CRA’s Callback Service for Tax Pros Pilot
Are you a tax professional with years of experience? Have you ever felt frustrated after calling the CRA, having spent hours on hold, wasting your client’s or employer’s time, only to speak to CRA agents who aren’t qualified to answer your questions? The Auditor General of Canada was equally displeased in a scathing report last fall on wait times and accuracy levels at the CRA. Now a new CRA callback service may come to the rescue this tax season. Here is my experience with the pilot project so far:CEWS Extension: No New Info, But Business Bears Burden of Proof
Between a rock and a hard place. That could well describe how Canada’s suffering business owners feel about the complete lack of direction that followed Monday’s announcement that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has been extended until December 2020. It’s meant to help restart the nation’s economy, but you won’t find a single reference to this on CRA’s website as of today. Here’s why that’s a very big deal:
Building Bridges for Business Owners
Business owners remain financially stranded in Canada. According to a new survey by the CFIB, 33% of business owners have had to dip into their personal savings just to stay afloat during the pandemic crisis, 26% of them have had to increase credit card debt, and 8% of them tapped into their retirement savings early. That scenario is bolstered by a July 15 survey from Stats Canada which confirms the extent of the financial burden borne by business owners. A continued lifeline is critical to clinch Canada’s economic recovery.
Up to Speed? Rules Change for RPP and Salary Deferral Leaves
On July 2, the government released draft legislation to temporarily change some of the rules around salary deferral leave and Registered Pension Plans. Here’s what you need to know:
Interest Rate Steady: What It Means for Taxpayers
Need some positivity in your life? The new Bank of Canada Governor, Tiff Macklem announced yesterday that the benchmark interest rate would remain 0.25% (where it’s been since March) and will do so until the 2% inflation target is reached, which might take at least two years, according to their Monetary Policy Report. But there is more good news:
Commission Salespeople: Fill Knowledge Gaps on The Tax Consequences
Are you in the dark about tax rules for employed and self-employed taxpayers? Shore up your knowledge base now with two new short courses from Knowledge Bureau in the new Knowledge Gap Series. Here’s what you’ll learn online (that means in the comfort of home, office, cottage or beach), and the price is right, too.
Educational Calendar: Important 2020 Tax, Financial and Educational Events
Mark your calendar: there are some important dates coming up for those with an interest in tax and financial planning, including some exciting new educational opportunities with Knowledge Bureau.
