CRA’s Callback Service for Tax Pros Pilot

Are you a tax professional with years of experience? Have you ever felt frustrated after calling the CRA, having spent hours on hold, wasting your client’s or employer’s time, only to speak to CRA agents who aren’t qualified to answer your questions? The Auditor General of Canada was equally displeased in a scathing report last fall on wait times and accuracy levels at the CRA. Now a new CRA callback service may come to the rescue this tax season. Here is my experience with the pilot project so far:

On January 14, 2022 the CRA confirmed that trust tax filings for trusts with year-end that falls on or after December 31, 2021 will not be required under new disclosure rules because legislation to enable them and the severe penalties for failure to file a new schedule has not been enacted into law.  For the time being, tax pros will follow the existing rules until supporting legislation receives Royal Assent. There are some interesting details within the proposed rules, which will likely affect next year’s returns.

Quebec is looking for a health contribution for adults who refuse to be vaccinated for non-medical reasons, as half of the COVID-19 beds in Quebec are taken up by unvaccinated Quebecers. Quebec is proposing to implement a vaccine tax, and tax the unvaccinated.  But can a province levy such a tax?

Want to start your year by doing something good?  Make it a commitment to give more to charity. Typically, tax deductible gifts are cash; however, don’t forget you may also give gifts in kind and receive a donation receipt. It’s the gift that keeps giving back, Working with an MFA-P™, a professional trained in strategic philanthropy can help.  Here are some tax tips to consider:

It’s time to take note of the tax filing requirements and investment opportunities that now that we’re into the first quarter of the year. This is an important timeline for investors making TFSA and RRSP contributions, as well as interest payments on inter-spousal loans.  In addition, there are some important dates to note with regards to the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and other COVID-19 related benefits. Mark your calendar and discuss these January and February tax and investment planning milestones with your clients.

Canada’s Leading Advanced Tax Update course as featured in the January 19 Virtual CE Summit is now available online.  It’s like having your own tax PVR! Take a comprehensive online course with outstanding expert presentations from Canada’s leading tax minds for the low price of $695 (save $200) when you register by March 15. Brush off the cobwebs and learn at your own time with everything you need to prepare for the upcoming T1 tax filing season.

Do you have complex tax questions difficult to find on the CRA website?  Are you too busy for long wait times on the phone with the CRA?  At Knowledge Bureau we have a great solution to help you save time and money and answer more tax questions from your clients with confidence.  Plus, it links directly to all pertinent CRA forms, guides, folios, the Income Tax Act and much more!