Exit Strategy • 2026-01-15 • 3 min read

The $1.25M Exit: Maximizing Your Life’s Work

The $1.25M Exit: Maximizing Your Life’s Work
Selling your business is the ultimate payout, and the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) is your best friend.

Selling your business is the ultimate payout, and the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) is your best friend. For 2026, the limit has been indexed to $1,250,000. This means the first $1.25M in profit from the sale of qualified small business corporation shares can be virtually tax-free.

However, qualifying is a marathon. Your business must pass the "asset test" for 24 months preceding the sale, meaning at least 50% of your assets must be used in active business. You can read the detailed CRA capital gains deduction rules to understand the nuances.

Our Exit Strategy: We work with founders 2-3 years before an exit to "purify" the corporation. Early planning is the difference between a $0 tax bill and a six-figure one. We'll help you meet the 2026 inclusion rate thresholds and secure your retirement wealth today.