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:OAS and GIS Increases: Canadian Seniors Get a Small Raise
New rates for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) programs went into effect as of July 1, 2018, and as a result, Canadian seniors are getting a small raise each month this quarter. But, the windfall is meek.
Solving the Unethical Advisor Dilemma: Higher Standards for Education Credentials Needed
The debate is on for our July poll, with respondents split down the middle on whether or not more regulation is required to protect consumers from unethical tax and financial advisors. Many commenters agree that unscrupulous practices are an issue, but what’s the answer? Some believe the solution lies in higher educational standards. Share your thoughts!
Bank of Canada Increases Interest Rate to 1.5%
Bank of Canada raised its benchmark interest rate to 1.5 percent (up from 1.25 percent) as anticipated, in an announcement from Governor Stephen Poloz this morning.
Consumer Woes: New Surtax hits Cross-Border Shoppers, While Interest Rates Rise
Canadians spend anywhere from $4.7 to $8 Billion on cross-border shopping and if you spent the July long weekend looking for bargains in the U.S. you may have had an unpleasant surprise: despite the loonie holding some ground against US currency, a new 10% surtax on certain consumer goods came into effective July 1, when if you exceeded your exemption limit.
Despite Obstacles, Canada’s Growing Labour Force Points to Strong Economy
Despite all the doom and gloom reported lately, Canada’s economy is actually growing. All signs point to an increase in Bank of Canada rates later today, as a new Labour Force Study from Statistics Canada indicates that for the month of June, the country’s labour force increased with the creation of 31,800 new jobs. The report also cites increasing self-employment levels.
Succession Planning: The Legalities Business Owners Need to Know
Succession planning hinges on sound leadership development and astute forward-thinking, but there are also legal factors to consider. This week, Philippe Richer, author of Knowledge Bureau’s new Business Law certificate course in the Executive Business Builder Program, shares some important legal considerations for transitioning or selling your business. Philippe will also join us as a special guest lecturer at the new Business Builder Retreat.
