With an aging Canadian population, the complex matter of wealth transfer is becoming increasingly important. This paper discusses some basic ways to mitigate and defer income tax liability under the Income Tax Act using various techniques, including an estate freeze. It provides a review of common tax issues, pitfalls, and planning opportunities in estate planning. Topics discussed include an overview of taxation on death, inter vivos giving, common estate freeze structures, issues relating to the use of trusts in estate freeze structures, and matrimonial and non-resident considerations in estate freezes.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Estate Planning Essentials program in Calgary on October 20, 2016 and in Edmonton on October 27, 2016.