Succession Planning for Business

Succession Planning for Business provides a comprehensive and practical examination of the tax, structural, and strategic considerations involved in transferring ownership and control of a business. Designed for Canadian accounting professionals, this course equips learners with the knowledge required to guide business owners through complex transitions while preserving value, minimizing tax exposure, and supporting long-term continuity. The course begins with the foundations of business succession planning, including the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, both family-owned and non-family-owned. It explores the importance of aligning short-term contingency planning with long-term strategic objectives to ensure operational stability and financial sustainability. A significant focus is placed on advanced tax considerations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of capital gains implications, the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE), and strategies to maximize its use among family members. The course also examines deemed disposition on death, estate freezes, Section 85 rollovers, corporate attribution rules, and methods to avoid unintended attribution of income or capital gains. Post-mortem tax planning strategies, including pipeline planning and the use of subsection 164(6), are addressed to help mitigate double taxation risks. In addition, learners will review business valuation methodologies, ownership structuring techniques, and the use of family trusts and multi-generational frameworks to support effective transitions. Practical case studies and applied examples reinforce the real-world application of these concepts. Delivered online and self-paced, the course combines structured video instruction with downloadable reference materials and knowledge checks to support understanding. It is suitable for CPAs and tax professionals seeking to strengthen their advisory capabilities in business succession and estate planning. This course contributes toward the Canadian Tax Mastery Certificate, the Certificate in Personal and Family Taxation, and the Estate and Succession Planning Certificate.