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Section 85 - Why, When and How

Master the Section 85 rollover to facilitate tax-deferred asset transfers, avoid common pitfalls, and execute seamless corporate reorganizations.

Created byAlex Garber
BeginnerUpdated Dec 11, 2025

What You'll Learn

  • check_circleIdentify when to use Section 85 for tax deferral.
  • check_circleDetermine eligible property for valid transfers.
  • check_circleCalculate elected amounts within specific limits.
  • check_circleStructure share and non-share consideration.
  • check_circlePrepare Form T2057 to file the joint election.
  • check_circleNavigate Section 84.1 and anti-avoidance rules.

About This Course

Section 85 is the most “quoted” section number of the Income Tax Act, for both tax and non-tax professionals. It is commonly used to accomplish a variety of reorganizations, move assets between different entities or change share ownership. However, as with most beneficial things in Canadian taxation, the “devil is in the details.” 

In this course, we will take a detailed look at what Section 85 is, why it exists, when it could (or should) be used and how to use it.

Topics include:

• Why does Section 85 exist?
• When is it useful?
• What conditions must be met in order to use it?
• What happens as a result of Section 85?
• How to complete and file the Section 85 election form with the CRA
• Practical considerations and examples
• Tips and pitfalls

Course Content

1 activity • 1 videos • duration: 2h 54m

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Section 85 - Why, When and How1 videos • 2.9 hours
  • videocamSection 85 - Why, When and How
    Duration 174:29

Your Instructor

Alex Garber

Educator and Tax Advisor

menu_book20 courses
star7,662 reviews

Alex Garber, CPA, CA, MTax has been working in public accounting since 2004, focusing primarily on income taxation for Canadian owner-managed businesses and their shareholders. Alex presents PD seminars for CPA Ontario and facilitates at the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program. Alex is also a faculty member at the Schulich School of Business, York University, where he teaches income taxation at both undergraduate and master's levels. Alex started his career with Deloitte and Touche LLP in Toronto. He is currently an independent tax advisor, assisting various clients, sole-practitioners and CPA firms in Ontario.

Credit Information

Professional development requirements vary by profession, country, and regulatory body. Before enrolling, review the course details and confirm that the content, learning format, and any listed credits meet your specific requirements. You are responsible for confirming eligibility with your regulator or professional association and keeping the records required for reporting.

What Students Are Saying

5.0 out of 5
Student's Choice
232 reviews
  • MY
    MALGORZATA KARPINSKA, CPA, CGA Y.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Thank you for your great course, now I am even more worried about my client's case, at least I understand the complexity of the problem.

  • JM
    Joe M.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Excellent Course, particularly relating to changes in 2021 and 2024., and yes 84.1 because it is such a common issue.

  • ET
    Eva T.
    starstarstarstarstar

    very informative and organized

  • MK
    Mahmud K.
    starstarstarstarstar

    Good overview

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 300+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 27 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

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