CRA’s Callback Service for Tax Pros Pilot

Are you a tax professional with years of experience? Have you ever felt frustrated after calling the CRA, having spent hours on hold, wasting your client’s or employer’s time, only to speak to CRA agents who aren’t qualified to answer your questions? The Auditor General of Canada was equally displeased in a scathing report last fall on wait times and accuracy levels at the CRA. Now a new CRA callback service may come to the rescue this tax season. Here is my experience with the pilot project so far:

Are you a distinguished advisor in your industry? If so, be sure to enter two prestigious awards to be announced at the DAC in beautiful Kelowna, Nov. 5-8 this year.

It’s time once again for our skill-testing financial trivia contest. This is your chance to win a free registration to DAC, November 5-8 in spectacular Kelowna, BC, where this year’s theme will be CANADA 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.  Here’s April’s question:

Ellie Jenner, DFA - Tax Services Specialist™, Alberta: Designation that makes you to feel confident in the tax and investment advice you give to clients. It is important for Investment Advisors to have tax knowledge.

"If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." Arabic Proverb

The CSB is officially obsolete, killed by the March 22, 2017 federal budget. What effect does this have on investors? Some new planning strategies are in order for planners and clients alike.  But first a little history...

The Disability Tax Amount, a non-refundable tax credit valued at $8,001 in tax year 2016, can be claimed by someone who is markedly restricted in the activities of daily living on a permanent basis, or by their supporting individual.