Helping First Nations, Inuit and Metis with Tax Filing

The Canada Revenue Agency is trying to reach out to Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis to encourage them to file their tax forms on time and could use your help to make sure these communities get all the tax benefits they are entitled to. But filing tax returns are not always easy, especially when there is income on and off the reserve.

Tax season 2026 has officially started with the release of the 2025 T1 return on CRA’s web pages.  There are over 60 pages that belong to the T1, including accompanying schedules, but in addition,  it is possible that one or more of hundreds of auxiliary tax forms may be required.  There is a lot to know, as the Burden of Proof is always on the taxpayer, and the rigor of professional knowledge required to be in public practice continues to grow exponentially.  Against that backdrop, what is the best way to prepare clients this month, for what is to come as we speed towards April 30?    

Why is professional tax preparation growing in Canada? Taxes and lives are changing constantly, and the shift to a fully digital tax system now requires a full-time commitment to get it right. Errors can cost taxpayers thousands, and the entire relationship with the CRA matters. In 2024–2025, the CRA processed more than 33.2 million individual tax returns, and reported a 47% increase in objections over the previous year. As a result, even “simple returns” now demand technical accuracy, process discipline, and familiarity with Canada’s digital tax environment- making strong foundational filing skills a professional necessity.

The government finally announced the 2026 automobile deduction limits on January 14, 2026, significantly later than in prior years, when the announcements typically came in December.  Here are the new rates, as of January 1, 2026:

As you enter the busiest time of year as tax professionals, there are several deadlines apart from April 30 that you will want to discuss with your clients. Among them is the earliest application date for Old Age Security (OAS).

With the rising cost of transportation, meals, clothing, and other work-related expenses, many Canadians are questioning whether the Canada Employment Credit, set at $1,501 for 2026, still reflects the real cost of earning employment income. Tax professionals, employers, and taxpayers continue to debate whether the credit should be increased, restructured, or replaced altogether. When our poll asked if the Canada Employment Credit should be increased, 87% said yes. Below are perspectives shared by tax and financial professionals across the country.

How maxed out is your time going to be in early 2026? Most business owners struggle with this – too much to do, too little time. To prioritize consider: are you spending more time working on the creation of income or the creation of wealth? They are conjoined for sure, but by  executing on financial priorities that are critical in all the important spheres in your life –in a healthy balance – you will likely achieve more of both.