Wildfires: Apply for Taxpayer Relief Provisions

It may not be the first concern, but Canadians affected by wildfires may worry at some point about the tax consequences of lost records or missed filing deadlines – the next one on June 16 for those filing T1 returns with proprietorship income. Fortunately, the CRA offers Taxpayer Relief Provisions when there are circumstances beyond a taxpayer’s control, including natural disasters, serious illness or death in the family, or errors made by the CRA, which may trigger penalties and interest due to late or incomplete tax filings. Here’s what you need to know.

Announcements were made related to farming and fishing businesses, CCA for clean energy generation, and a proposal for changes to the rules on Eligible Capital Property.

GST and HST changes were announced related to exemption of certain health care services, nil consideration elections for closely related persons, and registration compliance.

Previously announced changes that will be implemented this year affect auto expense deductions, labour-sponsored venture capital coporations, and GST/HST exemptions for hospital parking.

As critical as it is to understand what income is taxable in order to avoid expensive penalties, it is just as important to know what income is tax exempt.

I pay monthly for an options trading service that gives me options trade ideas that I execute in my non-registered account. Can I put the total annual cost of the service as an investment cost on my tax return?

The new Registration of Tax Preparers Program, proposed to come into effect in two years, will keep track of errors associated with a particular registrant in an effort of improve compliance. CRA is seeking input on this change in its relationship with professionals.