AUTHREP Changed July 15
Since July 15, the "Authorize a Representative" service in EFILE, accessed through tax software, will no longer be available. Tax professionals must now use the Represent a Client (RAC) portal to request online access to a client’s account.Tax Evasion, Not Tax Reform on the CRA Agenda
Tax evasion will take precedence over tax reform according to the federal Finance Minister, who attended a June 5 meeting of the Senate Finance Committee. That’s the same day the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which the CRA is a part of, celebrated its first anniversary.
When You Owe the CRA: Managing Interest Costs
Monday June 17 is the tax filing deadline for proprietors and many of them will owe money to the CRA. In fact, over 5.6 million returns filed as of May 27, 2019, had balances due averaging $5244. Three things must be managed if you owe: interest on late payments, potential offsets and adjustments, and your relationship with the collections office.
Tax Expenditures: Did You Claim Your Fair Share?
The Department of Finance Canada and the CRA defines the principal function of the tax system as a means to “raise the revenues necessary to fund government expenditures.” Of course, it is not quite that simple, as the tax system is also used to achieve public policy objectives by administering preferential tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and tax credits. The question to be answered, post-tax filing season, is whether all taxpayers claimed their fair share.
Mark Your Calendar: RSVP by June 15 for DAC, Fall CE Summits
The early bird registration deadline for the 2019 Distinguished Advisor Conference in Puerto Vallarta is coming up on June 15. Be sure to check out the outstanding guest speaker list who will address the theme: Powerful Competition: The Secret to Economic Resilience.
Newly Updated Course: Provide Expert Help When a Taxpayer Dies
Statistics Canada estimates the deaths in 2017/2018 numbered 142,331, and every single one requires that a final return be prepared and filed. Estate and final returns can be accompanied by a costly tax bill, especially if the client has a significant estate, assets, or savings. That’s where a highly qualified tax specialist comes to the rescue of executors who are responsible for filing the final return of the deceased.
Financial Planning: Debt, Assets and Tax Change in Retirement
Seniors may be grappling with significant financial literacy challenges in retirement. According to a Statistics Canada study released on April 3, 2019, a greater number of seniors are in more debt than past generations, and one of the big reasons is mortgage debt. Together with higher taxes, “new” retirement income planning requires a close look at the net worth statement, followed closely with tax projections to maximize both income and savings.
