Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

Giving to charity is a noble thing to do. From a tax viewpoint, it’s also the gift that keeps giving back. However, if you’re claiming charitable donations on this year’s return, you may notice new complexity. Check out our true-to-life scenarios and the tips that follow.

As the May 1 personal tax filing deadline approaches, it’s appropriate to be reminded of the tax audit season that follows, especially for new couples. Filing errors in reporting marital status, and especially common-law relationships, could be the first big challenge when faced with a tax review. Advisors can help by discussing a few key tax definitions:

In Canada’s 150th year, Knowledge Bureau is pleased to put the spotlight on Canadian Financial Authors and celebrate Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change at DAC Nov 5-8 in Kelowna.  This week:  Kimberly McLarty discusses: Re-Evaluating Business Resources: A Group Insurance Specialist May Be of Help.

How’s your luck? Try it out and get in on a chance to win a free registration to the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) in the spectacular wine country of BC. Come to Kelowna and think more clearly about this year’s theme: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change. Here’s April’s question:

Filing tax returns for unincorporated small businesses is in growing demand. Whether retirees are going back to market as consultants or Millennials are choosing to be their own boss, demographic changes are increasingly pointing to a shift from full-time employment to self-employment as a way to leverage time and money. For advisors, learning tax preparation for proprietors is a worthwhile investment.

My knowledge and comfort level have grown:  Denis Marcon, Master Financial Advisor™, Manitoba