Finance Canada: No More Spring Budgets

Finance Canada announced on October 7 that Canada’s federal budgets will be brought down in the fall starting with the November 4, 2025 event; a significant departure from the spring schedule (February, March or April) that has been the cycle for several decades. This is going to affect many other events as we know them, and in the annual government spending approval cycle. There will also be a new budget process for capital vs. operational expenses. Here’s what you need to know:

Have you filed yet? You have a bit of breathing room thanks to a CRA error.

The Ontario provincial budget was presented on April 23 and although it contains no new personal or corporate taxes and only a few changes to beer drinkers, corporate credits and drivers might be particularly interested in this document. 

The 2015 Nova Scotia provincial budget was tabled on April 9, 2015, to significant controversy from the film industry in that province and with negative implications for retiring business owners. 

The April 21 Federal Budget adjusted the minimum RRIF withdrawal rates Canadians must apply to their taxable incomes in their retirement years.

Most people hate paying taxes but not far behind is their dislike of paying for tax and other professional financial services. However, value propositions for clients can be increased when they understand how professional fees are being claimed to their advantage on their tax returns.

Even at the end of tax season, some last minute tax tips can help clients and their families win extra dollars this year – or possibly next.  There are some eyebrow-raising write-offs under the category of medical expenses for example, that might make a knowledgeable tax expert the most interesting person around the water fountain.