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:

Confidence in Knowledge Leads to Expansion:  Joey LeBlanc, DFA - Tax Services Specialist™

“Far away there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”  Louisa May Alcott

If you are using tax software in the 2017 tax filing season, you will be amazed at the cutting-edge features that complement the digital services being offered at CRA this year.  It may be worth your while to become familiar with the new services.

February 20 is the first day of EFILE in 2017.  That means now may be the right time to get those receipts and documents in order to file sooner for your tax refund.   Here are the dates to know:

Investors, be sure to claim your investment expenses on the 2016 tax return. If it’s done properly, you can save hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars over the years. But you have to do it correctly, or you could get into hot water.

Today’s wealth managers and financial advisors are being called upon to offer their clients a more holistic approach to retirement - one that encourages exploration and direction beyond money-related questions. That’s important.