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:

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!

CRA is changing how professionals are being authorized to represent their clients this year. Form T1013 Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative is being replaced effective February 10, 2020 in favor of new digital processes. Plus, there are some new forms on the horizon for offline authorizations and some good news that will especially help when families lose a loved one. 

At a time when 48% of Canadians say they are $200 away from insolvency*, an important tax question arises: why are tax refunds so large? The average as of December 31, 2019 was $1740. That’s $145 a month missing from Canadians’ pockets that could help mitigate the cash crunch. Worse, those refunds won’t start flowing until after February 24, the day CRA starts accepting E-filed returns. Fortunately, there is good news: working with a tax specialist can help reduce the wait times and increase refunds, too.

The new Basic Personal Amount proposed on December 9, 2019 is very complicated. The calculations on the TD1 forms and their accompanying worksheet will challenge even those with pride in their financial literacy. What do tax and financial advisors think: is this tax change an improvement to our tax system? You may be surprised at the verdict in last month's poll.