Wildfires: Apply for Taxpayer Relief Provisions

It may not be the first concern, but Canadians affected by wildfires may worry at some point about the tax consequences of lost records or missed filing deadlines – the next one on June 16 for those filing T1 returns with proprietorship income. Fortunately, the CRA offers Taxpayer Relief Provisions when there are circumstances beyond a taxpayer’s control, including natural disasters, serious illness or death in the family, or errors made by the CRA, which may trigger penalties and interest due to late or incomplete tax filings. Here’s what you need to know.

There are 6.2 million persons with disabilities in Canada, 23% of whom live in poverty.  And, more shocking is the fact that 13.1% of young people age 15 to 24 years, are living with a disability, comprising of 4.1% of the population.  The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) was into law on June 22, 2023 to help.  But the fine details are still sketchy. The payments are not expected to start until December of 2024.  Still, tax assistance is possible and an important part of year end tax planning. Subscribe to KBR to receive your copy of this special report directly in your inbox!

In June 2016, federal and provincial finance ministers agreed on enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).  The goal was to increase the pension available to the current generation of workers from the 25% of pensionable earnings to 33% of pensionable earnings.  But this has come with substantive premium increases, and starting in January of 2024, a second tier of additional premiums for higher earners.  Small businesses and the self employed will be particularly concerned about these increased premiums, which were officially announced on November 1.  Here are the details.

What are the rules on withdrawal?  Maximum annual withdrawal amounts are established based on life expectancies but an ability to encroach on capital is also to be provided. Only the beneficiary and/or the beneficiary's legal representatives can withdraw amounts from an RDSP.

In October, we asked tax and financial professionals “ In your opinion, is the Climate Action Incentive Payment enough to offset the rising cost of carbon taxes?” The fact that 89% felt it’s not sufficient was not surprising but the comments present some interesting insights on the challenges and potential solutions.

Yesterday’s CE Summit: Year-End Tax Planning was a hit, and it’s only the beginning of the professional development options available from Knowledge Bureau to give you the tools you need to help a variety of client profiles this upcoming tax season. Take the micro-course collection, New Issues in Year-End Tax Planning and join us at the January Advanced T1 Tax Update, which will be held virtually, as well as in Toronto and Calgary. Save on tuition with an event pass, and take note of early-bird deadlines.

In Winnipeg on November 14?   The Canadian Foundation for Economic Education CFEE.org  want to invite you to a light lunch and launch of an important new financial capability resource from 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM CDT at the Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, entitled: Money and You: Seniors Edition.   This event will feature guest speakers from the program sponsor, IG Wealth Management, CFEE CEO Gary Rabbior, and by video from Evelyn Jacks, the primary author. A program demo from CFEE COO Kevin Maynard will also be featured.