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:

As of today millions of taxpayers’ financial information will be shared between US and Canada under FACTA.  Financial advisors, institutions and account holders all face increased reporting and due diligence requirements and, as a result, advisors are reminded to review their clients’ citizenship status to ensure that proper records are in fact available to the reporting financial institution.

In its submission to the Expert Committee, Ontario Ministry of Finance on Financial Advisory and Financial Planning Policy Alternatives, Knowledge Bureau was pleased to provide recommendations on the merits of more tailored regulation to those engaged in financial planning and the giving of financial advice, specifically in the area of continuing professional development.

Is the tax system doing enough to recognize the real and increasing costs of elder care? You may be surprised at the answer as we conclude our analysis of the question this week, reviewing tax credits available to the vulnerable and their supporting individuals.

Tax and financial advisors can take an important role in the financial education of young Canadians. As we approach Financial Literacy Month this November, it’s important to revisit the role of financial educator. It’s a critical piece of family wealth management that prepares heirs for their future financial responsibilities and brings peace of mind to their parents, too.

Tax is a trigger for affluent families. They seek credible, trusted, and expert solutions to their investment strategies and expect to work with professionals who can increase returns with tax efficiency.

Richard Yasinski is a DFA-Tax Services Specialist and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who offers financial planning on the cutting edge. “What makes our firm unique is that we focus on not just financial planning, but tax planning, estate planning, education planning – all aspects of personal financial planning that I think everyone should be interested in.”