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U.S. Automakers Hit With $10.6 Billion Tariff Burden Amid Trade Pressures

                                            A truck carries brand new cars on March 04, 2025 in Richmond, California.  U.S. automakers are facing mounting financial strain as tariffs on vehicles and auto parts imported from Canada and Mexico have surged past $10 billion in 2025, with estimates projecting the total to reach $10.6 billion by the end of October . The tariffs, imposed under trade measures tied to national security and regional content rules, have forced manufacturers to absorb much of the cost rather than immediately passing it on to consumers. However, analysts warn that vehicle prices could soon rise as companies struggle to offset the escalating expenses. Industry experts note that while the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides some relief by reducing duties on vehicles meeting strict content requirements, many automakers st...
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CRA may tax company gifts to employees, depending on what it is and how much it’s worth

 


Here is a short article about the tax rules surrounding gifts by employers in Canada:

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) distinguishes between gifts, awards, and long-service awards. The value of gifts and awards are generally taxable to employees as employment income, but certain non-cash gifts and awards may not be taxable under the updated administrative policies.

A gift is something given to an employee for a special occasion such as a religious holiday, birthday, wedding, or the birth of a child. Gifts given around this time of year will generally fall under this category. 

An award is given for an employment-related accomplishment such as outstanding service, or an employee’s suggestion. It recognizes an employee’s “overall contribution to the workplace, not recognition of job performance.” 

A valid, potentially non-taxable award has clearly defined criteria, a nomination and evaluation process, and a limited number of recipients, according to the CRA. Contrast this with a reward, which is provided to employees for performance-related reasons, such as meeting or exceeding sales targets, or completing a project. These rewards are considered to be taxable benefits to the employee, akin to a bonus or extra compensation. 

Under the CRA’s administrative policy, employees can receive an unlimited number of tax-free non-cash gifts or awards each year, provided the combined total fair market value of those gifts and awards is less than $500 (including tax). Excluded from this $500 limit are small items or items of a trivial value such as coffee or tea, T-shirts, mugs, plaques, and trophies. If, however, the total of non-cash gifts and awards is more than $500 in a calendar year, the amount over $500 will be considered a taxable employment benefit.


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