Bill C-31: Royal Asset and New CRA Powers Could Come Soon

Changes are coming to the Income Tax Act and both you and your clients will all be affected with new tax risks including longer tax audits. Bill C-31, which passed second reading in the House of Commons on June 3 and is now at committee stage, contains elements of previous Federal Budgets that will expand the CRA’s compliance and enforcement powers. Here’s what you need to know and pass along to your clients:

The 2014 Nova Scotia provincial budget was tabled on April 3, 2014. The budget contained no new taxes or credits, but it did contain several adjustments.

The Newfoundland and Labrador provincial budget was presented on March 27. The budget contained a number of tax changes.

The Quebec provincial budget was delivered on February 20. The budget introduced provincial changes that match the recently-announced federal changes.

The Northwest Territories budget was delivered on February 6. The budget contained no income tax measures.

The New Brunswick provincial budget was delivered on February 4. The budget reduces the deficit but a balanced budget is not expected until 2017. The budget promised a 3% increase in social assistance rates beginning in April.

Provincial and territorial budget dates have yet to announced for Ontario (expected the first week in May), Prince Edward Island (expected soon after the legislature opens in April), and Nunavut (expected late in May),