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:

Affluenza is a problem!  What challenges do advisors face in building wealth for the children of their clients, especially in the case of high net worth clients?  

The RRSP is the most versatile vehicle available for tax planning for most Canadians although it is often poorly utilized. The RRSP Savings Calculator provides quick answers about the potential tax savings that can be obtained through an RRSP contribution as well as the consequences of borrowing to make that contribution.

On June 12, 2013, the Federal Court of Appeal released its decision in Canada v. Guindon (2013 FCA 153). The issue to be determined was whether advisor penalties levied under Section 163.2 of the Income Tax Act (the “Act”) created an “offence” within the purview of Section 11 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “Charter”).

On June 20, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State, Finance, announced that the selection process for the first Financial Literacy Leader of Canada was officially underway.

On June 22, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that taxpayers who have been affected by the recent flooding in the Calgary area would have access to the taxpayer relief provisions, if they were unable to meet their tax obligations on time.

Wondering if we’ll ever get summer this year? Here’s something to ponder if you’re stuck at the cottage in the rain. . .the six laws of a long and happy life.