Canada Needs a Financial Plan

According to a July 23 publication by the Fraser Institute, we are getting poorer here in Canada and the prospects for economic growth are looking grim.  This should be of concern to every Canadian concerned about their “real income” – that’s their purchasing power – and by extension - their ability to fund consumption now and for important family milestones in the future:  retirements, education and homeownership.  It’s grim, but there are practical suggestions for a turn around plan. Here’s a synopsis of the report.   

Canada has one of the largest projected demographic decreases in the OECD countries.  As the  oldest members of the baby boom generation are now reaching retirement age, Canada has passed a “demographic tipping point,” according to Finance Canada’s December 22, 2017, Update of Long-Term Fiscal Projections. This social sea change brings about a hot new trend in business consulting: accounting for business growth and transition.

Did you know that starting in the 2017 tax year, the federal government has introduced a new Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC)?  It replaces the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, the Caregiver Tax Credit, and the Credit for Infirm Dependants. But, it’s complicated!  Here, in our first tax tip of the new 2018 tax filing season, we offer you a few details:

In December, we asked Knowledge Bureau Report readers, “In your opinion, are tax and financial professionals taking the time to help clients understand the benefits of charitable giving?” In a surprising result, only 17 percent thought their peer group was spending enough time counselling their clients how to make donations in a tax-efficient way.

Should professional tax preparers and financial planners work with clients who are not tax compliant? If you are helping them to become compliant, then by all means work with them to set the record straight. But the answer is likely no, if it means that these professionals will open themselves up to the possibility of civil penalties. Here is a run-down of the rules every professional should know:

“Bitcoin Rush” is all over the news as speculators have tried to get in on the trend which saw skyrocketing values at the end of 2017. But there is a spoiler: gains on trading digital currencies like Bitcoins are subject to taxation in Canada, a liability that must be settled in real dollars.

This week the National Revenue Minister announced a new program called “File My Return” that will allow Canadians with low and fixed incomes to complete their returns over the phone.