Finance Canada Drops Draft Legislation August 15

All professional tax practitioners, financial advisors should take note of an important mid-summer release of draft legislation to implement some of the proposals from the November 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the April 2024 Budget, the EIFEL rules announced on August 12, 2024, and rules relating to passive income of foreign affiliates announced in the 2022 federal budget.  This draft legislation also introduces more modifications to new trust filing requirements. Brief highlights appear below;  technical details will be discussed in the September 17 and November 5 CE Summits and Knowledge Bureau’s certificate course on T3 Filings. 

Two provincial budgets were released on either side of the Easter Weekend:  Ontario’s on March 26 and Manitoba’s on April 2, and their approaches were entirely different: one reflecting few taxes changes (but a promise of tax reform!); the other a plethora of broad-reaching new ones that will raise taxes and increase complexity.  Here’s what you need to know:

As Canadians scramble to meet their April 30 tax filing obligations, the federal government plans to release its next budget on April 16.  Expect more red ink as debt services costs skyrocket. According to a new study by the Fraser Institute, the government debt burden for families across Canada has been growing significantly, it’s making us poorer.  The numbers tell the story, below, and underscore the need for a fiscal focus on our future prosperity.  

The health indicators for small business in Canada show weaknesses that should be of concern to all Finance Ministers who face their own challenges in offsetting growing deficits and debt service costs with economic growth.   From new bankruptcy statistics (see below) to CFIB’s Business Barometer for March, the business outlook, at least in the short term is somber.  In addition, 77% of advisors who answered Knowledge Bureau Report’s March poll, believe the recent CEBA deadline will push more into bankruptcy.  

Did you agree with the government’s last minute abort of the bare trust filing requirements on March 28, just one business day before the April 2 deadline? 

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Especially in light of family business tax changes; and new technology advancements at CRA, a financial intermediary who can integrate advice on all aspects of a financial transaction – from banking to tax reporting - will be well positioned to help both new market entrants and older clients with tax problems it’s high value advice that crosses all demographics. Take 10! Join us for an interactive DMA™ Program Orientation and become a DMA™- Accounting Services Specialist.