CRA Shut Down: Communicate Proactively Before Long Weekend

Did you know that Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be undergoing a digital migration on the September long weekend, starting Friday August 29 at 8:00 p.m. and ending Tuesday at 6:00 am September 2, with the proviso that this possibly could last til September 3? What could go wrong? Plenty.

Taxpayers who claim auto expenses, commonly commission sales people, the self-employed and employees who wish to reduce their annual auto standby charge on their employer-provided vehicle, will know that keeping an auto log is mandatory to succeed in a CRA review of their tax filing.  But after a “pandemic holiday” on keeping strict records, tax filers will have to create a new base year log to meet audit requirements.

Did you know there are taxpayer relief provisions to lean on if you have run into hard times and can’t pay your tax bill?  But you’ll need to understand the fine print – financial hardship isn’t usually a good enough reason not to pay, and you’ll always have to pay the taxes.  The relief CRA can grant you is limited to waiving penalties and interest. Here’s how to access these rights:

If you’ve been following the news, and you rely on CRA for tax answers, you may be feeling a little nervous about this headline: CRA workers want 'unprecedented' pay raise of more than 30% over 3 years. Regardless of your opinion (advocates say it’s needed, critics say it would 'gouge' taxpayer), tax pros are frustrated with long CRA wait times. What happens if there’s a strike?  Cover your bases with Evergreen Explanatory Notes, your authoritative tax research library.

Tax season is just around the corner and now is the time to train new and returning staff to confidently prepare a deep and broad spectrum of returns for employees, families, investors, business owners and retirees.  There are two opportunities to learn:  in person on February 7 in Toronto and conveniently online any time with recorded presentations.  Early registration deadline for tuition savings is January 31. 

Here at Knowledge Bureau we are absolutely thrilled it’s 2023.  We were born in January 2003 and so it’s officially our 20th Anniversary! Please mark your calendar for these 20th Anniversary celebration events – and start participating to win hundreds of dollars in prizes!  This month we are celebrating the Marquis Client Award - which is who has taken the most Knowledge Bureau courses.

Same neighborhood, similar income, less cash flow?  The secret in the financial sauce could well be an RRSP strategy.  With the deadline only weeks away (March 1, 2023), it’s time to buck trends to forego the RRSP contribution and consult with your financial advisor now to exponentially increase both income and wealth.