News Room

Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

Child Fitness Amount: Small Improvements but Welcome Relief

Our sons participated with gusto in many sports: hockey, lacrosse, soccer and marathon running.  In the chief role of road warriors, we charioted cherubs from one sportsplex to another. These activities provided physical, social, team and leadership skills that continue to be priceless, despite the often exorbitant price tag.

Case Dismissed: Due Diligence in Failure to Report Income

Tax and financial advisors take note: Within its reasons for judgment in a recent case, the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) has made some interesting comments about the due diligence defence as it pertains to subsection 163(1) of the Income Tax Act, and about how this defence can be successfully used in the context of a penalty under subsection 163(1).

Market Volatility Requires a Risk Management Strategy

We experienced another enormous market swoon this week; as reported by various media, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped almost 1100 points on Monday, charting the largest ever drop in the markets and closing 600 points down in its worst trading day since 2011.

Mark Your Calendar:  Advanced Family Business & Year-End Planning Workshop

Advisors who work with corporate clients, real estate holders and high net worth individuals will want to sharpen their knowledge in advanced tax, retirement, succession and estate planning strategies by hearing Canada’s leading experts on the subjects starting the last week of October.

Tune in to KBR next week for our Breaking News Issue…

On September 2, make sure you check out our Breaking News Issue of Knowledge Bureau Report.

Seven Great Ways to Fund Your Child’s Education, First of Two Parts

Average undergraduate tuition fees have risen to just under $6000 a year in Canada since 2010; an increase of 16% in just five years.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

According to CRA, Canadians experience improved service delivery and responsiveness from the CRA this tax season. Do you agree?

  • Yes
    8 votes
    8.6%
  • No
    85 votes
    91.4%