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. 

CRA issued IT 518 to overview their position with regard to the deductibility of food, beverages and entertainment. Reasonable amounts may of course be deducted, if incurred to earn income from a business or property.

Investors seeking safety and guarantees often have segregated funds in their non-registered investment portfolio. Segregated funds are mutual funds wrapped up with a life insurance policy to provide a death benefit as well as a guarantee of principal.

Avoid owing more than $3,000 at your balance due date.

Knowledge Bureau will be reporting live with highlights from the 10th Annual Distinguished Advisor Conference November 10-13. Tune in to the key nuggets our 24 distinguished speakers will impart! Follow the action on Twitter with @knowledgebureau.com and #KBDAC. Be sure to also join us for the announcement of the location and theme of next year's DAC!

It’s ALL TAX, ALL DAY—and it’s going to be fun! Shake out the cobwebs: Get ready for the busy 2014 tax season in this fast paced workshop focused on changes in personal tax planning, 2013 T1 tax forms and all the details you need to really dig for every tax deduction and credit your clients are entitled to. Be an early bird and save – early registration ends November 30.

“I wish my parents had talked to me about money.” If this resonates with you, you are not alone. Learn from new Canadian author Kevin Gebert how to approach the critical money conversations with your friends and family. Order your copy today–bulk orders qualify for significant discounts.