No More Sworn Testimony, But Audits Are Still Stress Inducing

“That” Phrase: it’s one no taxpayer wants to hear – digitally or otherwise. “You’re being audited.” If you’ve had to deliver that news you’ll know that the reaction can range from indignity to shock to panic. Based on the latest piece of legislation before Parliament, you might have to tell more of your clients to buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. CRA will now have greater powers. Consider this:

Learn to prepare final returns in the most tax-efficient manner and expand your career by adding estate planning to your list of services. Enrol in Final Returns on Death of a Taxpayer.

The May 1 Ontario budget triggered a provincial election and so it died on the vine; but it’s an important one to understand, none-the-less, as some of its parts may be back at some time in the near future, depending on the outcome of the election.

New rules pertaining to prepaid credit cards took effect on May 1. Finance Minister Joe Oliver held a press conference on April 30 in Ottawa to introduce the new measures that were designed to protect Canadian consumers.

As per subsection 118.1(3) of the Income Tax Act (the Act), an individual may claim a tax credit with respect to a gift made to a registered charity. The amount of the tax credit is determined by the amount of the gift.

Details for a new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) were included in the May 1 Ontario budget and have become an election issue there. Some disagree that the plan is necessary; others are concerned about the immediate economic costs.

Doug Nelson is author of the newly released Master Your Retirement and discusses the "laws" of retirement planning.