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:

Are you a Canadian army veteran looking for your next career opportunity? The new Veterans' Education and Training Benefit supports your educational pursuits in the tax and financial services.  Knowledge Bureau courses and programs are eligible, and convenient: available online for continuous intake, 24/7. They provide new credentials for skills that are in high demand.

According to Knowledge Bureau’s March poll results, financial professionals agree that Budget 2018 misses the mark. Why do tax and financial advisors believe that simplicity and fairness, in particular, were not addressed, and what impact does this have on the services you provide?

Knowledge Bureau is thrilled to announce that faculty member Jenifer Bartman, who will be a guest lecturer on the November CE Summit Tour, is appearing as a regular panelist on the CBC News Network Weekend Business Panel.

With the prescribed interest rate doubling to 2% as of April 1, there will be a significant impact on Canadians who face overdue tax balances with the CRA.  It follows that understanding what interest costs are deductible and which are not, is of new interest.  This subject is one that qualified tax and financial advisors will be prepared to discuss with clients as we tee up for the busiest month of tax season.

Buying a home this spring or approaching a mortgage renewal? May is the busiest time of year for real estate transactions, and you will want to see your tax and financial advisor to discuss the implications of the new mortgage rules and rising interest rates on your after-tax earnings.

Have the CRA’s service standards improved? Reports from tax professionals and their clients show progress this tax season. However, in light of increased audit activity, diligence and thorough documentation remain necessary - as this story from the field demonstrates – or you risk major financial consequences.