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:

There is no doubt your clients are interested in knowing how to inflation proof and recession-proof their wealth and navigate successfully through emerging risks from the CRA. To accomplish the former, advisors must have broader knowledge on upcoming tax changes and how astute investment planning in a very new economic environment can help clients maximize after-tax income and reduce capital erosion.

Our economy is shrinking and we can’t avoid that.  This was the hard truth Canada’s Finance Minister delivered in her November 3, 2022 Fall Economic Report and Mini-budget, which was followed the next day with Explanatory Notes to a 169-page Ways and Means Motion that amends the Income Tax Act for new measures.  A brief synopsis of the economic issues follows.  Be sure to request a copy of the Knowledge Bureau Special Report; also enrol now to attend the Nov. 16 Annual Year End Tax Update for in-depth details for professional advisors. 

Taxes and source deductions will continue to rise despite last week’s grim economic forecasts from the Finance Department. Here is what’s in store based on forecasting in the Fall Economic Report, released November 3.

New taxes are on the horizon for high net worth individuals. While several new tax measures were introduced in the November 3 Mini Budget, many have been created to propel forward defined economic incentives for businesses.  Of special note: residential property flipping is getting more expensive. A synopsis follows.

The Finance Minister introduced Bill C-32, Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act on Friday November 4.  Noteworthy is the complex pathway to law:  this document encompasses previously announced measures from the April 2022 budget and finally the date of implementation of the First Home Savings Account.  A synopsis follows; be sure to request a copy of the Knowledge Bureau’s Special Report on the Fall Economic Statement for greater detail.

Investing time and money into new Specialized Credentials or continuing professional develop is an important undertaking and you want to make the most of both.  That’s why you’ll want to learn more about the tuition fee amount and the Canada Training Credit (CTC) as potential tax assistance when you take a Knowledge Bureau course.