Canada Needs a Financial Plan

According to a July 23 publication by the Fraser Institute, we are getting poorer here in Canada and the prospects for economic growth are looking grim.  This should be of concern to every Canadian concerned about their “real income” – that’s their purchasing power – and by extension - their ability to fund consumption now and for important family milestones in the future:  retirements, education and homeownership.  It’s grim, but there are practical suggestions for a turn around plan. Here’s a synopsis of the report.   

It’s official: Canada’s most innovative virtual conference for leading tax, accounting and financial professionals is coming back in an enhanced interactive online format for a second year, for an even more outstanding professional education experience! We are proud to unveil Virtual DAC Acuity 2021, our speakers and sponsors, and an incredible enrolment opportunity until April 15 – you save $1000!

Have you graduated from a Knowledge Bureau Course, CE Summit, DAC or Program?  If so, we have some exciting news. Starting April 15, you will receive VIP tuition fee reductions with every course, program, CE Summit or DAC with your special VIP status as a Knowledge Bureau Grad. The more credentials you have, the more you’ll save!

Is post-retirement planning on the minds of your high net worth clients today? Chances are yes, and now more than ever with a pending federal budget that may introduce a guaranteed income for some, and wealth taxes for others.  There are three key reasons to initiate planning conversations early, and Knowledge Bureau’s May 20 CE Summit will provide answers, guidance and materials to help you.

Several provinces have already introduced their 2021 provincial budgets, and today we're providing a round-up of what has been announced so far. Notably, the British Columbia budget will be released until April 20; and Newfoundland has not yet announced its budget date. More details on the April 6 Saskatchewan Budget and the April 7 Manitoba Budget appear below:

As the April 30 tax filing deadline rapidly approaches, we’ve been hearing from the tax filing community about long, long waits for urgently needed CRA answers to client issues. More are having success obtaining information through the CRA Represent a Client Portal. However, it seems their phone service is proving to be a challenge for both taxpayers and tax pros alike. Greg Clark of Greg Clark Accounting and Tax Inc. in Winnipeg shares his experience:

The Manitoba Budget was released on April 7 and contains a highlight for teachers in 2021: a 15% refundable tax credit for eligible educators who spend their own money (up to $1,000) on supplies for students.  This claim mirrors the federal credit, which is claimed on Lines 46800 and 46900.  Who is an eligible educator?  Here are the details.