News Room

October 1 - Important Changes Coming to VDP

Effective October 1, 2025, important changes will be made to the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) at the CRA in order to make it easier for taxpayers to correct unintentional filing errors or omissions. The details on how the changes will affect your clients are being discussed in the CE Summit held September 17 and this course is now available for online enrolment and CE accreditation, after the virtual event. Here are some highlights of the changes.

Your Feedback Needed: Proposals to Restrict Referral Arrangements

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) have proposed restrictions on fees related to referral arrangements. The Independent Financial Brokers of Canada (IFB) wants to better understand the impacts of these proposals and has asked for the participation of financial services professionals in a survey, which is open to both IFB members and others in the financial services industry.

Grads in the News: Sylvie Gewehr

Sylvie Gewehr from Haines Junction, Yukon, is pursuing her DFA – Tax Services Specialist designation in her transition from bookkeeping to offering tax filing services. She shares how she started her educational journey with Knowledge Bureau, and her unique story about how the online self-study structure made it possible while living in a remote location.

Donation Controversy: Tax Relief for Media

Last week’s Fall Economic Statement featured updates to Canada’s economic outlook and corporate tax changes, specifically, the Capital Cost Allowance measures. However, the Finance Minister also proposed a controversial $595 million package to support Canada’s media sector, including tax breaks for those who subscribe to some online media outlets. 

Wait Until 2020 for CRA Service Standard Improvements

A year after the Auditor General Report that took the CRA to task over its service standards, this fall’s report delivers further criticism. This time, CRA is being called out for its inconsistent practices and in addition, this latest critique follows the news that the implementation of call centre improvements has been delayed again.

Snowbirds: Tax Consequences When Substantial Presence Test Isn’t Met

Are snowbirds required to file a U.S. tax return? In this week's article, Dr. Dean Smith shares tax requirements for those who don’t meet the substantial presence test.

RSVP Now: January Advanced Tax Update

It’s time to shake out the cobwebs and get ready for tax season. If you are a tax or financial services professional you won’t want to miss this advanced personal tax update: join us in six cities January 17 – 25, 2019.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

On September 2, Finance Minister Champagne mandated CRA to implement a 100-day plan to “strengthen services, improve access, and reduce delays.” That’s by December 11, 2025. Do you believe this approach will help?

  • Yes
    8 votes
    21.05%
  • No
    30 votes
    78.95%