Tax and Financial News | Knowledge Bureau

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:

New Rules for Principal Residences Held in Trusts

Along with the sweeping changes to require individuals to report the disposition of their principal residences after 2015, changes to the rules for trusts that own property that is the principal residence of a beneficiary have also changed. Be prepared to discuss changes in eligibility and to get valuations of property done now.

Poll Results: Raising RRSP Lower Limit Draws Thoughtful Response

Seventy two percent of the responders agree that the 18% limitation restricting contributions to an RRSP should be raised for lower income earners. However, there were several varying opinions on how this should be done and what else could be affected. Below are some of the comments shared by voters:

Build Long Lasting Relationships with Clients Who Struggle with the Debt

According to an article in the Financial Post, for the first time, the level of debt held by Canadians has exceeded the country’s gross domestic product. For the advisor now taking on clients struggling with their debts, the new edition of the Debt and Cash Flow Management course is solution for expertly advising clients on managing debt today and in the future and minimizing the debts.

Differentiate with High Standards Of Service Excellence

THE MFA and DFA-Specialist Designations identify a select group of Wealth Advisors who have specialized skills within the tax and financial services industry. These programs, available exclusively through Knowledge Bureau and its strategic partners, lead to mastery in tax and bookkeeping services, business services and retirement and estate services under a platform of Real Wealth Management™.

DAC Nov 5-8 in Kelowna: Enter March Financial Trivia Contest

You can enter this month’s skill-testing financial trivia question to win a free registration to the DAC in Kelowna, where this year’s theme will be: CANADA 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.