Bill C-31: Royal Asset and New CRA Powers Could Come Soon
Changes are coming to the Income Tax Act and both you and your clients will all be affected with new tax risks including longer tax audits. Bill C-31, which passed second reading in the House of Commons on June 3 and is now at committee stage, contains elements of previous Federal Budgets that will expand the CRA’s compliance and enforcement powers. Here’s what you need to know and pass along to your clients:Giving to Charity with Tax Benefits
Canadians continue to give to charity, but the landscape is changing. The percentage of tax filers donating to charity fell from 21.9% in 2013 to 16.8% in 2023, even as average annual donations held steady at $654. At the same time, studies show up to 50% of high-net-worth families expect to increase their giving in 2026, highlighting growing opportunities for strategic philanthropy, legacy planning, and tax-efficient charitable giving.
Mark Your Calendar: Critical Deadlines for May and June
Tax season never truly ends, it seems, as there are many more upcoming tax filing, investment planning and education milestones to discuss with your clients over the next six months. Check out our handy checklist below and then test yourself – what are the conversation openers you’ll use and with which clients? It’s your opportunity to shine with every member of the household:
Tax Trap: Zero Emission Vehicle Breaks Reduced
If you have clients who have purchased or are considering purchasing a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) there are tax changes they’ll need to know about. They may not get all of the benefits they had assumed they would. Both tax and financial advisors assisting with how to fund the purchase will be interested in new federal tax implications of a bill currently before Parliament (Bill C-30).
After Tax Season: Plan to Help Clients Age with Dignity in Retirement
Did you know that in 2026, about one-fifth (19.5%) of Canadians is age 65 or older? That’s up from 12.6% in 2000, and represents more than 8 million seniors. Retirement planning is important for everyone, but especially for women who tend to live longer and earn less over their lifetime than men. Aging with dignity is a big factor, and for these reasons a close look at lifespans and a new tax provision is critical.
Worry Alert: Solve the Need for Wealth Transition Plans
Do you have clients who are starting to think and perhaps worry about how they can transfer wealth to the next generation tax-efficiently? If this is increasingly a concern, you won’t want to miss Larry Frostiak’s highly engaging session at the Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors (DAC), November 22-24 in Victoria, B.C.
No More Sworn Testimony, But Audits Are Still Stress Inducing
“That” Phrase: it’s one no taxpayer wants to hear – digitally or otherwise. “You’re being audited.” If you’ve had to deliver that news you’ll know that the reaction can range from indignity to shock to panic. Based on the latest piece of legislation before Parliament, you might have to tell more of your clients to buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. CRA will now have greater powers. Consider this:
