Fall Federal Budget: Will Spending Be Cut?

Canada has historically presented an annual budget since Confederation in 1867, even through periods like World Wars and the Great Depression, but we have recently experienced the longest period without a full federal budget in our history. By the time the next one is brought down, expected in October 2025, it will have been 18 months since the controversial April 2024 budget which introduced the doomed capital gains inclusion rate hikes. What can we expect?

Did you know there are taxpayer relief provisions to lean on if you have run into hard times and can’t pay your tax bill?  But you’ll need to understand the fine print – financial hardship isn’t usually a good enough reason not to pay, and you’ll always have to pay the taxes.  The relief CRA can grant you is limited to waiving penalties and interest. Here’s how to access these rights:

If you’ve been following the news, and you rely on CRA for tax answers, you may be feeling a little nervous about this headline: CRA workers want 'unprecedented' pay raise of more than 30% over 3 years. Regardless of your opinion (advocates say it’s needed, critics say it would 'gouge' taxpayer), tax pros are frustrated with long CRA wait times. What happens if there’s a strike?  Cover your bases with Evergreen Explanatory Notes, your authoritative tax research library.

Tax season is just around the corner and now is the time to train new and returning staff to confidently prepare a deep and broad spectrum of returns for employees, families, investors, business owners and retirees.  There are two opportunities to learn:  in person on February 7 in Toronto and conveniently online any time with recorded presentations.  Early registration deadline for tuition savings is January 31. 

Here at Knowledge Bureau we are absolutely thrilled it’s 2023.  We were born in January 2003 and so it’s officially our 20th Anniversary! Please mark your calendar for these 20th Anniversary celebration events – and start participating to win hundreds of dollars in prizes!  This month we are celebrating the Marquis Client Award - which is who has taken the most Knowledge Bureau courses.

Same neighborhood, similar income, less cash flow?  The secret in the financial sauce could well be an RRSP strategy.  With the deadline only weeks away (March 1, 2023), it’s time to buck trends to forego the RRSP contribution and consult with your financial advisor now to exponentially increase both income and wealth.

Employers:  Do you have an opinion about your mandatory participation – by March 2024 -  in a new $43.9 million payroll remittance and EI benefits system overhaul which will result in a real time e-payroll system? The federal government has launched a consultation process and if you’re interested in responding, do so by January 27.