October 1 - Important Changes Coming to VDP
Effective October 1, 2025, important changes will be made to the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) at the CRA in order to make it easier for taxpayers to correct unintentional filing errors or omissions. The details on how the changes will affect your clients are being discussed in the CE Summit held September 17 and this course is now available for online enrolment and CE accreditation, after the virtual event. Here are some highlights of the changes.Bill C-47 – March 28, 2023 Budget Off to Senate
Bill C-47, which was tabled on April 20, 2023 to enact certain provisions of the March 28, 2023 federal budget passed through the House of Commons on June 8, 2023, and is now off to the Senate. With swift passage there, provisions such as the Grocery Rebate could be initiated for anticipated payment by July 5. However, there are other very important provisions in the 430-page document – sign up to receive Knowledge Bureau Report in your inbox to receive our detailed budget report for more information!
Fewer Givers: New Trends in Charitable Giving
An interesting trend has emerged in giving has emerged over the pandemic years. In a new report released by Statistics Canada on March 14, 2023 there was a 3% drop in donors claiming donation tax credits in the 2021 tax filing year. Are Canadians less charitable these days? Or is something else going on?
The Opportunities are Hot in Tax and Financial Services
It’s hot times in the tax and financial services industries, as the upward trend in both wages and job opportunities that started last year continue to increase, according to Statistics Canada. If you’re looking for new team members to scale up your business, you might be surprised to find how much you could have to pay to secure talent, and which sectors will have the hardest time landing them.
FHSA Transfers
The last couple of weeks, we’ve been featuring the details of a brand new account – the First Home Savings Account (FHSA). This week we’re focusing on transfer opportunities with the FHSA, which is especially relevant to those working with millennial clients looking to buy their first homes. What order should the FHSA, TFSA and RRSP be funded as part of a strategic savings plan? For some the choice will be evident, for others this is a great leveraging opportunity and as an advisor, this is an opportunity to be prepared with the answers.
From Tech-Toddler to Virtual Virtuoso: Mastering the Art of Professional Online Meetings
After three years of engaging in online meetings, it remains surprisingly common to witness certain advisors who demonstrate a lack of familiarity with virtual settings. In order to avoid appearing unprofessional, it is essential to steer clear of certain faux pas that can easily be avoided.
Poll Results: 60% Say Subsidized Tax Returns Not the Answer
In May we asked tax and financial professionals to weigh in on the following question: “Do you think that the government should subsidize tax return filing fees so people can get more accurate results and benefits for free?” The verdict is in and 60% of tax and financial advisors who participated answered “no”. They share why in their insightful comments and offer alternative solutions that recognize it’s a system that requires reformation to help more low-income and vulnerable Canadians access their benefits.
