When a Bonus Comes with a Tax Bill

You probably don’t have any clients who have received a US$12.25 bonus. But that’s what Toronto Maple Leafs star John Tavares received when he signed with the club. In August, Tavares appeared  in court, to fight  an $8 million tax bill.  $1.2 million of that amount is interest which CRA says he  owes.

Tax filing time is confusing for most Canadians, but for newcomers it can be completely bewildering.  If you have the opportunity to help with this most important financial document of the year for many families, including new immigrants, consider broaching the following six concepts as a conversation-starter in your role as financial educator.

Canadians are living longer, and while health may be one of the issues matured Canadians focus on in their golden years, carrying debt into retirement and the possibility of filing for bankruptcy is becoming more of a concern.

Knowledge Bureau will be on the ground in Ottawa next week, delivering all the information you need after Finance Minister Bill Morneau unveils the Liberals’ first federal budget since taking office last fall.

Now that tax season is in full swing, Knowledge Bureau would like to remind you of some key dates to mark in your calendar: Regional DAW Workshops - May 24 to 31, Summer Studies Begin June 15, DAC  Nov 6 -9.

"I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, but it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes.” - Oprah Winfrey

Employees who earn their living negotiating contracts for their employers or selling on commission may claim certain itemized sales expenses, income tax preparation costs, legal fees incurred to defend charges incurred in the normal course of business, as well as auto and travel expenses.