News Room

Wildfires: Apply for Taxpayer Relief Provisions

It may not be the first concern, but Canadians affected by wildfires may worry at some point about the tax consequences of lost records or missed filing deadlines – the next one on June 16 for those filing T1 returns with proprietorship income. Fortunately, the CRA offers Taxpayer Relief Provisions when there are circumstances beyond a taxpayer’s control, including natural disasters, serious illness or death in the family, or errors made by the CRA, which may trigger penalties and interest due to late or incomplete tax filings. Here’s what you need to know.

Buying a Car Before Year End?

Should you buy or lease a new vehicle or computer before year end?  It’s a great question for financial advisors and their clients to discuss before year end. Canada’s tax system has some excellent incentives for people in the market for buying business assets before year end.  Here’s an overview of the provisions that were first introduced with the November 21, 2018 Fall Economic Statement:

Special guest Abe Toews Shares the Virtual Stage at CE Summits

Abe Toews, CFP, CLU, CH.F.C, CHS, Chair of the Board of Directors, Advocis will make a special guest appearance to discuss year end donations strategies as he shares the virtual stage with expert headliners at the November 18 Virtual CE Summit.  The theme is focused planning for investors and self-employed taxpayers.  Advisors who need to brush up on advanced planning, especially for corporate owner-managers, should mark their calendars and register no later than Monday, November 16.   

Deadline Extended: Charity Returns

The deadline for filing Registered Charity Information returns was extended to December 31, 2020 for returns due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020. However, the CRA’s Charities Directorate is also encouraging charities to file as soon as possible to avoid expected processing delays as a result of the high volume of returns that will be submitted around the deadline.

Medical Expenses: Will PPE Costs be Deductible?

Yesterday, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam announced that Canadians should be wearing triple-ply non-medical masks when in shared indoor spaces with people from outside of their immediate household, and when in close contact with others in public. It begs the question, will Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other health related costs be deductible? The answer is, it depends.     

CPP Premiums Rise in 2021, Competing for TFSA Savings Capacity

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) maximum contributory earnings for 2021 and the new premium rate have both risen, adding another financial burden to both workers and employers as the new year approaches.  With required premiums of $6,332.90, eclipsing maximum TFSA contribution room of $6,000, there may be little left to save for a tax-free retirement. Further, there are several other reasons why this rising CPP obligation may bring the wrong after-tax results over the long run.

CRB Recipients: RRSP Contributions a Secret Weapon Against Clawbacks

Making an RRSP contributions by March 1, 2021  is a smart move by eligible recipients of Canada Recovery Benefits (CRB) if total net income will exceed $38,000. The reason?  A very expensive clawback of the CRB.  
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Are your clients owed money by CRA? As of March 31, 2025, the CRA holds about 10.2 million uncashed cheques totalling $1.7 billion. In your view, why is this happening?

  • Yes
    7 votes
    50%
  • No
    7 votes
    50%