Canada Needs a Financial Plan

According to a July 23 publication by the Fraser Institute, we are getting poorer here in Canada and the prospects for economic growth are looking grim.  This should be of concern to every Canadian concerned about their “real income” – that’s their purchasing power – and by extension - their ability to fund consumption now and for important family milestones in the future:  retirements, education and homeownership.  It’s grim, but there are practical suggestions for a turn around plan. Here’s a synopsis of the report.   

The strategic philanthropic solution taught in the MFA-P™ designation program takes a multi-stakeholder approach to giving.  This new designation will empower clients to give more effectively because of their collaboration with you.  If you are interested in this credential, be sure to enroll by June 30 and save $500. Here are more program details:

Tax Services Specialists must have more than precise technical and research skills; for them, the soft skills matter in building long term relationships with their clients and various regulators. Now more than ever, Canadians need caring support and someone to help them navigate the complex tax and financial repercussions of the pandemic and associated benefit programs. Read on for the soft skills and processes that will allow tax specialists to fulfill an essential service.

The CERB payments have been extended for an additional 8 weeks to a total of 24 weeks, available under the same eligibility criteria, but with one caveat: Canadians should make an effort to return to work. In addition, those abusing CERB guidelines must repay them to avoid stiff penalties. The resulting broad-based complexity with the CERB will ensure a tax compliance quagmire for recipients next year. Here’s what you need to know:

On June 5, the Prime Minister announced two new response benefits to help Canadians through the pandemic. But the promised Disability Tax Credit (DTC) top-up payments and help for the provinces in a “Safe-Restart” Agreement have been delayed as other parties opposed the passing of the bill. Here’s what was proposed:

According to the most recent tax filing statistics, the majority of Canadians chose to abide by the extended June 1 tax filing deadline even though late filing penalties and interest won’t apply until September 1. But that doesn’t mean that tax season is over – there are some important filing deadlines on the horizon, and that matters because CRA is officially resuming audit activity.

A federal fiscal update has finally been scheduled for July 8, although the government is planning only a “snapshot” of the current state of affairs, and no fiscal projections, leaving lots of questions. What will be the future repercussions of this year’s emergency relief benefits?  Will taxes increase in 2021? What planning should take place today?  How can the CERB be used to help?