RIP - Terminal Filing

Note: The Live Virtual course is presented in collaboration with CPA Western Provinces. The content is applicable to all participants. If you have questions regarding this course, please contact pdregistration@cpaalberta.ca

Overview: 

You will develop a practical, end‑to‑end approach to terminal (year‑of‑death) filings, including the optional returns and key compliance steps that affect executors and beneficiaries. You will apply planning frameworks and work through case scenarios to manage risk, address registered plan consequences, and coordinate filings, clearances, and communications.

Course Content:

In this course, you will gain knowledge about the following topics:

• Engagement management, scoping, and role of the personal representative.
• Tax filings on death: terminal and elective returns; prior‑year filings.
• Year‑of‑death compliance: valuation, capital property (depreciable/non‑depreciable), partnership interests, spouse/spousal‑trust transfers, reserves, and credit/ deduction mechanics.
• Registered plans on death: RRSP/RRIF basics, spousal/child/grandchild pathways, disability and dependency considerations, and planning opportunities.
• Other compliance: payment of tax, clearance certificates, relief provisions, elections, voluntary disclosures, and GST/HST considerations.
• Case studies: fact patterns illustrating filing choices, loss planning, and file documentation.
  

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

• Establish a clear plan and engagement workflow for terminal filing assignments.
• Identify and prepare the available returns for a deceased individual (e.g., terminal, rights or things, stub‑period business/partnership, income from a testamentary trust).
• Diagnose significant year‑of‑death issues across property types, income inclusions, credits/deductions, and loss utilization.
• Address registered plan consequences (RRSP/RRIF/TFSA/RDSP, etc.) and document beneficiary designations and deferral opportunities.
• Coordinate compliance wrap‑up items, including GST/HST touchpoints, clearance certificates, and CRA communication.
  

Who Will Benefit: 

Practitioners who complete individual terminal filings and want structured planning checklists, risk controls, and real‑world examples.