Changes to Paper Filing Disempowering

Last tax season, only 7% of all Canadian tax filers filed on paper. The CRA is pushing for zero. It continues to steer the holdouts to digitized filing by adding lots of obstacles. Most recently, it is removing almost all the schedules from the tax return package it mails. This seems unfair to people who paper file because they can’t afford a computer and internet, distrust the security of online filing and those who are neither tax or computer literate. Here’s what they are up against:

It’s time to scale up in the tax preparation and accounting industry. The industry currently engages close to 65,000 independent professionals who participates in helping over 60% of total tax filers.  CRA itself engaged close to 60,000 employees to interact with taxpayers.  But with the retirement of experienced accounting professionals on the horizon, increasing burnout from high demand work in short timeframes, the writing is on the wall:  an acute shortage of qualified people is unfolding in the tax and accountancy services, and this has implications for our economy and financial stability. Consider the following statistics, and then, make a great investment in the DMA - Tax Services Specialist designation program to scale up your practice to meet a growing demand.

Stress. We all feel it. In fact, we need a certain measure of it in order to perform well. But, what happens when that stress becomes unhealthy?  It can manifest itself in the workplace from distracted or lacklustre work to some employees taking stress leave. The costs to an employer can add up rapidly. For tax and financial advisors, understanding the root causes and financial implications of client stress is critical. It’s not just a personal issue; it’s a business issue—and one where your expertise can make a measurable difference.

As Canada transitions into a new economic era under the new government's evolving tax policies, financial professionals face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. To navigate this shifting landscape, staying informed isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. That's why CE Summits – Advisory Diploma is a must-attend professional program for tax advisors, financial planners, and professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional value to their clients amongst complexity. These sessions are led by expert faculty Evelyn Jacks, Doug Nelson, Carol Willes and Ruth Horst on May 21 – register by the May 15 early-bird deadline!

With the personal tax filing deadline behind us, now is the time for a second look—especially when it comes to medical expense claims and eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Many Canadians with disabilities, or those who care for them, may have overlooked or under-claimed important tax benefits during the initial rush to file. Post-tax season is the perfect opportunity to review, adjust, and plan for maximum tax efficiency going forward. One area worth special attention is the intersection of attendant care expenses and the DTC—a combination that, if not claimed carefully, can leave tax savings on the table.

Knowledge Bureau is proud to introduce new micro-credentials in Small Business Services through a new CE Mastery Program, designed to give business owners and their teams the financial confidence and knowledge needed to drive better outcomes — both in the business and in life.

The Knowledge Bureau News Network was vibrant last month, especially in the Knowledge Bureau Report Poll. Over 98% of readers who answered overwhelmingly were in favor of tax reforms and they had some great comments as well. Take a look: