Helping First Nations, Inuit and Metis with Tax Filing

The Canada Revenue Agency is trying to reach out to Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis to encourage them to file their tax forms on time and could use your help to make sure these communities get all the tax benefits they are entitled to. But filing tax returns are not always easy, especially when there is income on and off the reserve.

Imagine a completely tax-free retirement; one in which you don't have to focus on planning for after-tax income at all. This is an opportunity that is being missed by millennials when a TFSA is used as a short-term savings account rather than for long-term wealth accumulation.

It can be financially devastating and it’s seniors and the most vulnerable - those who don’t understand the taxpayer relationship with the CRA – that are the most frequent victims of a CRA phone scam that is extracting thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people. It’s important for professionals to share guidelines with clients to help all family members recognize whether or not they’re legitimately being contacted by the CRA.

With global trade uncertainties and other factors, including debt, new taxes and demographic change all putting pressure on Canadians’ ability keep their heads above financial waters, tax and financial advisors who participated in our August poll are sending a strong message in this pre-election time: Canadians are finding things unaffordable.

The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP), Knowledge Bureau and Spire Philanthropy are pleased to announce that all three online courses in the MFA-P™ - Philanthropy designation program are now available. The program has been developed over the past year by some of the most experienced leaders in charitable giving. Graduates with these specialized credentials in strategic philanthropy, will be well equipped to pursue new opportunities to build trust by better understanding their clients’ values and critical personal causes.

There are some important reasons to talk to your clients over the next 10 days, from a tax point of view. Advisors who want to enhance their value propositions will want to discuss the 16 tax compliance and planning milestones that may impact their finances now until the end of the year.

September marks the start of a new school year. Please be sure you mark your educational calendar for continuing professional development and staff training needs this fall. For your clients, consider the tax filing milestones described above.