News Room

June 30 Tax Deadline is Looming for Non-Residents

An important deadline is approaching for non-residents with certain Canadian-source income. June 30 is the deadline to file elected returns under Section 216 (pertaining to rental income) and Section 217 (pertaining to Canadian source pension income). There may be significant consequences for missing this deadline as returns received after this date, generally aren’t accepted. Here’s what you need to know:

CERB Extension Surprise: 52% Think it Was a Mistake

Last month’s Knowledge Bureau Poll brought a surprising result from tax and financial professionals: 52% thought the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit was a mistake. The 48% who agreed were more prolific in their comments, however. Here’s what you said:    

Death in the Family? Know the Tax Filing Rules in 2020

When someone in the family dies it is important to turn to the tax system to file any required tax returns  that may be outstanding and to claim specific tax benefits that can help to pay for end-of-life costs.   What are the rules for filing on time in this most unusual tax filing year?

New CEWS Calculator for Periods 5 to 9

As we reported in our last KBR, the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) was extended to include 9 Periods, but this extension brings some mind-numbing complexity with it.  Businesses can apply for the subsidy starting on Monday, August 17 for Period 5, which began on July 5 and runs to August 1. CRA has also developed a CEWS calculator and spreadsheet to help make the claim.  Here are the highlights of how it works:

Employee Perks: Refresh Your Skills with New Advanced Payroll Course

Payroll is a lot more complicated to calculate when employers offer perks to their employees.  But these taxable and tax-free benefits, which can include reimbursement of housing losses and interest-free loans or parking costs, can make it more attractive for employees to sign on and stay. For example, did you know…?

Optimize Elections to Split Income by September 30

Did you know you can go back 3 years to optimize pension income splitting?  You have up to three years to elect to split pension income, or to amend an election.  With the effective due date for the 2019 return being September 30, 2020, one might think that the 2016 election could be amended up to the end of September 2020, but that’s not the case.  Changes to the 2016 election had to be made by May 2, 2020 (three years after the due date for the 2016 return).  However, changes to the election for 2017, 2018, and 2019 may still be made.

The Virtual DAC Agenda is Shaping Up – It’s Phenomenal!

Delegates coming to Virtual DAC 2020 are in for an outstanding educational experience which includes pre-approved CE Credits and the promise to be the most unusual and memorable virtual conference you will ever attend. Check out the highlights: our incredible speakers, their cutting-edge topics, our pre-eminent sponsors and our delegates from coast-to-coast, who will participate in everything from wine tasting to cooking classes and goat yoga, after the educational events! Register by September 15.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

According to CRA, Canadians experience improved service delivery and responsiveness from the CRA this tax season. Do you agree?

  • Yes
    10 votes
    8.13%
  • No
    113 votes
    91.87%