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:

Statistics Canada has reported Canada’s largest drop in life expectancy since 1921 – a seven-month decrease.  It is an eye-opening study that brings to mind the importance of new conversations about medical,  disability and estate planning during the busy tax season, especially for younger people. 

The annual inflation rate rose to 4.8% in December 2021, yet many Canadians who have never experienced inflation in their lifetime, may wonder, so what? Over time, as one soon notices, inflation can significantly reduce the real value of Canadian savings and purchasing power.  When the computation of taxes or benefits are not fully indexed to inflation, there is also a real, but hidden, inflation tax.  Here’s how to plan for it:

Ontario residents reconsidering international travel plans this year due to the pandemic now have even more incentive to explore destinations closer to home – specifically within the province – thanks to the newly introduced refundable Staycation Tax Credit. The tax credit reimburses 20% of eligible accommodation costs, up to a maximum dollar amount.  It’s a tax incentive other provinces may want to pick up on to spur on home-based tourism. Here are the details:

One of the many changes for this tax season 2022, is that 2021 tax refunds will be lower for thousands of taxpayers that qualified for the “Climate Action Incentive” (CAI). Prior to 2021, the CAI was a refundable tax credit similar to the Canada Workers Benefit or the Canada Training Credit. In all these cases, these credits constituted a tax-free cash benefit that either increased a tax refund or reduced the net tax liability for taxpayers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take Canada’s most up-to-date and comprehensive Advanced T1 Tax Update Course for Professional Tax Accounting firms and their new and returning staff who will file 2021 T1 Returns. This is Canada’s #1 tax training program for busy practice owners who need to recruit and train staff in time for this tax season.  No travel, no time zone issues, available 24/7 online with outstanding expert instructor-led presentations and support. Leave the training to Knowledge Bureau to make sure you are ready for the busy season, at a special time-limited fee, too.

It’s been almost two years of personal physical, mental and emotional life triggers, coupled with many economic and financial changes.  How can just one financial professional ensure that their client's holistic wealth management plan is focused on tax efficient wealth sustainability with so many triggers at once? Join the Society of Real Wealth Managers™ and seven special guests for the next Meeting of the Minds: 360 Degree Trigger Tour on February 2 at 10 AM CST.   Register now for this complimentary educational event!