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 stellar performances of our young Canadians at the Sochi Olympics seem to have inspired the Federal Finance Minister as he released his 10th budget today.

Revenues are expected to increase by 2.9 per cent in 2013–14 and then by an annual growth rate of 4.7 per cent over the forecast period ending in 2019. Some highlights appear below; followed by detailed tables from the Budget.

Several interesting provisions were tabled in this budget, most notably a change to the way taxpayers apply for the Goods and Services Tax Credit.

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.