Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

The Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors isn’t just about education. it’s about connection. Alongside world-class keynotes and CE sessions, delegates will enjoy an outstanding line-up of networking experiences designed to celebrate excellence and build lasting professional relationships in an unforgettable setting.

In a profession where knowledge quickly evolves and client needs never stop, financial advisors need education that is practical, flexible, and credible. That’s exactly what CE Master Micro-Credentials deliver.

Last month the sad story of an Ontario family who suddenly lost both parents in 2024 was shared in Burlington Today.  The tax outcomes were just as shocking as the two deaths from unrelated causes.  There was a cottage, a large RRSP and a big tax bill.   Some of the outcomes could have been mitigated with some planning.   I sat down with CTV’s Pat Foran to discuss the outcomes – with a message important to family planning.  

Arthur Godrey once said:  “I’m proud to pay taxes but I could be just as proud for half the amount.” Well, it wasn’t quite that generous but, effective July 1, Canadians did get a tax cut.  The problem is, it will also reduce the value of Canadians’ non-refundable tax credits.  This needs to be taken into account in year end planning.

On September 2, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne mandated the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to implement a 100-day plan to “strengthen services, improve access, and reduce delays.” The deadline for delivery is December 11, 2025. But do Knowledge Bureau Report readers believe this approach will work? Clearly, readers are skeptical, as 77% voted “no”. Many expressed frustrations with CRA’s performance and questioned whether such a short timeline could address deep, systemic issues. See what they have to say below!

Big news from Ottawa: the federal government has announced that the next Federal Budget will be tabled on November 4. For professionals in tax, accounting, and financial services, this is a critical moment to understand what’s changing and how to respond before year-end.