Fall Federal Budget: Will Spending Be Cut?

Canada has historically presented an annual budget since Confederation in 1867, even through periods like World Wars and the Great Depression, but we have recently experienced the longest period without a full federal budget in our history. By the time the next one is brought down, expected in October 2025, it will have been 18 months since the controversial April 2024 budget which introduced the doomed capital gains inclusion rate hikes. What can we expect?

Quebec is looking for a health contribution for adults who refuse to be vaccinated for non-medical reasons, as half of the COVID-19 beds in Quebec are taken up by unvaccinated Quebecers. Quebec is proposing to implement a vaccine tax, and tax the unvaccinated.  But can a province levy such a tax?

Want to start your year by doing something good?  Make it a commitment to give more to charity. Typically, tax deductible gifts are cash; however, don’t forget you may also give gifts in kind and receive a donation receipt. It’s the gift that keeps giving back, Working with an MFA-P™, a professional trained in strategic philanthropy can help.  Here are some tax tips to consider:

It’s time to take note of the tax filing requirements and investment opportunities that now that we’re into the first quarter of the year. This is an important timeline for investors making TFSA and RRSP contributions, as well as interest payments on inter-spousal loans.  In addition, there are some important dates to note with regards to the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and other COVID-19 related benefits. Mark your calendar and discuss these January and February tax and investment planning milestones with your clients.

Canada’s Leading Advanced Tax Update course as featured in the January 19 Virtual CE Summit is now available online.  It’s like having your own tax PVR! Take a comprehensive online course with outstanding expert presentations from Canada’s leading tax minds for the low price of $695 (save $200) when you register by March 15. Brush off the cobwebs and learn at your own time with everything you need to prepare for the upcoming T1 tax filing season.

Do you have complex tax questions difficult to find on the CRA website?  Are you too busy for long wait times on the phone with the CRA?  At Knowledge Bureau we have a great solution to help you save time and money and answer more tax questions from your clients with confidence.  Plus, it links directly to all pertinent CRA forms, guides, folios, the Income Tax Act and much more!

There is good news for business owners who continue to struggle through the pandemic:  CEBA loan repayments have been postponed for a year.  Here are the details: in light of the new developments of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Federal Government is preparing a battery of measures to assist Small and Medium-sized Businesses.