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:

I had the opportunity to coach one of our Knowledge Bureau instructors this past weekend as she prepared to provide a basic tax and financial literacy lesson to a group of young people. The issue we spent the most time discussing: how to convey and discuss the importance of financial wellness and why that matters especially in these times? The answer required only one word.

Have governments effectively interpreted the financial effect of the pandemic on small businesses across Canada?  It’s a question we asked you last month and we got well over 1000 responses. The answer was a resounding no from 96% of you.  Here is what you told us...

Who needs to file a 2019 T1 return and when? It’s a question Canadians and their advisors continue to struggle with, as filing deadlines become an ever-moving target. Last Friday (May 22), CRA changed their website to announce they will not charge a late filing penalty as long as the extended June 1 filing deadline is met by September 1. So why file now? Here are some key reasons:

Navigating the complex detail of the emergency pandemic response benefits has been a complex process for businesses and individuals alike. We’re here to clear up some of the frequently asked questions about the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and help you sort through sort through the chaotic myriad of the benefits and their tax-audit pitfalls.

Today is the day that Canadians who qualify should have received their OAS and CPP government benefits and the next payment is June 26.  But a new tax-free benefit of $300 will also arrive soon.

There’s more financial relief ahead for Canadians, as prescribed interest rates are set to decrease on July 1. That means shareholder loans, inter-spousal investment loans and other taxable benefits likely should be planned for Q3.