2025
Start date
September 9, 2025
End date
November 4, 2025
Location
Virtual

Pricing

$3,699.00
Member
$3,699.00
Student
$4,439.00
Public
$3,699.00
Personal PD Passport Pricing
ADD TO CART

Hours

Time
12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
PD hour(s)
38 hours
Ethics hour(s) included
0 hours
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Certificate in Advanced Individual Tax Returns (Instructor Led)

Certificates

Certificate in Advanced Individual Tax Returns (Instructor Led)

Home

›

Accounting & Tax

›

Certificate in Advanced Individual Tax Returns (Instructor Led)

Certificates

Certificate in Advanced Individual Tax Returns (Instructor Led)

Dates and location

Registration open until
September 4, 2025
Start date
September 9, 2025
End date
November 4, 2025
Location
Virtual

Pricing

$3,699.00
Member
$3,699.00
Student
$4,439.00
Public
$3,699.00
Personal PD Passport Pricing
ADD TO CART

Hours

Time
12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
PD hour(s)
38 hours
Ethics hour(s) included
0 hours

Description

Welcome to the Certificate in Advanced Individual Tax Returns. High Net Worth & Expatriate Tax: Where Expertise Meets Excellence!

This certificate is tailored for tax professionals who review and approve complex individual tax returns while exploring the full spectrum of the individual tax lifecycle. This course will be of particular interest to those who are also seeking to expand their expertise beyond compliance. 

Participants will immerse themselves in case studies, assessments, group discussions, and self-study to sharpen their skills in reviewing complex tax returns and providing expert consulting on matters related to various stages of an individual’s tax lifecycle, including incorporated business, wealth transfer and estate related considerations. This includes addressing tax compliance, planning and strategic decision-making across different life events and financial stages. We will also emphasize critical cross-border tax considerations. Join us to elevate your understanding and capabilities in individual taxation and gain valuable tools to advise and lead effectively in complex scenarios.

This is an intense course, and it is designed to cover a wide breath of issues as part of the tax return scenarios. Homework cases and the final comprehensive integrated case will be progressively complex; therefore, participants are encouraged to set aside 20-40 hours of self-study time outside of the live sessions to optimize their learning.


Speak to an Advisor

To speak to an advisor, please fill out this form.

Schedule

Date & Mode Module & Description Focus Areas

Virtual (Zoom)

September 9, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 Kick-Off Call
(30 minutes)
  • Welcome and introduction.
  • Purpose and relevance of the certificate in current practices.
  • Overview of key topics and modules.
  • Program Expectations – self-study, office hrs, homework cases, materials etc.
  • Overview of the final assessment.
  • Discuss other compliance related issues.

On-Demand

Module 1: Refresher
(4 hours)

Experienced participants can go directly to the assessment
 
  • 1.1 Practice Exercises – Residency
    • Income sourcing, foreign tax credits (FTCs).
    • Factual Residents, Part Year Residents, Deemed Residents, Non-Residents, and Deemed Non-Residents (treaty tiebreaker).
    • Quebec residency considerations.
       
  • 1.2 Tax Treatment of Equity Income – Stock Options and RSUs
     
  • 1.3 Payroll Process Overview
    • Tax residency and Province of employment – withholding and reporting.
    • Considerations for remote workers.
    • Common compensation items, their sourcing and tax treatment.
    • Non-Resident Employer certification.
    • Shadow payroll and other concepts.
       
  • 1.4 Individual Taxpayers
    • Employees - Assignees, Transfers, Business travelers and Treaty exempt individuals.
    • Business owners – Unincorporated and Incorporated business owners.

Assessment at the end of module to ensure participants are prepared for advanced modules.

On-Demand

 Module 2: Getting Started
(4 hours)
  • 2.1 Best Practices – Review and Sign-off
     
  • 2.2 Advanced Considerations - Non-Resident Returns
    • Business income, Taxable Canadian Property, 232 and 256 deductions, Part XIII scenarios, Rental tax return (s216), s217 overview.
    • Sale of real property by a non-resident - Certificate of Compliance (T2062).
       
  • 2.3 Advanced considerations – Resident (Full Year and Part Year) Returns 
    • T1135 - Advanced reporting considerations.
    • Overview of Forms T1134, T1141 and T1142.
    • Short-term assignees and commuters to US – Forms RC 267 and RC 268.
    • T1213 Waiver.
    • ACB considerations for securities.
    • Crypto and Other Digital Assets Reporting.
    • Unwinding of departure taxes.
    • Foreign tax credits – pro-ration vs full amount, FTC on business income, calendar vs fiscal year, subsections 20(11) & 20(12) etc.
    • Multi-jurisdictional filings.

Activity: Class exercises
Homework Practice: Mini-Cases

Virtual (Zoom)

September 23, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 3: Advanced Individual Tax Issues (Part 1)
(4 hours)
  • 3.1 Employment Income and Benefits
    • Reporting Non-Cash Benefits and Allowances
      • Common benefits – taxable and non-taxable, including low-interest and interest-free loans, employee deductions (Home office, operating a car, legal fees etc.).
      • Employee vs independent contractor.
      • Incorporated employee.
      • Other credits and deductions.
    • Stock Options and their Tax Implications
      • CCPCs vs non-CCPCs
      • Risk management
         
  • 3.2 Self-Employed (Unincorporated Business)
    • Self-Employed (Unincorporated Business)
      • Detailed reporting of income and expenses. (Form T2125) e.g., home office expenses, CCA claims, private health care premiums, Canada training credit etc.
         
  • 3.3 Investment Income
    • Reporting complex equity income such as stock options, RSUs, and non-qualified stock options.
    • Handling significant investment income and capital gains – linked notes, ABIL, superficial losses, prior years’ losses etc.
    • Handling complex investment structures such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate investments.

Activity: Class exercises
Homework Practice: Review of Resident Tax Returns
(Asynchronous video will cover the practice cases debrief).

Virtual (Zoom)

September 25, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 4: Advanced Individual Tax Issues (Part 2)
(4 hours)
  • 4.1 International Tax Issues
    • Managing cross-border income and reporting.
    • Application of US-Canada tax treaty and foreign tax credits.
      • Key provisions of the treaty impacting individual taxpayers.
      • Application of treaty benefits to various income types.
      • How treaties affect tax obligations and planning.
      • Case studies on treaty application and problem-solving.
         
  • 4.2 Rental Income
    • Dealing with complex rental situations and depreciation e.g., recaptured depreciation in the year of sale, recurring rental losses, renting to relatives at below market rates etc.
       
  • 4.3 Principal Residence 
    • Common types of properties that qualify.
    • Residential property flipping rules.
    • Change in use rules & elections - 45(2) and 45(3).
    • Advanced issues – duplex units, partial rental, use of trusts, Marital breakdown etc.
       
  • 4.4 Advanced Deductions and Credits
    • Navigating and optimizing use of federal and provincial tax credits.
    • Strategic use of deductions such as charitable donations, medical expenses, home office deductions.
    • Leveraging credits related to education, disability, family benefits, and long-term elder care.
    • Other considerations - Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) and Canada Learning Bond (CLB).

Activity: Class exercises
Homework Practice: Review of Part Year Arrival & Departure Tax Returns
(Asynchronous video will cover the practice cases debrief).

Virtual (Zoom)

October 7, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 5: Advanced Individual Tax Issues (Part 3)
(4 hours)
  • 5.1 Retirement Savings, Income and Other Registered Plans
    • Taxation of pensions and retirement accounts (RRSPs, RRIFs); other important considerations e.g., contributing qualified investments, investing in shares of private Canadian corps, attribution rules, transfers between plans.
    • Retirement compensation arrangement (RCA).
    • Tax treaties' impact on retirement income.
    • Strategies for tax-efficient withdrawals and conversions.
    • Spousal RRSP.
    • Sharing of CPP and QPP retirement payments with spouse.
    • Pension income splitting.
    • Advanced considerations for TFSAs and similar vehicles such as FHSAs.
    • Gifting to spouses and children.
    • Taxability and other implications related to RPPs, DPSPs, RDSPs and RESPs.
    • Other considerations e.g., Postpone the beginning of OAS benefits and CPP/QPP retirement pension.
       
  • 5.2 Cross-border Considerations 
    • Rollover of a US retirement plan (401k or IRA) to Canada.
    • Taxation of cross-border pensions (US and Canada).
    • Tax implications of employment abroad, including social security contributions.
    • Understanding and applying social security agreements.
    • Social security credits in both USA and Canada.

Activity: Class exercises
Homework Practice: Review of Non-Resident Tax Returns
(Asynchronous video will cover the practice cases debrief).

Virtual (Zoom)

October 9, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 6: Capturing the Individual Tax Lifecycle (Part 1)
(4 hours)
  • 6.1 Incorporated Businesses (focus on CCPCs) Taxability
    • Small Business Deduction (SBD).
    • Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE), Income deferral, income splitting, attribution rules, TOSI rules, trapped losses, CCPCs and control.
    • Taxability of CCPCs vs non-CCPCs.
    • Understanding taxability of ABI vs non-ABI income.
       
  • 6.2 Distribution of Income from Corporation
    • Optimal strategies for taking out funds.
    • Common owner-manager compensation structures.
    • Tax efficient investments.

Activity: Class exercises
Homework Practice: Mini-Cases

Virtual (Zoom)

October 21, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 7: Capturing the Individual Tax Lifecycle (Part 2)
(4 hours)
  • 7.1 Business Exit & Succession Planning 
    1. Sale or gift of shares
    2. Discontinue the company
    3. Estate freeze
      • Suitability of estate freeze.
      • Common tax structures to maximize after-tax proceeds e.g., family trusts and multiplication of LCGEs e.g., inter vivos, alter ego, joint partner.
      • QSBC qualification and purification.
      • Other related considerations e.g., new income sprinkling rules, wills, probate, privacy, POAs.
         
  • 7.2 Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer 
    • Estate Plan – Overview of key stages; Accumulation, Preservation, Realization and Transfer.
    • Preparing returns for deceased Individuals.
      • Types of tax returns that may be filed.
      • Identify and address issues – death year filings.
      • Planning for the deemed disposition at death.
    • Tax implications of gifting and receiving inheritances.
    • Use of trusts, foundations, and gifting strategies to manage wealth transfers.
    • Tax reporting for different types of trusts (e.g., family trusts, charitable trusts), to enhance understanding from an individual tax perspective.
    • Structuring family trusts and holding companies.
       
  • 7.3 Post-Mortem Planning
    • Common strategies - Loss carry-back, Pipeline and Bump.
    • Other related considerations.

Activity: Class Exercises
Homework Practice: Mini-Cases

Virtual (Zoom)

October 23, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 Module 8: Tax Research, Income Tax Act (ITA), the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) and Recent Legistlative Updates
(4 hours)
  • 8.1 Tax Research
    • Research Tools and Resources.
    • Online databases and research platforms.
    • Government publications and CRA resources.
    • Professional tax research guides and commentaries.
       
  • 8.2 Understanding the ITA
    • Main parts, divisions, and sections.
    • Key terms and definitions.
    • Navigating the ITA using various resources.
       
    • 8.2.1 Interpretation of ITA Provisions
      • How to interpret legislative language.
      • Case law and judicial interpretation.
      • Administrative practices and CRA guidelines.
         
    • 8.2.2 Researching Specific Tax Issues in ITA
      • Deductions, credits, and exemptions.
      • Employment income, investment income, and capital gains.
         
  • 8.3 Understanding the GAAR
    • Definition and purpose of GAAR.
    • Key sections of the ITA related to GAAR.
    • Relationship between GAAR and other anti-avoidance provisions.
    • GAAR Framework.
    • Practical Application for Individual Tax Practitioners.
       
  • 8.4 Recent Legislative Updates
    • Impact of recent updates and changes in tax laws and regulations.
       
  • 8.5 Compliance and Risk Management
    • Identifying and mitigating risks related to tax planning and compliance.
    • Implementing strategies for audit prevention and response
    • Managing Tax Audits.
    • Preparing for and responding to tax audits.
    • Addressing reassessments and appeals.

Activity: Class Exercises
Homework Practice: Integrated Case (Tax Planning & Review of Tax Returns)
(Asynchronous video will cover the integrated case debrief).

Virtual (Zoom)

November 4, 2025
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

 Module 9
(1.5 hours)		 Question and Answer Session

November 8, 2025 - November 22, 2025

(Asynchronous)

 Optional Exam
(1.5 hours)

Learners who complete the course are eligible to write an optional exam. The exam is not mandatory; however Digital Badges will only be awarded to those who successfully complete the exam. Course email confirmations for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) tracking purposes will be sent to all learners who meet the attendance requirements regardless of exam participation.
Office Hours

Office hours are optional and will be held on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Feel free to join if you have questions about the course material or need extra support.

  • September 20, 2025
  • September 27, 2025
  • October 4, 2025 
  • October 18, 2025
  • October 25, 2025
  • November 1, 2025

Live Instruction: 26 Hours
Asynchronous Learning: 12 Hours

Key Takeaways

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Develop and/or enhance skills relating to review of complex individual tax returns while also mastering advanced individual tax concepts.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the individual tax lifecycle from start to finish, including personal income, investments, retirement planning, and estate considerations.
  • Learn how to develop and implement tax strategies that integrate personal and business taxation, ensuring a holistic approach to optimizing tax outcomes throughout different stages of life for an individual taxpayer.
  • Master advanced strategies for retirement planning, including tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, pension plans, and RRSP/RRIF optimization.
  • Explore relevant estate planning implications for individuals, including techniques to minimize estate taxes and facilitate smooth wealth transfer, including the use of trusts and charitable giving.
  • Understand the implications of cross-border tax issues for Canadian individuals with international ties, including foreign income reporting, tax treaties, and some estate tax considerations.
  • Learn how to address the tax implications of business ownership, including incorporation, income splitting, and the impact on personal taxes.
  • Enhance your skills in navigating complex tax compliance issues, including accurate reporting and documentation for intricate tax scenarios.

Earn a Digital Badge

Advanced Individual Tax Returns Badge


Our new collection of digital badges can be earned through the completion of any of our certificate programs offered in our professional development catalogue. Collect these digital badges to add to your website, social profiles, email signature and more. These badges are an easy way to visually communicate your skills and accomplishments to your peers and network. Digital badges will be awarded based on course completion requirements. 

 

Who Will Benefit

This course will be of interest to:

  • CPA firm partners and managers tasked with reviewing individual tax returns and engagement management.
  • Sole proprietors, financial planners and independent contractors & consultants who want to develop an advanced understanding of individual taxes.
  • CPAs in industry and tax lawyers.
  • Those seeking promotion and advancement in careers, within the individual taxes domain especially Expatriate taxes and High Net Worth (HNW) taxes.
  • Experienced tax professionals who are currently specialized in Expatriate or HNW areas but would like to advance their skillset.

Prerequisite(s)

Those with a working understanding of individual taxes gained through professional experience will gain the most from this certificate and/or those who have completed CPA Ontario’s Certificate in Individual Tax Returns.

Need Approval to Attend

  EMPLOYER REQUEST LETTER


Attendance Requirements


To earn your CPD hours you must attend all live sessions. We understand that sometimes unplanned absences happen. Please reach out to our Operations Team if you're unable to attend a session as scheduled. To earn a Digital Badge, you must meet the attendance requirements outlined above and receive a passing grade (50% or higher) on the final exam.

How to Access the Course

We're pleased to invite you to register for our Certificate courses. Whether or not you're a CPA, you're more than welcome to join us on this learning journey. To get started, you'll need to create an account. Don't worry if you don't have a CPA Ontario ID yet; you can easily set up your account right here. Let's begin your learning adventure together.

This CPA Ontario course is a hybrid certificate program, with synchronous and asynchronous sessions. We recommend you join five minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of each session. Recordings of all sessions will be available to all registrants.

To access the course please visit our BlackBoard site, and log-in using the same login and password used for the Registration Portal.

Please allow up to 15 minutes after registration for the certificate program to appear on your BlackBoard page.

Registration, cancellation, withdrawal and all other CPA Ontario PD policies can be found here.

Speaker(s)

Babar Khan Image

Babar Khan is an experienced cross-border tax professional with over 14 years of experience in US & Canadian tax compliance and advisory work. He specializes in taxation for Expatriates, Business Travelers, High Net Worth Individuals and Owner-Managed businesses. Babar also teaches at Canada’s Schulich School of Business and CPA Ontario. Babar holds an MSc (Tax) from University of Oxford (UK), an MBA from Schulich School of Business and a BBA from University of Toronto. He is also a dual US and Canadian CPA. Babar also serves on the board of a UK based EdTech company.

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