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:

The annual TFSA contribution room is indexed to the consumer price index (CPI), but the contribution limit is increased only in increments of $500.

Indexation has increased the capital gains exemption available on the sale of qualified small business shares in 2017 by an additional $11,540, to $835,716. The capital gains exemption on the sale of qualified farm or fishing property remains at $1,000,000.

If December is moving month for you, three pieces of advice:  tax a deep breath, treat yourself to some extra eggnog, and keep those moving expense receipts handy.  They will be worth a lot of money when  you file your tax return.

Knowledge Bureau’s November poll was a no-doubter. An overwhelming majority of 87% answered yes to the question: “Do you agree that the new reporting changes for 2016 will result in significant audit activity on the disposition of principal residences?”

There is a growing demand for qualified tax specialists in the financial services sector. Knowledge Bureau’s DFA- Tax Services Specialist program™ will allow you to tap into this profitable career path and build your own professional practice. All it takes is six in-depth courses (180 hours) to earn your DFA-Tax Services Specialist™ designation, and you can get started immediately.

Knowledge Bureau’s Annual Personal Tax Bootcamp is coming soon: in six cities across Canada: January 17-25, 2017. Registrants are urged to reserve their spots early as seating is limited, and to take advantage of early-bird tuition reductions until January 10.