Campaign Update: Carbon Taxes And Rebates

Canadians are now into a federal election campaign and tax reductions of all kinds are on the agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney has already reduced one of the greatest obstacles for the Liberal Party to gain re-election: the consumer carbon taxes as of April 1, 2025. Technically it is being reduced to zero, as without an act of Parliament he cannot eliminate the tax. However, the regulations behind the tax are under the purview of the Finance Minister, and on closer look, we can get a real glimpse of what’s to come should the Liberals win the election.

Are you concerned about taxpayer rights being eroded with proposals to expand CRA powers within the audit process?  The pros are:  96%  of Knowledge Bureau Report’s September poll said yes.  Here were just some of their reasons why:

There is a lot to consider this upcoming tax season when it comes to filing personal returns and increased risk for individuals, investors and businesses in light of the substantive tax law change in 2024.  Are you prepared to help? Join us for our next CE Savvy Summit on November 6 where Evelyn Jacks, Sharon Conrod, Doug Buss, and Special Guest, Kim G C Moody will discuss key year-end planning issues including retirement planning options, cross border taxation, and how Canada’s new capital gains inclusion rates and AMT will affect year-end tax planning. Register by October 15 for early-bird savings, and check out new team member enrolment options to save on your team training this fall.

TaxCycle Talks is coming to a city near you. This is your chance to hear from Evelyn Jacks, President of Knowledge Bureau and best-selling tax author! Evelyn will break down the key tax changes for Millennials, Gen Z, investors, seniors, and business owners. Don't miss her expert insights into capital gains inclusion rate changes, emerging audit trends, and best practices for training staff for tax season 2024. Register now to attend one of these complimentary events:

What date was the Income Tax Act introduced?  When was the first federal sales tax in Canada?  In what year did Canada introduce withholding taxes? From the time of the first recorded tax in Canada in 1650, the Canadian tax system has undergone over two dozen major tax reforms.   With an election on the horizon, and tax reform a priority for many professionals, it’s a good time to brush up on some tax reform history.

A new landing outlining the details of the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit was updated by Employment and Social Development Canada on September 13, 2024, providing more details about the monthly stipend, but confirming that there will be no payments until at least July of 2025 – yet another delay from the expected start date of December 2024.  The benefit will not be payable, according to the latest information posting until the month after the month in which an application is approved. For most eligible Canadians, it would appear then, that there are no benefits for at least a year yet.  Here is some background information:

There are times when shareholder disposes of shares with no apparent proceeds. What are the tax consequences?   Following are three examples you will want to know more about as you do some year end tax planning with investors.