When CRA officially opened the electronic floodgates on tax filing season on February 23 this year, it was with a number of pieces of news. Did you know, for example, that the GST/HST Credit has now been officially renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB)? You get it by filing a tax return and interacting with CRA’s new digital services, which unfortunately still refer to the old name – the GST/HST Credit. It’s just one of those “game changers” that make Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks and Friends, starting this week for its second season, so valuable to Canadians.
Some important things have been happening to kick the summer off for Knowledge Bureau students and graduates: June 30 is the relicensing deadline for designates who must meet the 15 annual CE credit requirement and submit their Certificate of Attestation by this date. Check out the handy Q&A Relicensing Guide below and remember to send in your Attestation to Standards of Conduct. We hope your professionalism continues to inspire new students to join the ranks of these esteemed credentialled professionals across the nation, by earning their designation, too.
More than 60% of Canadians don’t have an employer sponsored pension, and as a result, the OAS is becoming increasingly important for those relying on reliable income in retirement. Advisors agree: 72% of more than 400 tax and financial professionals who answered the KBR April poll said “yes” to the question “Are you in favour of the OAS raise of 10% in 2022 for those age 75 or older?” However, many also left very insightful comments about the important role of public pensions in financial health in retirement.
Four doctors, eight senior executives, 2 best-selling authors and several top wealth advisors: The thought leadership is outstanding at Virtual DAC 2021, October 17-19. Program Director Evelyn Jacks is highly enthused: “It’s never a small feat, but this year we are thrilled to offer the richest program ever to help advisors help their clients rediscover their financial stride.” Check out the details and register at early bird rates by June 30.
Sharron Morier completed the DFA-Tax Services Specialist™ Designation Program and shares how “Education is paramount in our industry to ensure we serve our clients well. I want all our staff to have the confidence in their abilities that I have due to my KB educational experiences.” Here’s her story:
According to a recent report from Statistics Canada relating to enterprises in the first quarter of 2021, there are many businesses thriving in spite of the pandemic. Consider the financial sector which recorded an increase in net income of 11% before taxes, or $3.9 billion. Tax professionals can provide essential front line services to help small business owners thrive and now two new educational opportunities provide credentials and confidence to do so.
The June 15 proprietorship filing deadline is coming up fast, and so is tax audit season right behind that. This year, business owners may find their affairs under CRA’s magnifying glass; particularly if they claimed the CEWS and the CERS. An interesting change in the April 19, 2021 budget will make this process even more daunting.