Time’s Up: CRA’s 100 Day Mandate for Improvement

After years of frustration on the part of tax professionals and taxpayers alike, the Finance Minister ordered the Canada Revenue Agency to clean up its act in 100 days. Specifically, the improvement plan was to run from September 2 through December 11. Finance Minister and Minister of National Revenue, Francoise-Phillippe Champagne instructed CRA to fix “unacceptable wait times and service delays.” Time’s up this week and CRA has released an update on progress. What gets measured, gets done. Let’s see what CRA’s metrics show. 

Those involved in criminal tax evasion cases are advised to bear civil tax consequences in mind when negotiating plea bargains and making admissions because the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) may admit evidence that may be otherwise inadmissible, if unchallenged in prior criminal proceedings.

If you adopt a child, you may claim a credit for the adoption expenses in the year that the adoption becomes final. This amount may be claimed by either spouse.

Claims for the Children’s Arts and Children’s Fitness tax credits are based on when the payment is made, not the year in which the activities are scheduled.

Join Evelyn Jacks on Friday, November 29 for a live online chat with MoneySense. It's your chance to ask Jacks your burning tax questions and have her respond right away. We challenge you to stump her...don't bet on it! Register for free at moneysense.ca/taxchat.

Toronto, Ontario.  Why are highly educated young people unable to land great jobs and move out of the basement? Is it about youth and inexperience or is it about standing out in a lacklustre economy? Catherine Bell thinks it’s about “Presence.” 

Sharpen and refresh your knowledge in time for the upcoming busy 2014 tax season with the Personal Tax Bootcamp. Enrol by November 30 for best tuition prices.