News Room

Seniors Targeted? The Tax Audits Begin

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) routinely reviews or audits tax filings, including personal, trust, corporate, and HST returns. The most common types of reviews that focus on personal tax returns include, but are not limited to, Pre-Assessment Reviews, Processing Reviews, and the Matching Program. This year there is a new focus: the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit introduced to help families better care for their elders. But claiming it, like other tax benefits, comes with a tax snare. Read on to learn more.

Big News at CRA: Form T1013 Discontinued

CRA is changing how professionals are being authorized to represent their clients this year. Form T1013 Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative is being replaced effective February 10, 2020 in favor of new digital processes. Plus, there are some new forms on the horizon for offline authorizations and some good news that will especially help when families lose a loved one. 

Average Refund $1740: Too Much CRA in Your Pocket?

At a time when 48% of Canadians say they are $200 away from insolvency*, an important tax question arises: why are tax refunds so large? The average as of December 31, 2019 was $1740. That’s $145 a month missing from Canadians’ pockets that could help mitigate the cash crunch. Worse, those refunds won’t start flowing until after February 24, the day CRA starts accepting E-filed returns. Fortunately, there is good news: working with a tax specialist can help reduce the wait times and increase refunds, too.

New BPA: Poll Says ‘No’, It Doesn’t Improve Tax System

The new Basic Personal Amount proposed on December 9, 2019 is very complicated. The calculations on the TD1 forms and their accompanying worksheet will challenge even those with pride in their financial literacy. What do tax and financial advisors think: is this tax change an improvement to our tax system? You may be surprised at the verdict in last month's poll.

B.C. Regulators Ban Charitable Gifts of Life Insurance

Life insurance and Estate Planning professionals across the country were recently shocked to discover that traditional gifting of life insurance policies to charity is now considered “trafficking” by the British Columbia Financial Services Authority.

Sharing the Love: Announcing the Gratitude Contest Winner & Your Valentine’s Day Gift

The news is big: first, we are delighted to announce the winner of a free registration to The DAC Acuity Conference in Niagara Falls this October 28-30. Next, we have  a Valentine’s Day gift  for you! And last but not least, something to make you smile: check out the DAC photo gallery of the highly successful 2019 DAC in Puerto Vallarta. Guess who had the most fun?

Attendees Rave About the CE Summit Knowledge Journal: Get Yours!

Did you miss the Winter CE Summits? You can purchase the CE Summit January Advanced Tax Update Journals for your team for only $395. Plus, you get the new assignments included for free. Here's why Winter attendees encourage you to get yours:
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Are your clients owed money by CRA? As of March 31, 2025, the CRA holds about 10.2 million uncashed cheques totalling $1.7 billion. In your view, why is this happening?

  • Yes
    18 votes
    69.23%
  • No
    8 votes
    30.77%