Bill C-31: Royal Asset and New CRA Powers Could Come Soon

Changes are coming to the Income Tax Act and both you and your clients will all be affected with new tax risks including longer tax audits. Bill C-31, which passed second reading in the House of Commons on June 3 and is now at committee stage, contains elements of previous Federal Budgets that will expand the CRA’s compliance and enforcement powers. Here’s what you need to know and pass along to your clients:

Lost your job?  That can be a very traumatic experience for some; a relief for others.  In both cases, Employment Insurance (EI) benefits are a good first line of defence to pay for food and shelter.  However, these benefits will be taxable. Worse,  if you are a high-income earner in the year you leave your job, these benefits may also be subject to repayment.  Therefore, some tax planning is in order.

CRA has been busy announcing new convictions at the start of 2017, a great deterrent for potential tax evaders at the start of tax season.  It’s always best to come forward to declare shortfalls in income reporting or overstatements of tax deductions or credits to avoid expensive interest, penalties and potential jail time. Here’s what happened to those who didn’t. . .

What’s the best way to pay the least amount of tax on your RRSP or RRIF accumulations?  “Average down” the taxes payable on your accumulated capital  by using the progressivity of the tax system (the more you make the more you pay) and the current tax brackets and rates to your advantage.

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:  Rick Atkinson discusses:  Guiding Clients to Better Health & Well Being in Retirement.

We would like to remind you about our skill-testing financial trivia.  This is your chance 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. You just need to correctly answer both questions.

At a time when governments are more closely monitoring changes in global GDP growth, the effects of protectionism, currency fluctuations, tax changes and sluggish business investment on the long-term financial well-being of Canadians, wealth advisors need to better understand new strategies for making tax efficient investment recommendations to the families they work with.