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:

The Knowledge Bureau Network presents the Meeting of the Minds: 360 Degree Triger Tour: Ideal for advisors seeking more connection, collaboration and networking from coast-to-coast. Register now – the event takes place TODAY at NOON CST!

Knowledge Bureau is excited to introduce its latest CE Savvy ™ Collection of Micro Courses. Check out our collection entitled Asset Management, which provides you a new opportunity to earn 5 CE Credits with Knowledge Bureau and several 3rd party accreditors such as FPCanada, IAFE, ICM, AIC and MFDA.

Will the March 28, 2023 Federal Budget further erode accumulated wealth with new taxes, alongside the continued inflationary and interest rate pressures which have already had a significant impact on businesses and investors? The answer is likely yes. What to watch for appears below.

According to the legislation for Canada’s new Unused Housing Tax (UHT), if you are an excluded owner of a residential property in Canada, you have no obligations or liabilities under the Underused Housing Tax Act.  But are spouses who own residential rental properties together excluded owners?  The legislation is fuzzy, to say the least and that’s a problem for professional tax preparers.

We know that taxpayers who turned 65 in 2022 will have some new tax filing nuances when preparing the 2022 tax return this spring. They may qualify for the Age Amount, for example, and, unless they chose to defer their OAS, they’ll be reporting that income for the first time. But will they be subject to a clawback? There’s lots to talk about this tax season. Here’s an overview of potential conversation starters:

Last week, The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) sent an important reminder to Life Agents in the province to complete CE requirements or they may face regulatory action. It’s an important reminder for all industry professionals to get onside with CE now – and Knowledge Bureau has a great new educational solution: The CE Savvy Collections, which are Accredited with KB, Insurance Councils, Advocis and FP Canada.