Knowledge Bureau Poll: Tax Cut Doesn’t Cut It!

The Notice of Ways and Means Motion was released on May 27, but the 1% tax rate cut going into effect on July 1, didn’t cut it with Knowledge Bureau Report readers who responded to our May Poll.  A decisive 90% of respondents said “No” when asked: does the new government’s promise to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, (14.5% in 2025) go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs?  Here were their comments and suggested alternatives based on real life experiences with the after-tax income their struggling clients are left with:

Seventy-one per cent (71%) of Knowledge Bureau Report readers feel that do-it-yourself tax filers using tax software and NetFiling can’t lose by investing in a relationship with a tax professional.

While there were few personal tax changes in last month’s Federal Budget, many seniors and their families may be affected to some degree by the adjustments made to GST/HST Canada. The paper burden has also been reduced for businesses who offer Pension Plans, including Pooled Retirement Pension Plans, or deal with the Governor General. 

Tax changes for asset purchases will be introduced for 2013 and beyond – allowing taxpayers a more significant Capital Cost Allowance deduction in some cases – in an attempt by the federal government to stimulate the manufacturing sector.

I held 200 shares of Kraft Foods in my non-registered investment account. Kraft split into Kraft Foods and Mondelez International. I now have 66 shares of Kraft and 200 of Mondelez. I noticed that my T5 slip is indicated that I received a foreign dividend of over $3,000. Is this a taxable dividend? I didn't receive any cash and the value of the two shares together were more or less the same. Please advise as this is a nasty shock. 

For owners of small businesses who pay themselves with dividends, the changes to the gross-up and dividend tax credit rates for 2013 will mean that the tax-free zone will decrease from its current level of about $42,500 for single taxpayers in 2013 to about $35,000 in 2014. 

Home office expenses are common for the self-employed; some employees may claim them too, when their employer signs Form T2200 to confirm this requirement. These claims are often audited so be sure to know the rules.