The Gateway:  Maximizing the Impact of the Disability Tax Credit

In addition to reducing income tax through a non-refundable credit, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) serves as a gateway to a wide range of additional tax benefits and government programs. Eligibility for the DTC can unlock enhanced credits, financial supplements, and long-term savings opportunities that go well beyond the tax return. Understanding how the DTC connects to these broader supports is essential for maximizing financial stability—both for individuals living with disabilities and the family members who support them.  Unfortunately, many taxpayers miss this credit and their tax and financial advisors can certainly help when this happens.

Did you know that The Central Bank Network for Indigenous Inclusion was established in 2021 by the Bank of Canada, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the U.S. Federal Reserve to foster ongoing dialogue and raise awareness of Indigenous economic and financial issues? Learn more about its mission and why it’s important.

A reassessment following an audit from the CRA is deemed valid and binding subject to being proved incorrect by the taxpayer on a balance of probabilities (above 50%). In order to prove that the reassessment is inaccurate, the taxpayer may have to disclose confidential or otherwise privileged corporate documentation at trial. However, these documents can be accessed by corporate competitors by searching the Court Registry at the Tax Court of Canada.

A financial plan matters, a lot.  Yet, close to 50% of Canadians don’t even have a budget. Further, only about 30% of Canadians knew what a financial plan is and how it could help them. That means there is a lot of potential for collaboration to get better financial results and achieve more financial goals.

As tax season picks up speed, there are some important dates and deadlines coming up to make note of and discuss with your clients.

Privacy of confidential financial data is an important issue to your clients and no wonder: Statistics Canada says that about 57% of Canadians online reported experiencing a security incident in 2018.  Do you know how to avoid privacy risks that may arise in your business?  A new online certificate course, Privacy Principles in Business addresses many of the security issues that concern business owners these days, and now you can earn 10 compliance credits from IIROC by completing this cutting-edge course.

There is an important deadline coming up for those who received a reprieve on their 2020 outstanding balances: interest will accrue on that balance starting May 1, 2022. Who does this deadline apply to?