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.

Are you tightening your belt on holiday spending. . .or will there be a lot more than a lump of coal in your Christmas stockings this year? There are few things worse than having bills come due without money in the bank to cover them. But, for far too many Canadians, it is a reality more often than we would like to admit. That’s why Advisorsavvy has put together a list of budgeting and debt management tips for us to share with you.

Soon, a new decade begins and Canadians face a number of financial challenges, including the growth of debt-to-disposable income levels. Plus for seniors, there is the prospect of diminishing pensions as they face stock market volatility. Against this backdrop is the opportunity for tax and financial advisors to provide care by sharing more of their tax and financial knowledge in 2020.

In 2014, the New York Times* reported that the Canadian middle-class was considered the most affluent middle-class in the world, snatching the distinction away from the United States. Now, in 2019, do we still hold that distinction?

The average life expectancy in Canada now sits at 82.1 – a number that’s been steadily on the rise over the years, according to Statistics Canada*. This adds complexity and demand to the financial planning process when both current and upcoming retirees feel that they’re not financially prepared for retirement. In fact, they’re at risk of outliving their savings. What are the strategies financial advisors can use to help?

Payroll departments should be aware of a revised payroll deduction guide that was released on November 26, 2019, featuring the specific calculations that will be used in calculating statutory deductions for 2020 pay periods. The highlights are covered in this report and in the updated Advanced Payroll for Small Business course, which will be available to students on January 8, 2020.  

CRA will shut down EFILE Services for T1 transmissions on January 17, 2020 to convert their systems for the next filing season. Enrol to attend Canada’s most comprehensive 2019 T1 Tax Update, the Knowledge Bureau’s CE Summit 6-city tour, that starts January 16 so you can use this time to get everyone on your team well trained.  It’s a must-do for professional tax, bookkeeping and financial advisors.