Time’s Up: CRA’s 100 Day Mandate for Improvement

After years of frustration on the part of tax professionals and taxpayers alike, the Finance Minister ordered the Canada Revenue Agency to clean up its act in 100 days. Specifically, the improvement plan was to run from September 2 through December 11. Finance Minister and Minister of National Revenue, Francoise-Phillippe Champagne instructed CRA to fix “unacceptable wait times and service delays.” Time’s up this week and CRA has released an update on progress. What gets measured, gets done. Let’s see what CRA’s metrics show. 

Do you need more cash flow before Christmas?  It’s a great question for tax and financial advisors to ask their clients who are pensioners, divorces or proprietors.  That’s because the final quarterly tax instalment of the year is coming up soon – December 15 – and with proper planning, it might be avoided.

Our October Poll delivered surprising results regarding the demise of The Canada Savings Bond. Most financial professionals polled agreed, indicating that TFSAs are a better alternative. However, it’s clear that some Canadians attribute nostalgic value to CSBs.

“You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure.” —Zig Ziglar

Statistics show that only 30 per cent of businesses are transitioned to the next generation. However, we’re entering a time when family businesses are going to play a much more integral role in economic growth and development. Why is this, and what does that mean for advisors and tax professionals?

Delegates attending the Distinguished Advisor Conference in Kelowna from November 5-8 will be treated with the opportunity to hear 18 illustrious speakers, including two cutting-edge digital innovation experts, renowned tax experts and leading insurance and investment specialists. They will also be treated to performances by three incredible Canadian entertainers at the DAC150 Gala.

On October 24, 2017, Finance Canada issued the Fall Economic Statement, which forecasts better-than-expected economic growth, at least in the shorter term.  The resulting increase in tax revenues have blessed the department with new funds for spending priorities; notably to help families with children and the working poor.