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:

Manitobans were spared tax increases in the April 11, 2017, budget, but the breadth of change to its complicated and voluminous tax credit structure hints at more tax reforms to come.

It pays to hunt down medical expenses and claim them over the best 12-month period ending in the tax year. There are numerous out-of-pocket expenses that qualify, ranging from batteries for hearing aids to driveway alteration costs for disabled family members... and most tax payers miss them.

Giving to charity is a noble thing to do. From a tax viewpoint, it’s also the gift that keeps giving back. However, if you’re claiming charitable donations on this year’s return, you may notice new complexity. Check out our true-to-life scenarios and the tips that follow.

As the May 1 personal tax filing deadline approaches, it’s appropriate to be reminded of the tax audit season that follows, especially for new couples. Filing errors in reporting marital status, and especially common-law relationships, could be the first big challenge when faced with a tax review. Advisors can help by discussing a few key tax definitions:

In Canada’s 150th year, Knowledge Bureau is pleased to put the spotlight on Canadian Financial Authors and celebrate Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change at DAC Nov 5-8 in Kelowna.  This week:  Kimberly McLarty discusses: Re-Evaluating Business Resources: A Group Insurance Specialist May Be of Help.

How’s your luck? Try it out and get in on a chance to win a free registration to the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) in the spectacular wine country of BC. Come to Kelowna and think more clearly about this year’s theme: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change. Here’s April’s question: