Podcast: Automatic Tax Filing - Will It Work?

Last week Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau  tabled his annual report:  In Pursuit of Better Service: Taxpayers Deserve More.  once again, it was nothing short of scathing, as CRA received its highest number of complaints in the last three years.  Calling our “completely nuts” Income Tax Act a potential barrier, he is nonetheless pushing for automatic tax filing as a potential solution.  A new episode of Real Tax News with Evelyn Jacks & Friends available next week, will feature guest Gillian Petit, Ph.D. - author of a great report, Welcome News for Lower-Income Canadians, but There’s More to Do - which takes a deeper dive.  Consider the following:

Having trouble relaxing on your summer vacation? You’re not alone. Two-thirds of Canadians work more than 45 hours a week. Of these individuals, only 23 percent are satisfied with their quality of life, which hinges on work-life balance. It’s also widely accepted that entrepreneurs and business owners work significantly more than the average worker – and that can negatively impact effective leadership and corporate culture when self-care isn’t a priority.

On June 21st the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) released a harmonized set of proposals that requires investment industry representatives (registrants) to promote the best interests of their clients and put them first, to improve client outcomes. It’s something most clients would expect of their professional advisors; yet there are several investor protection concerns to address.

Are Millennials really that unmotivated, and underperforming? Not according to an important new study. In fact, it turns out that Millennials may be ahead of their parents when it comes to retirement planning, an important trend for young tax and financial advisors looking to build their practices with peer group clients.

It could be a “Buy-Canadian” summer as trade tensions escalating between Canada and U.S. are starting a movement towards economic nationalism throughout Canada. But that comes at a cost - can you afford to spend more? Canadians currently have over $2 Trillion in debt, according to the Bank of Canada, and increased spending could dig a deeper hole.

Last year, the Canada Revenue Agency received extensive criticism for failing to meet basic service standards. But things have recently improved at the CRA; 74 percent of calls are being answered by an agent or auto assistant, compared to the mere 37 percent in 2015, which prompted this fall’s Auditor General Report. The CRA now intends to ensure things get even better, and responded to the criticisms on June 12, 2018 with a three-point action plan.

Our June poll asks readers whether or not they believe the self-employment route pays off in the long run, or whether having the financial security provided by an employer paycheque is smarter. Be sure to weigh in with your views, but in the meantime, Knowledge Bureau author Philippe Richer provides food for thought for those considering leaving the 9-to-5 behind for self-employment.