Canada Revenue Agency: 1 Hidden Trick to Pay Less CRA Taxes in 2020

The novel trick to counter the nuisance tax is to have a TFSA. If you have high dividend payers like the Alaris Royalty stock and the BTB REIT stock, you can offset the CRA taxes with the dividend payments.

Taxes are the stumbling blocks to building wealth. In some cases, taxes can ruin one’s retirement. You can’t avoid paying taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), but you can pay less tax if you’re tax-smart. The hidden trick to reduce taxes is to open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

Tax-policy gem

The TFSA is unique because you can offset the taxes you pay to the CRA.  Remember that the money you put into your TFSA has already been taxed. Therefore, the more you optimize your contribution room, the more taxes you can recoup from the taxman.

Many Canadians are already using the TFSA as part of tax planning. You can shelter your investments that would otherwise be taxed by the CRA at the highest rate. Apart from building wealth faster, all TFSA withdrawals are tax-free. Thus, save as much as you can every year so you can invest in income-producing assets.

Dividend gems

Consider investing in dividend gems like Alaris Royalty (TSX:AD) and BTB (TSX: BTB.UN) to offset the taxes you pay to the CRA. If you need to recover $2,200 tax yearly, invest $15,000 in each stock. This combination averages 7.4% dividend.

Alaris Royalty is a private equity firm that turns silver into gold, figuratively speaking. The thrust of this $852.81 million company is unconventional. It helps profitable private companies around the world make the big push to achieve maximum potential.

This royalty firm can be a permanent equity partner or a provider of long-term capital. It only caters to the best companies that are not for sale but needs the services described above.

The assistance of $10 million to $100 million is available to companies that have been producing free cash flow of over $3 million.

To date, about $1.3 billion have been invested in companies meeting the criteria. None of the owners yields management and operational control to Alaris.

In exchange, Alaris receives royalties or monthly cash distribution from these private companies. As there are hardly overhead expenses to incur, the company enjoys up to 80% EBITDA margins.

No dividend investor can ignore BTB. This $338.1 million real estate investment trust (REIT) is showing dynamic growth, trading for only $5.44 per share at writing and paying a 7.76% dividend. Imagine the taxes you can recuperate with the stock’s monster yield.

BTB owns 66 rental properties for retail, office, and industrial use. The estimated total asset value of the 5.7 million square feet leasable area is over $900 million. One of BTB’s good traits is its strategy to reduce buyer competition.

BTB buy assets in the range of $3 million to $30 million. Large REITs and institutional buyers do not typically purchase assets this size. Likewise, the price is prohibitive for local investors. Thus, BTB realizes superior returns from the mid-market niche.

The tenant base is composed of government, national, and multinational businesses that have signed long-term leases. Value for money, BTB is the top choice in the real estate sector.

Hidden gem

The TFSA is the hidden gem for taxpayers to utilize. The taxes you pay to the CRA are recoverable or replaceable if you own dividend gems like Alaris and BTB.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends ALARIS ROYALTY CORP.

More on Dividend Stocks

A woman shops in a grocery store while pushing a stroller with a child
Dividend Stocks

An Ideal TFSA Stock for Retirees, Paying 5.2% Each Month

Here's why this popular Canadian real estate stock is one of the best picks for retirees inside their TFSAs.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

A 4.8% Dividend Stock for Monthly Retirement Income

Sienna Senior Living pays $0.08 a share every month, about a 4.8% yield. See Q2 2026 growth, payout safety and…

Read more »

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

Is Telus’s New Dividend Safe? What $10,000 Would Earn You Today

Here’s why Telus’s new dividend looks more sustainable and why the cut could make the stock a better long-term investment.

Read more »

woman relaxes with phone
Dividend Stocks

BCE Earnings Preview: Is the Dividend Still the Main Event?

BCE’s Q3 2026 results will reveal whether its shift from dividend growth to debt reduction is delivering meaningful financial progress.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

This 2% Monthly Payer Is the One Stock I’d Never Sell

Supported by strong fundamentals, favourable industry tailwinds, and promising growth prospects, Savaria offers long-term investors the potential for capital appreciation…

Read more »

A glass jar resting on its side with Canadian banknotes and change inside.
Dividend Stocks

How Much Emergency Money Do Canadians Actually Need?

Generally, aim for 3–6 months of essential living expenses for your emergency money. For those with more variability in their…

Read more »

RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

The RRSP Deadline is in March: Here’s Why November Starters Come Out Ahead

An earlier RRSP contribution plan spreads the cash commitment and leaves more time to make sensible investment choices.

Read more »

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Dividend Stocks

BCE vs. Telus vs. Rogers: Which Is the Best Stock to Buy Today?

Which is the best stock to buy today: BCE, Telus or Rogers? Compare their dividends and cash flow to see…

Read more »