Mid-Summer Reviews: When to Collect OAS and CPP

Did you know that 61% of Canadians are afraid of running out of money during retirement? According to a new CPP Investments survey, that fear is widespread. Yet surprisingly few people understand even the basics of public pension planning. For example, Canadians are not obliged to begin OAS or CPP at age 65. By delaying, they can significantly boost after-tax income and improve retirement security.

March is fraud prevention month, and therefore it makes sense – in the heart of the tax filing season – to know which is legal and which is a criminal offence: tax evasion or tax avoidance?

You haven't done your taxes for a year or two or more – yikes – now what? Bottom line: get on it, quickly, and more important, start a relationship with a qualified tax professional who has taken a recent audit defense course. 

Roller Hire v The Queen (2013). A common battle in the Tax Court of Canada is one between the designation of employee or independent contractor. The case of Roller Hire is a recent example, and Judge Hogan made some interesting comments for the Court.

Recent RRSP & TFSA savings statistics show that only 26% of eligible taxfilers contributed to an RRSP in 2010, but this dropped to 24%  in 2011.

Is it true if you have a balance owing to CRA and you do not want to pay on-line you need to call CRA for a pre-printed form?

The Atlantic Investment Tax Credit provides a 10% refundable tax credits for certain investments in new buildings, machinery and equipment used in the Atlantic region and the Gaspé Peninsula, in farming, fishing, logging, manufacturing and processing, oil & gas, and mining industries.