2025 Federal Budget Canada: Tax Changes & Key Highlights

Federal Budget Commentary 2025 with Canadian flag - tax analysis and highlights

Federal Budget Commentary 2025 Highlights: What You Need to Know

On November 4, 2025, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled the 2025 Federal Budget under the theme Canada Strong, with a clear focus on affordability, productivity, and clean energy investments. Here are the key tax and policy updates that matter most to individuals, businesses, and investors:

Personal Tax Measures 2025

CRA to auto-file for low-income Canadians

Starting with the 2025 tax year, CRA may automatically file returns for eligible low-income individuals — unless they opt out.

New refundable tax credit for personal support workers

A 5% credit (up to $1,100) for qualifying employment in regulated health care establishments.

Top-up credit to offset tax credit shrinkage

To ensure taxpayers aren’t disadvantaged by the 2025 rate drop, a top-up credit will preserve the 15% rate on non-refundable credits above $57,375.

Business & Corporate Tax Changes

Accelerated CCA + Super-Deductions Extended

The reinstated "Productivity Super-Deduction" offers up to 3x normal CCA rates and 100% expensing on key assets through 2029, including:

  • Clean energy and zero-emission vehicles
  • Manufacturing/processing equipment
  • Data processing, patents, and networking gear

Dividend Refund Rule Changes for Corporate Groups

Dividends between affiliated companies may now delay refund entitlements unless specific timing rules are met.

SR&ED Limit Raised to $6M

Enhanced 35% tax credit now applies to up to $6M for qualifying CCPCs (up from $3M).

Worker Misclassification Crackdown

CRA will receive new funding and data-sharing powers to target "contractor" abuse — especially in trucking.

Clean Energy Tax Credits

Expanded Credits for Critical Minerals & Clean Tech

More minerals now qualify for the 30% exploration and clean manufacturing credits.

CCUS Credits Extended to 2035

Carbon capture investments get full credits for five more years.

Sales & International Tax

  • UHT Eliminated + Luxury Tax Ends for Boats & Aircraft: The underused housing tax ends for 2025; luxury tax repealed for vessels and planes.
  • Transfer Pricing Rules Modernized: Stricter OECD-aligned documentation rules and shortened deadlines now apply.

Other Deferrals & Clarifications

  • Bare Trust Filing delayed to 2026
  • NPO Expanded Filing deferred to 2027
  • Canada Disability Benefit: $150 one-time top-up announced
  • Carbon Rebate Program winding down

Read our Budget Commentary PDF for detailed tables, timelines, and implementation dates: Download Now

If you have questions about anything covered in this issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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