TORONTO - As a tumultuous year comes to a close, and Canadians turn their thoughts to holiday shopping and social gatherings, Ernst & Young is offering 12 days of tax gifts worth peeking at now.

The firm says tackling these tips by December 31 could help your bottom line and get your new year off to a good start:

1. On the first day, check your list of expenses - twice. Some can only
be claimed as tax deductions if the amounts are paid by the end of
the calendar year, including interest expense, investment counsel
fees and safety deposit box fees.

2. On the second day, shop early and buy business assets. Self-employed
individuals and unincorporated business owners who do can claim
depreciation for 2009.

3. On the third day, sell securities with accrued losses to shelter
otherwise-taxable gains. Don't wait - trades must take place by
December 24 for Canadian exchanges (December 28 for US exchanges) to
settle in 2009.

4. On the fourth day, get into the holiday spirit and make your final
charitable donations for 2009. Gifting stock can provide added
benefit.

5. On the fifth day, decide if your rooftop is ready for Santa's sleigh.
The home renovation tax credit is only available on expenditures made
before February 1, 2010. The credit is worth up to $1,350 on your
2009 return if eligible improvement costs are at least $10,000.

6. On the sixth day, consider giving yourself the gift of a tax shelter
to reduce your tax burden. But be cautious - these investments carry
risk so consult your investment advisor before you buy.

7. On the seventh day, think about family. All tax-deductible alimony
and child-care expenses must be paid by December 31 to get a 2009 tax
deduction. Also, medical expenses, kids' fitness program costs and
transit pass payments must be made by year end to be creditable.

8. On the eighth day, invest in the future by making RESP contributions
for your children, and benefitting from the Canada Education Savings
Grant in the process.

9. On the ninth day, share your income with family using income-
splitting loans. With the current Canada Revenue Agency prescribed
interest rate of 1%, this is an excellent tax-saving opportunity for
those with liquid or certain other assets, who are interested in
income splitting with spouses, partners and/or children and
grandchildren. This could also benefit anyone who has an outstanding
income splitting loan with a rate higher than 1% - but remember,
annual interest must be paid by January 30 of the following year to
avoid income attribution.

10. On the tenth day, update travel logs. Employees who use employer-
provided cars primarily for business may be eligible for a reduced
standby charge and a lower alternate operating benefit. But they have
to advise employers in writing before year end to benefit.

11. On the eleventh day, take a breather and push your purchases of long-
term fixed investments until January 2009 to defer the related tax by
one year.

12. On the final day, contribute to your RRSP and think about making your
2010 contribution in early January. You can choose to contribute to a
spousal plan, or your own plan.