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:

June 30 is an important date for current and prospective Knowledge Bureau students! Save time and money, act now for Designate recertification, half price CE Savvy Collections, DAC early-bird deadline, and a special Canada Day sale for our specialized credentials programs! As a reminder, our offices will be closed on Monday, July 3 –  check out these tuition specials: online registration is always available!

The 2023 Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC Acuity) takes place November 12 to 14 at the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel. This year out line-up of thought leaders features a tax planning powerhouse…check it out and be sure to register by the June 30 early-bird deadline to save up to $900 on tuition.

Want to get your blood pumping and your imagination soaring about what the future of the tax, accounting and financial services might look like?   This is your invitation to think boldly and re-imagine it!   Please join the Society of Real Wealth Managers RWM™ for an open conversation about what’s holding us back in making transformational change on November 12 over brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel on the day the  amazing 20th Anniversary DAC Acuity 2023 Conference begins (November 12-14th).  Register by June 30 and lunch is complimentary for members. 

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, coinciding with summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a traditional time of celebration for many Indigenous communities, and a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. However, acknowledging and supporting our Indigenous people must be a year-long initiative, especially if we want to see change towards equity, inclusion, and minimizing the Indigenous wealth gap.

Both the CPP and EI contributions – which are mandatory – rose in 2023,  reducing the take-home pay for employees.  But cash flow erosion from these payroll taxes is only increasing:   the second tier rate hike on CPP contributions is only 6 months away.  That’s going to affect small business owners and higher earners, as well, who will each pay 4% more above the first earnings ceiling (YMPE) and up to the amount of a second earnings ceiling (YAMPE).  Here’s what you need to know, as you council clients to clear up debt and accelerate RRSP/TFSA/FHSA savings in anticipation of these changes:

This year, Tax Freedom Day for Canadians fell on June 17, 2022, which is four days later than last year, and almost a full two months later than the US hit the same milestone on April  18. That means when you add tax and inflation together, Canadians have a more compelling financial issue than our neighbours to the South. For those reasons, working with tax and financial advisors is critical as there are many opportunities to save money on taxes and benefit from generous tax credits here in Canada. Professionals can make sure Canadians don’t miss out in these expensive times.