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.

There are 10 key tax filing milestones coming right up in February and March.  Have you discussed them with your clients? Check out the Knowledge Bureau Professional Tax Filing Matrix and nudge your clients along to book appointments in advance of what is sure to be a very busy tax season. Plus, there is still time to train new and returning staff on the changes to the 2019 tax return.

TOSI, a most controversial provision introduced on July 17, 2017 is now in its second reporting year. As many companies are  preparing T5 slips, dividends distributed from certain professional corporations must be properly reported for non-active members of the family. Tax specialists will want to discuss where the onus of proof lies for proper reporting and brush up on the complex rules and their impact using tax form T120.

The home is the most significant asset for many Canadian households. It can bolster personal net worth, and once paid off it reduces future costs of living. Before tax season starts and the RRSP season ends, it’s important to bring this conversation to the forefront for clients like Millennials and Boomers, in particular. Learn why in the first of this three-part article:

Best-selling author Doug Nelson, CFP, CLU, MFA™, RWM™, CIM, is a 27-year veteran of the financial services industry in Canada with a singular vision for his readers:  Don’t just “do” retirement…instead “Master Your Retirement”!  And he has some upbeat advice for those still worried about the one big question all retirees have. 

The 2020s are starting out in tumultuous fashion. The economic impact of ongoing concerns like climate change, global pandemics, global political risks and local strike actions of various kinds all have impact on financial decision-making. Issues that are much different than decades past require bold thought and bright insights.  For these reasons, Canada’s premiere advisors won’t want to miss DAC Acuity 2020, October 28-30 in Niagara Falls. Early registration discounts end February 15.

We know you are about to get really busy, but that’s no reason to stop honing your skills as a multi-dimensional tax specialist. This week, take advantage of a sweet Valentine’s offer to pursue your Certified Tax Practitioner Diploma . . .plus you can start whenever you want. That’s right, your study plan is completely customizable!