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:

Employers in Canada are required to remit source deductions—such as income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Employment Insurance (EI) contributions—by specific due dates based on their remitter type. These due dates vary depending on the employer’s average monthly withholding amount (AMWA) from two years prior. But when is an electronic payment considered to be received? It’s an important question because it can be very expensive to have the remittance you thought you paid on time, lost in cyberspace. Here’s what you need to know:

For many years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has allowed taxpayers to voluntarily disclose errors and omissions on their tax returns, with the opportunity for reduced penalties and interest. There were some restrictions introduced back in 2018. But as of October 1st, 2025, changes to the process make it simpler for taxpayers to disclose unintentional filing errors and omissions, and there is a newly revised tax form to help.

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Knowledge Bureau has a new program for new entrants to professional tax preparation and registration is now open.  It has two parts:  start with the 20 hour online course now, then join us for a peer-to-peer series of virtual classes to consolidate your knowledge! Here are the details – perfect for training new hires in tax preparation and accounting offices too.

Doubtless you’ve had clients ask whether they can write off any portion of their vehicle for work or business purposes. And your answer, as always, is: “It depends.” The rules are worth reviewing at year end as they can vary significantly depending on how the client earns their income—employee, self-employed, or incorporated – and this is a deduction that’s often audited. Here’s a practical primer to guide that conversation.

As Canadian businesses approach the end of 2025, tax planning remains a key activity for maximizing deductions and optimizing cash flow. The treatment of business assets—particularly through Capital Cost Allowance (CCA), the Accelerated Investment Incentive (AII), and Immediate Expensing rules—offers significant opportunities for savings. The following outlines the latest updates to these tax measures, highlights the changes for 2025, and provides practical year-end planning tips for Canadian enterprises.