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:

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.

The 2015 Federal Budget introduced significant changes to Canadians’ finances.  The challenge now for most tax and financial professionals is deciphering these changes and putting them into action in a meaningful way for clients.

Knowledge Bureau is pleased to introduce Murray Leiter, who has recently updated the new edition of the Elements of Real Wealth Management course.