Wildfires: Apply for Taxpayer Relief Provisions

It may not be the first concern, but Canadians affected by wildfires may worry at some point about the tax consequences of lost records or missed filing deadlines – the next one on June 16 for those filing T1 returns with proprietorship income. Fortunately, the CRA offers Taxpayer Relief Provisions when there are circumstances beyond a taxpayer’s control, including natural disasters, serious illness or death in the family, or errors made by the CRA, which may trigger penalties and interest due to late or incomplete tax filings. Here’s what you need to know.

Michael and Jessica are a young couple living in their condo in Vancouver.  How will the budget affect them?

Matthew and Ashley live in Winnipeg. They have two children, ages 3 and 5.  They own their own home. 

Brian and Patricia retired a few years ago.  Brian is 74 and Patricia is 72.  The couple live in Halifax, NS and have RRIF balances of $300,000 and $400,000 respectively.

Robert and Jackie are contemplating retirement.  Robert is 65, earns $55,000 from employment and also receives a $24,000 pension.

Glen is single, age 55.  He lives alone in a rental apartment in Hamilton, Ontario.  His current salary is $55,000.  His rent is $1,000/month.

Now that the date of the Federal Budget has been announced, Tuesday April 21, and the Minister has met with learned private-sector economists, who confirmed the March private-sector forecasts will do in interpreting plans for the near future, there is much speculation on what the budget will announce and for whom