OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says he hasn't ruled out including income-splitting for families in his coming federal budget.
Flaherty says the option is still on the table for the March 20 budget despite media reports that he had decided not to pursue it.
Last week, a government official said it's "highly unlikely'' income-splitting will be in the budget, adding it's nowhere near the top of the priority list.
The measure would allow couples to file their tax returns jointly, benefitting those with a low-income earner.
But it could cost the government more than $5 billion by some estimates.
Flaherty announced last fall that he will allow income-splitting for seniors with respect to pension income.
