Back to School Tax Breaks

Like tax season, back-to-school season rolls around annually with certainty. But in today’s inflationary environment, the start-up costs for getting the family organizing for the school year may seem daunting. The good news is that tax and financial advisors can help clients understand their tax planning options and manage all the receipts that can lead to tax breaks later in the spring during tax filing time. Here’s a primer of topics you may wish to discuss:

It’s tax audit season and if you’re trading in crypto currencies, rest assured, CRA is on it. So is Finance Canada. Here’s an update on what’s in the latest legislation from the April 28 Spring Economic Update, that is in first reading now, and the tax reporting issues advisors and their clients need to be up-to-speed on.

The Society of Distinguished Designates welcomed members, graduates, and guests to its recent inaugural networking event on May 13, bringing together professionals from across the tax, accounting, wealth management, and financial services community for an evening focused on collaboration, continuing education, and the future of advisory practice.

What’s new for tax and financial advisors to be aware of post-tax season that impacts planning in 2026 and beyond? Don’t miss the critical tax law updates stemming from the Spring Economic Statement, retirement income planning, rules for death of a taxpayer and estate planning strategies and T3 filing tips. Check out the agenda below and register now for the May 27 CE Savvy Summit. 

Now that the height of tax season is over, many tax and financial advisors are turning their attention back to a growing challenge: how to build a stronger, more scalable business in one of the most difficult environments Canadian entrepreneurs have faced in decades. In fact, today, 55% of Canadian SMEs say they would not recommend starting a business, according to a CFIB Report.

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada published a report titled Stretching the Loonie: a time series analysis of financial difficulty and quality of life. The report is based on a nation-wide survey and the results are concerning. They reveal a serious trend and it is possible this is contributing to the late filing trend we are seeing this tax season.

personal resources, such as their vehicle, home office, supplies, or professional memberships. What many do not realize is that if these expenses include GST or HST, and their employer is a GST/HST registrant, they may be entitled to recover part of the tax through the GST/HST Rebate for Employees. This rebate is claimed using Form GST370 and reported on line 45700 of the T1 tax return.  Here’s a primer for you to cover with your clients: