Core practice
Integrated Tax Planning
Tax isn't an annual inevitability — it's a variable you can steer. Income splitting, strategic deferral, registered-account optimization, decumulation planning: each lever can mean tens of thousands of dollars over a decade.
What we cover
Quantified decisions, not generalities.
- Income splitting between spouses and via a trust
- RRSP vs TFSA vs non-registered optimization by tax bracket
- Dividend and capital-gains income strategies
- Year-end planning — tax-loss harvesting, donations, RRSP
- Coordination with your accountant and tax specialist
Tax planning isn't a separate service at De Longpre — it's woven into every investment decision, every portfolio rebalancing, every retirement conversation. We work alongside your accountant, who files your return; we make the decisions that change what shows up on it.
Our lens is always multi-year. Realizing a tax loss this year to save $5,000 — but missing a $30,000 rebound next year — is not a good decision. We model 5-10 year impact, not the 2026 notice of assessment.
Questions
What our clients ask us
When should I contribute to RRSP rather than TFSA?
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Simple rule: if your current marginal rate is higher than at retirement — RRSP. Otherwise — TFSA. A Quebec senior executive at 53% retiring at 35-40%: RRSP almost always wins. Young professional at 28%: TFSA usually wins.
How can I draw retirement income without jumping into a higher tax bracket?
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Smooth taxable income year over year instead of absorbing the RRIF 'boom' at 71. Tools: early RRSP draw-down, spousal splitting (up to 50%), timing non-registered withdrawals to low-income years, avoiding OAS clawback.
Should we withdraw more than we need early in retirement, or only what we strictly need?
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Often yes. A bit more tax short-term, but avoids the RRIF 'boom' and possible OAS clawback — savings of tens of thousands long-term. Personalized math required before deciding.
What is spousal income splitting, and who benefits?
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Attribute up to 50% of eligible retirement income (RRIF, RPP, certain life annuities) to the lower-earning spouse, cutting the couple's combined tax. Underused because not always automatic. Gain: several thousand dollars a year.
Related services
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Learn moreReady to talk through your situation?
A first meeting, with no obligation and no fee. In person in greater Montréal and Québec City, by video call, or by phone.
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