Knowledge Bureau Poll: Tax Cut Doesn’t Cut It!

The Notice of Ways and Means Motion was released on May 27, but the 1% tax rate cut going into effect on July 1, didn’t cut it with Knowledge Bureau Report readers who responded to our May Poll.  A decisive 90% of respondents said “No” when asked: does the new government’s promise to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, (14.5% in 2025) go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs?  Here were their comments and suggested alternatives based on real life experiences with the after-tax income their struggling clients are left with:

Interest rates are rising and Canadians are already feeling the pinch in paying down their operating lines.  Owing the taxman can add to the burden.  The Bank of Canada’s next interest rate announcement is March 1 and for some, the trend is already uncomfortable. Debt management is key.

The first tax returns of the year will be processed on February 26 this year.  February 28 is the last day to catch up your filings and preserve appeal rights under the old Voluntary Disclosure rules that allow for full interest relief.  That means tax deniers or procrastinators must step up now.

Canadians who earn tips and gratuities are required to report this income on their annual income tax returns. This year the tax auditor is once again taking a closer look, and it’s become easier than ever, as audits of credit card and debt payments provide a reliable record of undeclared amounts.  Here’s what you need to know to bust those tax audits:

Leadership matters.  Your team depends on yours; so do your clients.  A couple of weeks ago, we featured a story on how the components of ethical leadership can be applied to individual leadership styles. It received great traction on the Executive Business Builders Network.  Please chime in this week.

We salute the outstanding achievements of Siegfried Merten, Master Financial Advisor (MFA), who has been recognized internationally for his work in the avoidance of double taxation for retired Canadians.

February promises to go out like a lion with yesterday’s announcement that the 2018 budget will be unveiled on February 27, 2018. It’s interesting timing. Other important milestones: CRA starts processing 2017 tax returns on February 26, the T4/T5 tax slip deadline is on February 28 and the RRSP filing deadline is March 1.