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:

Are you a distinguished advisor in your industry? If so, be sure to enter two prestigious awards to be announced at the DAC in beautiful Kelowna, Nov. 5-8 this year.

It’s time once again for our skill-testing financial trivia contest. This is your chance to win a free registration to DAC, November 5-8 in spectacular Kelowna, BC, where this year’s theme will be CANADA 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.  Here’s April’s question:

Ellie Jenner, DFA - Tax Services Specialist™, Alberta: Designation that makes you to feel confident in the tax and investment advice you give to clients. It is important for Investment Advisors to have tax knowledge.

"If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." Arabic Proverb

The CSB is officially obsolete, killed by the March 22, 2017 federal budget. What effect does this have on investors? Some new planning strategies are in order for planners and clients alike.  But first a little history...

The Disability Tax Amount, a non-refundable tax credit valued at $8,001 in tax year 2016, can be claimed by someone who is markedly restricted in the activities of daily living on a permanent basis, or by their supporting individual.