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:

Now that it’s May, a whole new tax season – 2018 - has begun! It’s prime time to “spring into studies” and enhance your career with knowledge and skills in personal tax consultancy.  Why?  Artificial intelligence and software solutions can’t replace the true value of specialized advice.

Small businesses in Canada are responsible for employing 8.2 million Canadians, which is 70.5 percent of the total labour force.1 Recent tax changes impacting small-business owners require broader, deeper tax knowledge for accurate, audit-proof returns. It’s time to brush up on audit-proof tax filing skills now in advance of the June 15 final filing deadline.

Knowledge Bureau is pleased to announce that Franklin Templeton Investments will be joining us again as a partner for the 15th annual Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) taking place in beautiful, historic Quebec City, November 11-14, 2018. You won’t want to miss two important educational sessions offered by Franklin Templeton.

Exactly when can a claim be made for Guaranteed Income Supplements (GIS)? Many seniors who qualify for Old Age Security may, in fact, be able to make a further claim for the GIS. But there is some income testing to be aware of. Astute tax and financial advisors can help, thereby providing invaluable advice.

Canadian personal debt levels are now at such an alarming level, that most Canadians can’t even comprehend the size of the rising figure: $2 Trillion, as of last week. As part of their best interest duties to clients, financial advisors need to broach this uncomfortable subject, as things could get worse in the near future.

The June 15 tax filing deadline for unincorporated businesses is coming up soon. The “gig” economy is a vibrant, growing market - especially for millennials - but many have trouble connecting with credentialed professionals to provide them with sound tax filing and planning advice. Now there is a win-win solution.