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:

What’s new in tax filing season 2020 now that it’s officially underway? There is $1 billion in uncashed cheques at CRA for 7.6 million people; paper-filed returns have been sent to 1.7 million people; plus, one more important detail that hasn’t had a lot of attention yet. That is, the tax return is 8-pages long this year!

Is wealth preservation important as demographics change dramatically over the next 15 to 20 years in Canada? Or are today’s taxing requirements so great that governments need to tap into wealth accumulation immediately? Those are a few of the tax policy questions to be answered as federal and provincial budget season arrives in Canada this month. A recent federal government report provides some good clues as to what may lie ahead.

Canadians have a unique perspective on tax refunds – they seem to love them! Taxpayers have the tendency to use the refund as a savings strategy, according to our February poll. It’s something the pros don’t necessarily agree with, but 75% of them felt that reducing tax withholdings would have no benefit in helping Canadians manage their money.

Do you know why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a day of luck and good fortune? We’re pleased to share some fun facts and folklore about the luck o’ the Irish and extend a lucky charm to you: a special tuition offer.

New from Knowledge Bureau: Join the Society of Real Wealth Managers™.  It’s a national network of financial specialists who enable peace of mind by taking a multi-stakeholder approach to family wealth management.  Professional collaboration is so important in uncertain financial times. Become a charter member at an introductory fee, upskill and get connected today.

At 8 pages, the 2019 T1 return is the longest tax form in history.  It could also be the most complex, says Evelyn Jacks, President of Knowledge Bureau. With tax season beginning, professionals who are not yet familiar need to learn about the changes to the forms, line numbers and the detailed legislation behind them.