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The Rural Voice, 2005-01, Page 23Instead, the goal should be to determine and select the best process to transfer a profitable and viable farm business while considering the tax consequences and preserving as much family capital as possible. Sometimes paying a little tax now is better than getting hit with a big tax bill later (if the strategy was to defer taxes). Don'ts include: • Don't procrastinate — start talking about succession now. • Don't be afraid to ask questions and listen carefully to the answers — even though you might not like them. • Don't assume you know how others feel about the process or what they want to achieve from the succession plan. Listen carefully and ask questions if you don't understand. • Don't be afraid to share responsibilities. Both generations will need to work together to ensure the transfer of labour, management Don't be afraid to share responsibilitg and assets. As mentioned above, a "successor development plan" (a plan to ensure the next generation has the skills, abilities and knowledge to successfully operate the business) can help. • Don't define one's life as the business. There is more to life than work — family, friends, leisure enjoyment, sports, hobbies, etc. • Don't put all your eggs into one basket. Plan ahead, think early about retirement, save and invest off -farm, so that you will have some options in the future. • Don't rely on just one professional advisor. While each individual is important to the process, one person cannot possibly provide all of the answers to everything involved in a farm succession plan. The provincial and federal governments have been co-operating on providing funding for farm families needing professional advice in succession planning, Coughler says. You can access information on this funding through the business management section of the OMAF website.0 A Division of Ultimate Linings Specializing in Sprayed -on Bedliners • Permanent bonding seal against water, rust and corrosion. • Adds to truck resale value. • Available in a variety of colours. • Semi skid resistant surface keeps cargo secure and allows for easy loading and unloading. • Great insulator and soundproofing qualities. • Environmentally safe: 100% solids with no V.O.C.s or C.F.Cs. • Resistant to common chemicals including chlorine, automotive fuels, diesel fuel, paints, salt water and much more' T-ROY'S TRUCK TOYS & ACCESSORIES - "2 A T" 8454, Road 165 RR 1, Listowel N4W 3G6 Ph: (519) 291-9108 Fax: (519) 291-5974 1 '''" (Ys' \. r We'd like to take this time to express our sincere appreciation for your business in 2004 and wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Oil Bruce & Brian Osterndorff VY & Staff 519-363-3192 $ SUZUKI I(I) b1)f1 1-800-265-4773 Chesley 519-363-2321 JANUARY 2005 19