Investigative Tax Prep:  Top Ten Changes to Probe

Tax season 2025 has started with a focus on the increased income levels some taxpayers may report due to proposed changes in capital gains tax laws.  But aside from this there are new questions to probe with clients to ensure the family’s tax returns are filed to their very best benefit, given change in their life and financial events as well.  Here are top 10 queries to add to your interview checklist:

There are 6.2 million persons with disabilities in Canada, 23% of whom live in poverty. Soon there will be tax-assisted relief, but unfortunately not for at least a year.  The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) was passed into law under Bill C-22, June 22, 2023 to help. The payments are expected to start in December 2024 and delivered through the tax system.  In the meantime, people living with disabilities and their caregivers can inform themselves of existing tax support for the 2023 tax year and the time to get ready is now.  Here’s what you need to know: 

In a recent Tax Court of Canada Case a taxpayer won and important appeal when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) invoked the General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) on October 17, 2021.  Here’s what happened:

The RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan) is an excellent savings vehicle to build future pension assets for disabled people, all with generous government matching support.  An important deadline was approaching on December 31, 2023 regarding the status of Qualifying Family Members (QFMs).  Thanks to the March 2023 budget, however, this has now been extended.  Here are the details.

Investors in residential real estate – both non-residents and some Canadians - must file their first UHT return by October 31.  Beyond this, a small but important window is available to prepare individuals, trusts and private businesses for new tax eroders before the end of 2023.  For these reasons, Knowledge Bureau is presenting four important professional development days – November 1, January 17, 25 and 26, accompanied by new online micro-course collections.  Details below.

According to the 2024 Canada Salary Guide released by Robert Half, Competition is intense for skilled finance and accounting talent, and top candidates often receive multiple job offers. Some employers prefer to hold out for experienced professionals with in-demand skills, but that approach can result in overlooking high-potential candidates. To overcome staffing gaps, managers are considering people who may need technical training but have polished soft skills. Knowledge Bureau’s programs and courses leading to specialized credentials can help prepare business owners in the field with technical training their new hires need in tax and accounting.

We’re less than a month away for DAC Acuity 2023 at the Banff Springs Hotel, and the agenda features a tax planning powerhouse ready to help you prepare for tax season 2024.