Bill C-31: Royal Asset and New CRA Powers Could Come Soon

Changes are coming to the Income Tax Act and both you and your clients will all be affected with new tax risks including longer tax audits. Bill C-31, which passed second reading in the House of Commons on June 3 and is now at committee stage, contains elements of previous Federal Budgets that will expand the CRA’s compliance and enforcement powers. Here’s what you need to know and pass along to your clients:

When fewer, younger taxpayers must pay most of the taxes while looking after both the elderly and minors, it’s much more difficult for them to accumulate assets for their future, and get good returns on their investments in this environment of de-population.

It has become easier to raise money for private businesses in Canada. Securities regulators in five provinces—Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick—announced last week that they were adopting a prospectus exemption for issuers listed on a Canadian stock exchange. The opportunity: to raise money by distributing securities without the need for an expensive prescribed offering document.

The wealth management business of the past several years has been highlighted by great growth and profitable customers. According to new research from the US1, that’s about to change with 10 key disruptors on the horizon.

“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart” - Linda Poindexter.

The Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act allow the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to transfer the tax liability of a taxpayer onto third parties. There is a very distinct role for the tax and financial advisor in assisting their clients with this issue. This and more will be discussed at the upcoming Distinguished Advisor Workshop (DAW), with featured guest speakers in Vancouver Jan. 22 and Toronto Jan. 25.

From a tax and financial planner’s point of view, it is critical to know the mechanics of tax preparation as a prerequisite to tax-efficient financial planning. If you don’t know tax, you’re missing double digit returns in your plans for real wealth management with your clients.