Late Filing Penalties: Talk About It!

While most T1 returns are in the hands of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by April 30, we know many are not. In fact, millions of returns were still outstanding as of mid-May. Late-filing clients they need to know about the consequences, especially if they owe. Here’s a rundown to be aware of:

Whenever possible, avoid adding a large lump sum to your taxable income in one tax year.  This can be especially problematic when a severance package or termination payment on retirement is received.

Bill C-15 Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 1 has passed in parliament and has moved on to the Senate for approval.  This Bill implements some, but not all, of the tax measures introduced in the 2016 Federal Budget.

The Distinguished Advisor Conference agenda, has just been released, chocked full of opportunities to build knowledge and business skills and earn valuable continuing professional development accreditation:  check it out for yourself and learn more about the 19 thought leaders who will inspire you!

Fees paid to financial advisors are in focus these days, as new fee transparency and account performance reporting is being introduced under the third phase of CRM2 next month.

Does financial planning require its own regulatory oversight? That’s the issue the Ministry of Finance in Ontario has charged an expert committee with. Their preliminary recommendations propose an “integrated regulator” and significant restrictions on who has the qualifications to hold themselves out as a financial planner. Consultations on the matter must be submitted by tomorrow, June 17.

It is critical to know the mechanics of tax preparation, not only for those who want to get into or stay in the tax preparation industry, but also for financial advisors who want to offer an integrated, holistic solution to planning for their clients. If you don't know tax, you're likely missing double digit returns in your plans for Real Wealth Management with your clients.