Berger Law
By Jason Berger
June 24th, 2026
Estate Freezes and The Multiplication of The Capital Gains Exemption: A Complete Guide for Canadians
If you own shares in a private Canadian corporation that has grown in value, you are sitting on a tax problem and a planning opportunity at the same time.
The tax problem is the capital gains tax that will eventually be owed, either on a sale or on your death. The planning opportunity is the estate freeze, paired with the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE).
Used correctly, these two tools together can shelter a meaningful amount of tax for your family. Used carelessly, they can trigger a costly reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
