Your questions, answered

Plain answers to the questions Albertans ask most about executors, care, estates, business, retirement, and First Nations and Métis tax and estate rules. Each answer is drawn from Derik Godbout’s three books and reviewed in October 2026.

Executors and estates

• How do I file a final tax return for someone who died? The executor files a final T1 return for the person who died.
• What is a clearance certificate, and do I need one before paying out the estate? A clearance certificate is CRA's certificate that the deceased's and the estate's taxes are paid or secured.
• Can an executor be held personally liable for the deceased's taxes? Yes, in some cases.
• How much do executors get paid in Alberta? Alberta sets no percentage for executors.

Seniors, care and family caregivers

• Are care home fees tax deductible as a medical expense in Alberta? Sometimes.
• What happens to Mom's house and the capital gain when she moves into care? Usually, the house can still be sold tax free.
• Can I claim the Canada Caregiver Credit for my parent? Yes, if your parent is infirm and you support them.
• Should I add my child to the title of my house? Think carefully first.

A family member with a disability

• How do I leave money to a child on AISH without losing benefits? Leave your child's share in a trust rather than outright.

Business owners and farm families

• Should I pay myself a salary or dividends from my corporation? Usually a blend, not one or the other.
• Can I pass the farm to my children without paying capital gains tax? Often you can defer the tax, though not always erase it.

Retirement income

• When should I start CPP: at 60, 65 or 70? There is no universally right age to start your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension.
• How do I avoid the OAS clawback? Keep your individual net income below the OAS recovery threshold, which is $95,323 for 2026.

First Nations and Métis families

• Do First Nations people pay income tax in Canada? Yes, most do.
• Is employment or business income earned on reserve tax exempt? It depends.
• How are wills and estates handled for First Nations people in Alberta? It depends on where the person ordinarily lived.
• Who can inherit Métis Settlement land in Alberta? Only a Settlement member, or the Settlement itself, can hold Métis Title or an allotment on an Alberta Métis Settlement.

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