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:

Close to 18 million tax returns are filed by professional EFILE Services in tax season 2023 – 59.5% of all tax returns filed in Canada, according to CRA’s income tax statistics. This speaks to the tremendous opportunities available in mentoring new tax preparers throughout the summer and fall to prepare for tax season 2024.  But in our June poll, 60% of respondents told us it was difficult to attract and engage new entrants. 

This month, Knowledge Bureau Report celebrates the achievements of Harvey Agustin, an outstanding professional from Calgary, Alberta who has recently designated as and RWM™ - Real Wealth Manager and an MFA-P™ - Philanthropic Services Specialist.  He tells us what these achievements have meant to him. 

Good news!  It’s officially the farthest month between tax seasons, but time will march quickly on the journey towards 2024, when highly trained personal tax specialists will again be in high demand.  That’s why July is such a good month to commit to Knowledge Bureau’s Tax Training School, featuring the DMA™-Personal Tax Services Specialist program and its six professional courses, updated for 2023 tax filing requirements, and available for continuous intake now. 

As Canadians plan to take a break from tax for summer holidays, the key eroders of wealth – taxes, inflation and the costs of building wealth – are about to take a bigger bite out of Canadian’s balance sheets. There are three key reasons for this and it’s important to set up some time with tax and financial advisors before hitting the beach, to plan to stay ahead of tax issues and comply with two more filing deadlines as well.  

There are 6.2 million persons with disabilities in Canada, 23% of whom live in poverty. The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) has been created and now passed into law (June 22, 2023) to help. However, exactly when the payment will start and how much will be paid is still a mystery.

The third quarter of 2023 is about to unfold and with it several milestones:  the days are getting shorter again, all but one tax filing deadlines have passed (remember October 31 for the UHT), and there are some payroll remittance changes on the horizon: