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:

On April 4th, the Canada Revenue Agency released two separate statements in regards to recent media coverage that has identified rampant disregard for Canada’s tax laws, specifically hiding money in offshore tax havens.

Canada’s household wealth grew at an annual rate of 7.8% between 2000 and 2012 according to the 2012 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report, which also predicted last October that with moderate and stable economic growth, total household wealth will rise over the next five years by 50% around the world. 

For contracts made after March 28, 2012, an employee's claim for the Overseas Employment Tax Credit will be reduced.

Artists and musicians may claim expenses for items specific to their profession, including capital cost allowance on musical instruments.

The Knowledge Bureau Faculty have been busy with the media this tax season. Here is a round up of recent media mentions!

Ensure you're prepared for Tax Audit Season and know the Rules of the Game – gain techniques and information that will help you set up the best defence in case of appeal, learn best e-practices, understand how to prepare defense files for potential Appeals Process, and be able to educate clients and staff.