Changes to Paper Filing Disempowering

Last tax season, only 7% of all Canadian tax filers filed on paper. The CRA is pushing for zero. It continues to steer the holdouts to digitized filing by adding lots of obstacles. Most recently, it is removing almost all the schedules from the tax return package it mails. This seems unfair to people who paper file because they can’t afford a computer and internet, distrust the security of online filing and those who are neither tax or computer literate. Here’s what they are up against:

This is your last week to take advantage of early-bird tuition rates to attend the November 18 Virtual CE Summit, and we’ve introduced a second flex study option for those unable to attend the live event. But special tuition rates still apply until the deadline, with whichever study option you choose..so be sure to act by October 31 and save $100.

In 2020, a large number of taxpayers are working from home due to workplace restrictions imposed by governments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current requirements for claiming home office expenses are very strict, and the reporting is rather cumbersome.  But CRA is working on a solution.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has already been repaid by hundreds of thousands of recipients for various reasons:  program ineligibility, application errors, CRA processing errors and more. Some of the same issues now plague the new Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), and it may be in part due to a computer glitch.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected older disabled people, with those aged 60 and older accounting for one-third of COVID-19 cases nationally, according to Statistics Canada.  Tax and financial advisors can do much to help with the financial costs that flow from this, by ensuring that those who may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit for the first time, act now to get a T2201 form signed by a medical professional. 

New Knowledge Bureau Designate, Candice Jay, CIM, FCSI, MFA-P™ has some exuberant advice for financial professionals who are looking for new ways to re-engage their enthusiasm during the pandemic marathon:  always be curious and dive into life-long learning!  Her engaging interview about her new credential as an MFA-P™ (Philanthropy) follows:

Join Knowledge Bureau President, Evelyn Jacks and Special Guest Instructors at the next Virtual CE Summit on November 18. This comprehensive virtual workshop also features a thorough online course:  everything you need to know to thoroughly understand the opportunities for tax, investment and estate planning both inside and outside the small business corporation.