New: Personal Support Workers Tax Credit Coming Soon

Personal support workers will receive billions in increased wages from federal/provincial governments in B.C., Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories.  Those workers in other provinces will now get a raise too, but they will have to wait until filing their 2026 returns in the spring of 2027 to cash in, according to an October 27 pre-budget announcement.  Here are the details:

February is the month to focus on retirement savings for a future of financial security.  For business owners that is particularly important as they often have all their retirement eggs in one basket:  the business.  It’s not easy to sell a business and when the time comes, it’s important to know about the latest tax-advantaged succession option, which comes with a $10 million Capital Gains Exemption.

Processing a tax return will begin on February 19 and that’s also the date any paper tax return packages will be mailed.  If you want to receive your return, refunds and Notice of Assessment faster, electronic filing is the way to go – and about 93% of Canadians chose that option last year.  Aside from accessing the tax forms and line-by-line instructions immediately, CRA promises that processing an electronically filed return will take about two weeks, as opposed to 8 weeks for paper returns, according to CRA’s service standard.  But in more than a dozen instances, paper filing is actually required.  Check it out here: 

Exactly who needs to file a UHT-2900 by April 30, 2024?  Even tax pros are having trouble deciphering these complicated rules, and explaining them to their clients.  Fortunately, Knowledge Bureau’s Advanced T1 Tax Update Course, now available online for tax training, has the answers and a handy conversation guide for tax accounting and financial advisors to share with their clients.  Here’s a brief synopsis of filing requirements:

Share the love with your companion or team member and join us in the splendid aura of the arts in the charm of Montreal as you discover new ways to lead with impactful guidance at the Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors, November 10-12, 2024.  Early-bird deadline: February 15. Save up to 25% on tuition when you register as a Delegate, Companion or Team Member! Plus, last chance to save on CE Summit Event passes before tuition prices increase.

Make a difference while you differentiate with new credentials and a collaborative approach to leadership in building your practice and a natural referral network, too, with the Real Wealth Management™ Designation Program. The RWM™ approaches conversations with clients on a deeper level while following a compliant framework that goes beyond KYC and KYP – all to enable greater financial piece of mind. Enrol in the RWM™ Designation Program, only $1,295 for single registrations (save $500) or study with a buddy and your tuition is only $995 each.

If you opened a First Home Savings Account in 2023, you’ll be addressing potentially 3 new lines on the 2023 tax return, several new auxiliary tax forms and a brand-new Schedule 15.  Here is what you need to know: