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?

It all takes much too long: that’s the message the Taxpayer’s Ombudsman had for the CRA with the release of report that culminated in 15 recommendations focused on cutting incredibly long wait times for tax assessments and adjustments. What’s considered too long? Taxpayers, professionals, CRA and the Ombudsman appear to have very divergent views.

The CRA started E-filing transmission services on Monday, February 24 which means tax refunds should be flowing soon for millions of tax filers. This tax season features a new 8-page tax return and a complete change to the line numbering system throughout the return. Plus, coming in March there’s the introduction of Charlie to Chatbot who will answer general tax filing questions. But are you clear about when you must file? Many Canadians are not.

Statistics released on February 14, 2020 by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show that national home sales declined by 2.9% between December 2019 and January 2020, but prices are poised to rise later in the year.  This could therefore be a good time to buy that first home, especially with the help of the enhanced RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan.  For these reasons, some of your clients may still be interested in topping up their plans before March 2 RRSP contribution deadline.

Changes announced by Bank of Canada last week will make getting a mortgage easier for new home buyers in Canada as of April 6, 2020. It’s important for tax and financial advisors to understand the new guidelines in order to assist Canadians with sound debt management strategies.

It’s Leap Year 2020, and it's a day that only comes around once every four years. So, do something remarkable with your education by gaining new credentials to earn a second or independent income, or shore up the skills in your independent practice. But hurry! Take advantage of our Leap Year tuition offer by February 29 to save $595 on any two certificate courses. Our graduates share insights on our four recommended areas of specialization that they believe are Leap Year worthy.

Are financial professionals having the conversations required to prepare clients for Black Swan events that could dramatically change balance sheet valuations? That requires acuity – a sharpness of thought and vision - the theme of this year’s Distinguished Advisor Conference in Niagara Falls, October 28-30.  We are now inviting proposals on topics to be delivered by sponsors and partners to the event. Here’s why you should join us.