CRA’s Callback Service for Tax Pros Pilot

Are you a tax professional with years of experience? Have you ever felt frustrated after calling the CRA, having spent hours on hold, wasting your client’s or employer’s time, only to speak to CRA agents who aren’t qualified to answer your questions? The Auditor General of Canada was equally displeased in a scathing report last fall on wait times and accuracy levels at the CRA. Now a new CRA callback service may come to the rescue this tax season. Here is my experience with the pilot project so far:

Employee stock options can help companies attract and retain talented employees by providing a supplementary source of compensation that is linked to the future success of the company. Current tax rules provide a preferential personal income tax treatment in the form of a stock option deduction, which effectively tax stock option income like capital gains. But that’s about to change, and advisors working with HNW executives need to come up to speed.

There have been several new tax and economic developments on climate change this month. Statistics on the Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments became available, Albertans repealed their provincial carbon levy and the Final Report from the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance was released.

For executives who are compensated in part with stock options, mid-summer tax planning will be especially important this year. The Notice of Ways and Means Motion, introducing draft legislation to implement a $200,000 limitation to the stock options deduction will take effect in 2020 for employees of large, mature, public companies. If your client is an executive in one, it’s important to schedule a tax planning discussion.

We’ve rarely been as excited as we are this year for the Distinguished Advisor Conference, and this is largely due to the incredible agenda, speakers, sponsors and networking activities we’re proud to share with you. Plus, you’ll save $100 on tuition fees if you register this month.

Knowledge Bureau designate Kristin Ramlal is a graduate of the RWM™ program, Distinguished Advisor Conference speaker, and a founding member of the new Society of Real Wealth Managers™. Her commitment to education is inspiring! Here is her story:

Summertime is a great time to invest in your professional development, and Knowledge Bureau’s new Ez-Pay installment options make it easier than ever to get started.