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.

Quebec is looking for a health contribution for adults who refuse to be vaccinated for non-medical reasons, as half of the COVID-19 beds in Quebec are taken up by unvaccinated Quebecers. Quebec is proposing to implement a vaccine tax, and tax the unvaccinated.  But can a province levy such a tax?

Want to start your year by doing something good?  Make it a commitment to give more to charity. Typically, tax deductible gifts are cash; however, don’t forget you may also give gifts in kind and receive a donation receipt. It’s the gift that keeps giving back, Working with an MFA-P™, a professional trained in strategic philanthropy can help.  Here are some tax tips to consider:

It’s time to take note of the tax filing requirements and investment opportunities that now that we’re into the first quarter of the year. This is an important timeline for investors making TFSA and RRSP contributions, as well as interest payments on inter-spousal loans.  In addition, there are some important dates to note with regards to the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and other COVID-19 related benefits. Mark your calendar and discuss these January and February tax and investment planning milestones with your clients.

Canada’s Leading Advanced Tax Update course as featured in the January 19 Virtual CE Summit is now available online.  It’s like having your own tax PVR! Take a comprehensive online course with outstanding expert presentations from Canada’s leading tax minds for the low price of $695 (save $200) when you register by March 15. Brush off the cobwebs and learn at your own time with everything you need to prepare for the upcoming T1 tax filing season.

Do you have complex tax questions difficult to find on the CRA website?  Are you too busy for long wait times on the phone with the CRA?  At Knowledge Bureau we have a great solution to help you save time and money and answer more tax questions from your clients with confidence.  Plus, it links directly to all pertinent CRA forms, guides, folios, the Income Tax Act and much more!

There is good news for business owners who continue to struggle through the pandemic:  CEBA loan repayments have been postponed for a year.  Here are the details: in light of the new developments of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Federal Government is preparing a battery of measures to assist Small and Medium-sized Businesses.