Real Tax News: Tax Filing Season 2026 Full of Surprises

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. 

Tax Filing is for Everyone – So is a Tax Prep Starter Course

Periodically the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will embark upon a campaign with slogans to the effect that tax filing is simple. With over 20 years of experience in professional personal tax preparation - and still learning more every year – that’s perplexing as the majority of tax returns are far from simple. But completing an introductory tax prep course is foundational for everyone. It will maximize the relationship between the tax filer and the CRA, their financial pros and their investment decisions. Fortunately help is here, now. 

New! CE Master Micro-Credentials: Specialized CE for Experienced Pros

Today’s most successful advisors and tax professionals know that ongoing education is not just about compliance—it’s about leadership, specialization, and delivering better client outcomes. For practitioners who seek to diversify their knowledge across multiple financial disciplines, Knowledge Bureau’s CE Master Micro-Credentials offer a focused, practical path to sharpen expertise and stand out in an increasingly competitive and regulated industry. . .at a special introductory offer for the month of July. 

Household Debt: Larger Than Canada’s Overall GDP

It’s almost the halfway mark in the year 2025! How prepared are Canadians for uncertainty and volatility ahead? StatsCan is reporting that our debt to income ratio worsened in the first quarter of 2025. There is an opportunity for advisors to start year end tax planning early to engage clients in solutions to pay down debt. Online certificate courses leading to the DMA (Distinguished Master Advisor) designation can help shore up knowledge on tax, accounting and budgeting as well as business forecasting and planning gaps this summer. Here’s the backdrop:

The Shifting Landscape of Philanthropy in Canada

Charitable giving has changed noticeably in recent years. As professionals who prepare tax returns or provide estate and legacy planning services, you will almost certainly have noticed a decline in the number of clients who are giving. But donors who plan strategically throughout the year may be more inclined to give more and most important, highly value the opportunity to discuss this with a training strategist. This is where the MFA-P™ designation program comes in. Consider the following as a key professional opportunity:

Acuity 2025:  Top Advisors & Influencers Gather in Puerto Vallarta Nov. 23-26!

Secure Your Spot by June 30 and Save on Tuition for Canada’s Only Multi-Advisory Wealth Management Conference:   the Annual Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors, taking place November 23–26 in spectacular Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This year’s theme, “Happy Landings”, sets the stage for what may be the most important conference you attend in 2025. In a time of global uncertainty, this is Canada’s only multi-disciplinary gathering of top advisors and thought leaders—brought together to navigate a New Era of Risk and Reward from both a national and international lens.

Workplace Training: Education That Drives Collective Impact

Introducing an innovative new educational opportunity for public practitioners and new entrepreneurs: KB Customizable Workplace Training Packages. Today’s most successful organizations know that collective growth drives collective success in building client relationships that fuel strategic growth. That’s why investing in your team’s technical knowledge and skills development is essential. Now it is possible to choose educational solutions from industry-specific Workplace Training Packages. You can customize a solution tailored to your team’s specific goals, roles, and industry needs over your fiscal year, with an affordable, convenient monthly budget plan.
 
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