News Room

CRA Data Breeches Put Taxpayer Information at Risk

An important deadline is coming up, around the same time that Canadians get ready to file their 2026 tax returns at the start of tax season 2027. Since 2020, more than 42,000 data breaches have occurred at the CRA. A class action lawsuit was launched in 2020 and a $8.76 million settlement was reached.  Eligible Canadians affected by these security incidents can now submit claims through the KPMG Claims Portal until February 3, 2027.  

Assessing Risk Tolerance: Veni, Vidi, Meas Pagellas Recensui

Assessing risk tolerance and portfolio suitability is one of the most important roles of a portfolio manager.  There are many factors that play into risk tolerance: net worth, time horizon, experience, and comfort with volatility to name a few.

Postpone the Tax Deadline? The Vote is in!

It was close, in fact, a dead heat throughout the month as tax and financial professionals across Canada weighed in on the question “Should the tax filing deadline be extended for all taxpayers to June 15?” And the conclusion is a 50/50 split! Here are some of the reasons from those who participated in one of our most divisive poll questions to date.

DAC 2022: The Speed of Tax Change

Join Kim G.C. Moody, FCPA, FCA, TEP will be taking the live stage at DAC Acuity 2022 to discuss The Speed of Tax Change and what it means for financial professionals and their clients.  In his entertaining style, Kim will discuss the  very complex and pervasive changes that continue be proposed at mach speed.  How do you keep up-to-date to ensure your practice responds appropriately for the benefit of clients?  This session will give straight-forward suggestions to help you navigate this important topic.

Leaving the Workforce? Tax Changes & Effective Planning Strategies

After decades saving for retirement, transitioning to spending down savings can be a huge shift in mentality for retirees.  Additionally, one of the biggest surprises that new retirees often face is how their taxes change upon leaving the workforce. For the average worker who has spent his or her adult life paying ordinary income tax via payroll withholdings, the shift to flat withholding rates combined with differing rules depending on the source of their income can leave many clients with an unexpected tax bill after they retire.

July 2022: A Raise for Older OAS Recipients

Were you born before July 1, 1947?  It’s an important question to ask all your senior clients because they are in for a raise in their OAS benefits this year.  The government announced an increase to Old Age Security by 10% for seniors over age 74, starting with the July 2022 benefit year.  Eligibility is based on several criteria including individual net income on the 2021 tax return.   Here are some additional details about the program, excerpted from Knowledge Bureau’s Advanced Retirement and Estate Planning Course, now available.

In a Digital World, Average Tax Refunds on the Rise

The latest tax season filing statistics from CRA show that tax refunds have risen even higher now that more Canadians have filed. Out of the 27.1 million filed, 15,345, 235 refunds were issued, averaging $1,994. That’s a lot of taxpayer money being held onto by the CRA, and an important opportunity for tax professionals to focus on tax-efficiency to reduce these withholdings now!  Further, only 7% of returns are now being filed on paper.  Here are more interesting tax facts:
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

In your view, should Canadians be able to write off more of their out-of-pocket medical expense costs? What amount would be appropriate?

  • Yes
    15 votes
    88.24%
  • No
    2 votes
    11.76%