Fuel Excise Tax on Hold But Inflation is Not

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has thrown global oil prices into turmoil and there is plenty of fallout for consumers. Travelling to Europe this summer? That’s in jeopardy, as jet fuel may run out.  Looking for relief at the pumps instead? The recently announced suspended federal excise tax on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel here in Canada will soften the blow, but only temporarily: it will be zero from April 20 to September 7, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

If you are a small business owner taking dividends out of your business, the federal budget has handed you a good news/bad news story.

The March 21, 2013 federal budget made two significant personal tax changes for younger taxpayers: the adoption expense tax credit has been expanded and for new charitable givers, there is a super credit, plus there is a new penalty for schemers.

After meeting with private sector forecasters, Finance Minister Flaherty gave several early clues to what might be contained in the federal budget, expected soon, including increased funding to catch tax cheats and additional economic stimulus to keep people employed.

March is fraud prevention month, and therefore it makes sense – in the heart of the tax filing season – to know which is legal and which is a criminal offence: tax evasion or tax avoidance?

You haven't done your taxes for a year or two or more – yikes – now what? Bottom line: get on it, quickly, and more important, start a relationship with a qualified tax professional who has taken a recent audit defense course. 

Roller Hire v The Queen (2013). A common battle in the Tax Court of Canada is one between the designation of employee or independent contractor. The case of Roller Hire is a recent example, and Judge Hogan made some interesting comments for the Court.