A thorough analysis of today’s financial news—delivered weekly to your inbox or via social media. As part of Knowledge Bureau’s interactive network, the Report covers current issues on the tax and financial services landscape and provides a wide range of professional benefits, including access to peer-to-peer blogs, opinion polls, online lessons, and vital industry information from Canada’s only multi-disciplinary financial educator.
Based on CRA income tax filing statistics to August 13, 2023, just under 60% of all the 30.8 million tax returns filed in Canada this year were E-filed, which means the vast majority of Canadians are using the services of a professional EFILER to get their tax returns filed. That’s good news for the industry, which has the opportunity to grow even more, especially if receiving referrals from other financial advisors, always on the look-out for trusted, knowledgeable and highly skilled tax talent. Common question: are tax accounting and legal fees tax deductible? There are some specific rules to know:
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Is it reasonable to expect Canadians to spend 2 hours or more on hold to get answers to their tax questions at CRA or even change their address? Taxpayers and their advisors are increasingly frustrated with long wait times for service. The CRA Ombudsman is looking into it, according to a CBC report, but the ombudsman’s office, too, is behind on complaint processing; backed up to the last week of June. It’s a big problem, as taxpayers are bound to strict deadlines for compliance or face expensive penalties and interest costs. So, what can be done?
According to Statistics Canada, this Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.3% year over year in July; this follows a 2.8% increase in June. What were the key contributors to the rise in inflation? It was the price at the pumps, groceries and mortgage costs. And while inflation is expected to come down – perhaps two years from now amidst a lot of uncertainty – it’s a big wealth eroder for those retiring in this cycle. It’s an opportunity for tax and financial advisors to work together with their clients.