CRA Data Breeches Put Taxpayer Information at Risk

An important deadline is coming up, around the same time that Canadians get ready to file their 2026 tax returns at the start of tax season 2027. Since 2020, more than 42,000 data breaches have occurred at the CRA. A class action lawsuit was launched in 2020 and a $8.76 million settlement was reached.  Eligible Canadians affected by these security incidents can now submit claims through the KPMG Claims Portal until February 3, 2027.  

The August poll results are in and almost everyone is in agreement: specialized knowledge is in demand from tax and financial advisors by their clients. However, people don’t necessarily want to pay for it. . .or is there another problem?

Millennials – rather than boomers - are rocking the retirement planning landscape. But they’re leaving a lot of money on the table because they favour DIY approaches that don’t pay off. This demographic can benefit from professional advice; the challenge is engaging them.

Entrepreneur Lilian da Silva of Cambridge, Ontario is a recent graduate of two Knowledge Bureau’s courses, Bookkeeping for Small Business and Advanced Payroll for Small Business. She is so excited about her future, and ready to start her third course for her first diploma. Here’s her story:

The results of a mid-month survey of CRA tax auditors by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) highlight the challenges of keeping Canada’s tax system fair for all. One of them is the easy headlines that pit one group of taxpayers – generally the “wealthy” - against another. But a deeper read of the survey uncovers relevant and possibly more purposeful insights.

The vast majority of Canadians caring for sick and disabled family members are missing out on lucrative tax assistance and paying for expensive care costs out of pocket, according to a CIBC poll. Worse, only 12 percent of caregivers are accessing available tax deductions, credits, and benefits on their tax returns.

Entrepreneur Amanda McAskill, of AJM Bookkeeping and Business Services is a recent graduate of Knowledge Bureau’s Bookkeeping for Small Business course. She found herself re-energized by the course, and inspired to tackle her career goals. Here’s her story: