News Room

Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

Outstanding Canadian Performers to Headline at DAC

Delegates attending the Distinguished Advisor Conference in Kelowna from November 5-8 will be treated with the opportunity to hear 18 illustrious speakers, including two cutting-edge digital innovation experts, renowned tax experts and leading insurance and investment specialists. They will also be treated to performances by three incredible Canadian entertainers at the DAC150 Gala.

Fall Economic Statement: Low Earners Benefit from Strong Economy

On October 24, 2017, Finance Canada issued the Fall Economic Statement, which forecasts better-than-expected economic growth, at least in the shorter term.  The resulting increase in tax revenues have blessed the department with new funds for spending priorities; notably to help families with children and the working poor.

Disability Tax Credits Change Highlights Audit-Proofing

Audit-proofing strategies must be implemented by tax professionals and their diabetic clients receiving disability tax credits in light of the CRA’s new interpretation of the rules.

Decline in EI Beneficiaries Points to a Strong Canadian Economy

The latest numbers from Statistics Canada report a decrease in the number of regular Employment Insurance (EI) beneficiaries, supporting the overall strength of the Canadian economy, reported yesterday by the Finance Minister.

Capital Gains Deduction Part III: Changing the Rules, Again

The federal government has recently back-tracked on their plan to limit access to the capital gains deduction available to shareholders in a family business corporation, and that’s a very good thing, as the proposals would have cost family businesses a lot of money.

Advisors’ Approach to Retirement Planning – What’s New?

The world has changed dramatically over the last couple of decades—and that requires that tax and financial advisors adapt their strategies for pre-retirees. Recognizing the current economic and societal changes drivers, it appears that  debt management, and debt reduction strategies at various life stages, require more attention. This will be a key planning theme at Knowledge Bureau’s upcoming CE Summits.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

According to CRA, Canadians experience improved service delivery and responsiveness from the CRA this tax season. Do you agree?

  • Yes
    8 votes
    8.6%
  • No
    85 votes
    91.4%