Start Tax Season 2025 on Sound Footing

Filing a tax return is difficult as the playing field is one of constant change:  the tax rules are in flux, particularly in the 2024 tax filing year,  with all the uncertainty around the capital gains provisions.  But in addition, taxpayers have undergone many financial and life event changes since their last T1 filings, each of which must be identified for each family member.  Here’s a primer for new year conversations between advisors and clients that cuts through the noise:  what matters is what you keep!

The federal government will restrict the deductibility of rental income expenses where short term rental ventures fail to meet local regional by-laws starting in 2024; based on tax law passed on June 20, 2024.  However, there are also provincial tax consequences when it comes to real estate taxation in two provinces, that should be noted:  

Tax Filing Milestones for January, February and March 2025:  Mark your calendar for these upcoming tax, investment and financial milestones and remind your clients.  Check it out - don’t forget the brand new deadline on February 28, 2025 below:

It was a controversial move that contributed to the resignation of Canada’s Finance Minister:  a GST/HST Holiday and a proposed $250 Working Canadian’s Rebate for those who filed a 2023 tax return, had a net income under $150,000, and also contributed to the CPP.  Was it a good idea? The future of the Working Canadian’s Rebate remains uncertain, as it was noticeably absent from the government’s December 16 Economic statement, and that’s okay by Knowledge Bureau Report readers:  85% answered no to going ahead with this poorly-received program.  Here’s what our readers said:

The early-bird deadline for the January 15 Virtual CE Savvy Summit is coming up next week, and you don’t want to miss this event which will deliver an Advanced Line-by-Line T1 Tax Update coveted by tax and financial pros from across Canada.  This full-day live event and accompanying online course will prepare you and your staff for tax season 2025. Receive the “Tax Bible” – Knowledge Bureau’s line-by-line desktop reference – and upskill your team’s knowledge ahead of tax season with low team member rates! Plus, check out new CE Savvy Mini Summits: these are new half-day events drill down on key tax auxiliary tax form filings, including late form releases from CRA for capital gains, real estate and proprietors.

Taking a Knowledge Bureau Specialized Credential can really pay off. According to the 2025 Canada Salary Guide released by Robert Half, earnings are high in the tax accounting industry.  Even those starting out in the field can expect to earn approximately $60,000 to $64,000, with significant upward mobility possible in the future (see details below).  For these reasons, it’s a great time to specialize in this field and register now for our convenient online programming.

Do you agree with extending the charitable donations giving deadline to February 28, 2025 for the purposes of reducing taxes on the 2024 tax return?