News Room

Bill C-31: Royal Asset and New CRA Powers Could Come Soon

Changes are coming to the Income Tax Act and both you and your clients will all be affected with new tax risks including longer tax audits. Bill C-31, which passed second reading in the House of Commons on June 3 and is now at committee stage, contains elements of previous Federal Budgets that will expand the CRA’s compliance and enforcement powers. Here’s what you need to know and pass along to your clients:

Tax Tip: Infirm or Disabled: What’s the Difference for Tax Purposes?

Caring for a loved one with a disability?  CRA may contact you to verify your claim for the new Canada Caregiver Amount or the Disability Amount. For these reasons, it’s important to draw the distinction between “infirm” and “disabled,” for different provisions on the tax return.

No Tax Relief for Middle Class: A Bigger Bill Despite Government Claims

A recent study by the Fraser Institute reveals that the Liberal government’s changes to the personal income tax system have already raised taxes for the vast majority of middle-income Canadian families (81 percent) by an average of $840 annually. But there’s more to come. . .

Our Top Posts of 2017: What Are Financial Professionals Reading?

It’s a sign of the times: Knowledge Bureau Report readers were most interested in recent tax news, based on our top five posts revisited here. The proposals to change the tax system for private corporations are of most concern; small wonder, too. Not yet law, Tax on Split Income (TOSI) rules begin January 1, 2018. Principle residence reporting changes are important too. Here’s what mattered most to our readers in 2017:

Tax Audit Practices: Small-Business Owners Need Financial Education

Small businesses in Canada are responsible for employing 8.2 million Canadians, which is 70.5 percent (1) of the total labour force. Recent tax changes are impacting small-business owners, their families, and the middle-class population in general, significantly.  It’s time to take control with broader, deeper tax knowledge.

Let’s Collaborate: Get in on the DAC 2018 Agenda

Knowledge Bureau’s annual Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) will be taking place in beautiful Quebec City from November 11-14, 2018. The theme is “Changing the Face of Community – Collaboration with Impact.” We would love to hear what this means to you, and what you’d like to see in our compelling sessions at this pre-eminent educational event.

Mark Your Calendars: Post-Budget Analysis for Canada and the U.S.

Knowledge Bureau is pleased to announce that its next professional development days - the CE Summits -  will held May 29 to June 6 in Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto. Featuring special guest Dean Smith of Cadesky Tax, who will join Evelyn Jacks to discuss post-budget tax reforms in Canada and the U.S.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

According to CRA, Canadians experience improved service delivery and responsiveness from the CRA this tax season. Do you agree?

  • Yes
    4 votes
    5.88%
  • No
    64 votes
    94.12%