Tax Avoidance, Financial Stress & Well Being

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada published a report titled Stretching the Loonie: a time series analysis of financial difficulty and quality of life. The report is based on a nation-wide survey and the results are concerning. They reveal a serious trend and it is possible this is contributing to the late filing trend we are seeing this tax season.

Taxpayers should receive legal advice prior to giving a power of attorney to anyone, including their spouse. Unintended tax consequences will not be forgiven by the CRA.

Whether you are a student or working and paying for child care, those expenditures may be deductible and the maximum amount you can claim has increased this year.  It’s a lucrative year end tip advisors will want to prime their clients about,  to maximize child care expense claims on the 2015 tax return.

It has been truly heartbreaking to watch the humanitarian crisis unfold in Europe, as millions of displaced refugee families risk their lives seeking safe havens. Canadians can help with charitable donations, but also by adopting orphaned children.

Accounting departments in growing companies have a special role in collaborating with shareholders:  to help  those at the financial helm to understand not only where the business results lie today, but what  resources it will need to support future growth, potential financing gaps, and how they can best addressed.

Year end tax planning includes upgrading tax office environments to substantially increase efficiencies. The proof appears to be in the pudding: TaxCycle users  are reporting a 41% decrease in paper printing and handling, 30% more accurate tax preparation and 21% time savings per client engagement.

How do advisors successfully engage multiple generations in a digital world in order to build and sustain family wealth?