The Importance of Provincial Budgets: Elbows Up and No Bracket Creep!

Some of the right things are happening in Nova Scotia, from the perspective of improving standards of living in that province.  And that’s important news because according to the Fraser Institute, Canadians have suffered the worst five-year decline in their standard of living over the 2020-to-2024 period since the Great Depression.  It notes, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person decreased by 2.0% (0.4% annually) ; this despite aggregate GDP growth of 1.5% over the period.  Further, all ten provinces are experiencing stagnation, which is unique in our history.  So what’s the good news in Nova Scotia, at this critical juncture?

Is it still a good idea for snowbirds to own property in the U.S.? Do you have clients who have children studying in the States or a son or daughter marrying a U.S. citizen? How will Canadian small business tax reforms co-mingle with the most significant U. S. tax reform since 1986?

MAY 2018 – Evelyn Jacks, President of Knowledge Bureau, and special guest experts will discuss tax-efficient planning for investors, retirees, cottage owners and private corporations at CE Summits held in four cities. Enrol by May 15. Or, begin convenient new online programs to improve your credentials. Great tuition savings for those who enroll online by June 15, or call us toll free for help: 1-866-953-4768.

A nationwide initiative that would provide Canadians with a base guaranteed income is under consideration. It’s a move with polarizing opinions, with many citing an increased burden upon taxpayers to fund the program.

It’s the season when many Canadian snowbirds who spend the winter in the United States return to Canadian soil. Timely, as there is also an essential tax deadline for these individuals coming up soon. Learn more about this deadline, and other essential dates that tax and financial advisors must address now that the April 30 personal income tax filing deadline has passed.

By a wide margin, Knowledge Bureau poll respondents disagreed with the concept of free childcare for all, as 72 percent voted “no” to the question: Do you agree that licensed day care centres should be fully government funded for children aged 2½ until they are eligible for kindergarten?

Tax and financial advisors are in agreement—the Canada Revenue Agency’s audit practices are more aggressive than ever. Now that the deadline has passed for filing 2017 personal income tax, it’s already time to prepare your clients for success in the 2018 tax season. Knowledge Bureau offers the education and support you need to mitigate the tax-audit risks that could cost you and your clients, and maximize their benefits and deductions.