Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

What is the current word on using the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption when you transfer the family farming, fishing or small business corporation to your child or grandchild?  Is this possible or not?  There is good reason to feel unsure, as the tax law around this lifecycle event has not yet been clarified, 9 months after Royal Assent was give to legislation intended to change it.  Here’s the background to this story:

Investing in asset upgrades this year?  What can be written off over time?  The answer is increasingly cloudy. Recent tinkering with the tax system to promote certain economic activities has allowed for accelerated write-offs, but that has caused significant complexity.  With the introduction of an accelerated write-off of capital items purchased by a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) to a maximum of $1,500,000, the net tax consequences over the lifetime of the asset’s use require more thought. 

It is no secret that the dream of home ownership is getting out-of-reach for thousands of Canadians, not only in the major Metropolitan areas of the country, but also in the suburbs. Accessing the Home Buyer’s Plan within the RRSP is an important strategy that can help first time home buyers realize their dreams of home ownership.  It’s another reason not to miss the RRSP contribution deadline, coming up shortly on March 1.   

March 7, April 5 and May 5 are the deadline dates for providing your views on significant tax provisions that will implement legislation stemming from April 19, 2021, Federal Budget, many of which would have an in-force date of January 1, 2022, or January 1, 2023.  Interestingly, these consultations are scheduled throughout the busy tax season, making it difficult for tax specialists to find the time to comment.  If you do find the time, here are the submission topics: 

For Canadian tax purposes there are basically two kinds of trusts: testamentary and inter vivos. A testamentary trust is one that arises on and in consequence of an individual’s death. An inter vivos trust is any trust other than a testamentary trust. Trusts have been thrust into the spotlight recently with new tax filing requirements.  Knowledge Bureau has launched a new course to help advisors educate their clients. Here is a primer of what you will learn:

Are you interested in enhancing your value proposition and broadening your client service offering? Amplifying your referrals?  Becoming a holistic wealth advisor? Then you may be interested in learning more about the Real Wealth Managers RWM™ Designation – a new designation that differentiates collaborative financial leaders in the marketplace. You’re invited to join us for a complementary virtual Lunch & Learn on March 2 at 12 PM CST to learn more!