CRA Update: The Basic Personal Amount Just Increased in 2025!

The BPA just increased, leaving Canadians with more cash in their pockets and room to make more cash!

Amy Legate-Wolfe

Author Bio Amy became interested in investing in 2018 after having her first daughter. After receiving a masters degree in journalism from Western University, she became frustrated that the finance industry remained a confusing place for Canadians like her: new parents, millennials, and other young people who needed to understand their finances. Now, Amy focuses on tech companies and renewable energy for growth opportunities, coupling that with long-term investing strategies and equities. She also provides investors with a daily newsletter, Canada Stock Digest, for daily market updates. Her work can also be found at Canada's National Observer, where she writes on the business side of climate action. Before joining Motley Fool Canada, Amy wrote for major news organizations including HuffPost, CTVNews.ca, and CBC. When she’s not researching investing strategies, Amy’s time is pretty much monopolized by her two wild daughters, but in what little spare time she has she loves to do yoga, go on walks with her dog, and travel with her husband. Social Media Follow Amy on LinkedIn and Canada Stock Digest. Favorite Investment Quote “October: This is one of the particularly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.” – Mark Twain

Published January 12, 2025 9:30 am EST

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) unveiled an update for 2025 that will have Canadians breathing a sigh of relief: no federal taxes on the first $16,129 of income! This update increases the Basic Personal Amount (BPA), which acts as a tax credit to help Canadians keep more of their hard-earned dollars. For anyone who earns under this threshold, the federal tax bill is zero. And if you earn more, you’ll still benefit from reduced taxes. This policy aims to lighten the financial load, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, leaving extra cash in your pocket. What better way to use this windfall than to invest it wisely?

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Consider WSP

Investing in a solid stock like WSP Global (TSX: WSP) is one way to make the most of this tax savings. WSP is a leader in professional consulting services, specializing in infrastructure, environmental science, and sustainability projects worldwide. It’s a robust choice for those looking to build wealth over the long term, especially given its growth trajectory and dividend reliability. Imagine setting aside a portion of that tax-free $16,129 and putting it to work in a stock like WSP, which has demonstrated resilience and consistent growth.

Looking at WSP’s recent performance, its quarterly earnings released earlier show impressive revenue growth of 10.7% year over year, reaching $15.23 billion over the trailing 12 months. Earnings per share (EPS) grew substantially, with a 30.3% jump year over year. These numbers indicate a company that’s not just surviving but thriving in a competitive market. WSP has also maintained a reasonable payout ratio of around 29.13%. This means it can comfortably pay dividends while reinvesting in future growth.

Past performance shows that WSP has consistently rewarded its investors. Over the last year, its stock price has climbed significantly, nearing its 52-week high of $259.60. This demonstrates its ability to weather economic turbulence while delivering solid returns. Moreover, its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26.88 suggests that investors expect continued growth.

Looking ahead

For those looking ahead, WSP’s future outlook is bright. With the global focus shifting towards green energy and sustainable infrastructure, WSP is poised to capitalize on these trends. Its diversified portfolio of projects and geographic presence position it well for growth in both developed and emerging markets. Analysts predict that its ability to win high-profile contracts and maintain operational efficiency will drive further revenue and earnings growth in the coming years.

Dividend lovers will also appreciate WSP’s reliability. While its yield of 0.6% may seem modest, it reflects a company that prioritizes sustainable growth over sky-high payouts. Its dividends have been consistent, making it a dependable choice for long-term income.

Investing in WSP also aligns with the ethos of making your money work for you. By using the savings from the increased BPA to invest in stocks like WSP, you’re not just saving taxes. You’re building a financial foundation for the future. Even small amounts can grow significantly over time, thanks to the magic of compounding.

Foolish takeaway

If you’re new to investing, this tax update is a perfect opportunity to start. With zero federal taxes on your first $16,129, you can direct those savings into a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and invest in blue-chip stocks like WSP. The TFSA ensures that any returns you earn, whether from dividends or capital gains, remain tax-free, thereby doubling the benefit.

The CRA’s tax update is not just a financial break. It’s an invitation to take control of your finances. WSP Global, with its proven track record, future growth potential, and dependable dividends, offers a compelling opportunity for Canadians to turn their tax savings into long-term wealth. By investing wisely, you’re setting yourself up for a brighter financial future one tax-free dollar at a time.