News Room

New Consultations: Modernizing Tax Rules for Charities

As the last remnants of a scrumptious Thanksgiving weekend subside, it is appropriate to take a look at the health and issues surrounding the charitable sector in Canada.  Serendipitously, the federal government is seeking your views on how the tax rules for registered charities and the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) administration of these rules could be modernized.  A new consultation was launched on October 8 and here’s what the government wants to know, by December 3, 2026:

2017 Budget Overview: Specific Tax Provisions in GST

Review specific tax provision in GST news, announced by the Government in the 2016 Federal Budget.

2017 Budget Overview: Tax Changes for Families

Review tax changes for families announced by the Government in the 2017 Federal Budget.

2017 Budget Overview: Additional Tax Provisions

Review additional tax provisions announced by the Government in the 2017 Federal Budget.

Next Week: Special Federal Budget Report

Knowledge Bureau will publish a late edition of KBR on March 22 to cover the Budget. Be sure to join us for all the news and please share knowledge: a subscription to the Special Budget Report is free. Your friends and colleagues can sign in to reserve their copy now.

Tax Tip: Seniors Who Receive OAS Must Plan for Clawbacks

The full OAS  Benefits to be reported as income by recipients on the 2016 tax return is $6,878.82.  The amount will be less if you started receiving the benefits this year or could be more if you delayed starting beyond your 65th birthday.  But, if you had unanticipated higher income on the 2016 tax return perhaps due to your investments, your annual Old Age Security (OAS) could be reduced or disappear entirely come this July.  Worse, you could find yourself paying more in quarterly tax instalment remittances.  Are you having that discussion with your tax specialist?  It’s important to plan your summer cash flows.  Here’s what you need to know:

Early Retirement?  You Have Options When It’s Not Your Idea

Lost your job?  That can be a very traumatic experience for some; a relief for others.  In both cases, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits are a good first line of defence to pay for food and shelter.  However, these benefits will be taxable. Worse,  if you are a high-income earner in the year you leave your job, these benefits may also be subject to repayment.  Therefore, some tax planning is in order.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

In your view, should Canadians be able to write off more of their out-of-pocket medical expense costs? What amount would be appropriate?

  • Yes
    51 votes
    94.44%
  • No
    3 votes
    5.56%