News Room

New Consultations: Modernizing Tax Rules for Charities

As the last remnants of a scrumptious Thanksgiving weekend subside, it is appropriate to take a look at the health and issues surrounding the charitable sector in Canada.  Serendipitously, the federal government is seeking your views on how the tax rules for registered charities and the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) administration of these rules could be modernized.  A new consultation was launched on October 8 and here’s what the government wants to know, by December 3, 2026:

Tax Tip: Deductions for Commissioned Salespeople

Did you know that employed commissioned salespeople can write off more tax deductions than other employees?  In fact, expense deductibility differs only slightly from that of the self employed. Yet, to get past a tax auditor, there are special nuances:  employers must be prepared to verify unreimbursed, out-of-pocket costs were required and there are some specific restrictions. Details follow.

Tax Debt? Best to Pay Up Before April 1

Last year, those who owed the CRA owed a lot – over $7,000. Soon, the prescribed interest rates charged by CRA are going up and that could really increase the cost of carrying debt. Tax debtors can save more money by paying up before April 1. Here’s why

Tax Exempt: Inflation Supports Cause Confusion

Is it reportable or not?  Many taxpayers are confused about the various government support programs they have been entitled to in 2022 and 2023.  As a general rule, if a support payment is taxable, there will be a T4A or T4E showing the amount to be reported as income.  But if any of the amounts itemized below -  inflation support measures – were received, they won’t be reportable. 

The Future of Tax Preparation:  An Endless, Essential Service

It’s true: nothing is as certain as death, taxes and tax change!  That’s perhaps why almost 60% of Canadians get someone else to do their tax return, according the CRA.  Do you know what this sounds like to us? OPPORTUNITY! 

Tax Spotlight: Help Non-Filers Recover Billions

Did you know as many as 1 in 10 Canadians don't file their taxes?  Canadians who don't file their income tax returns may be shocked to find out how much money they're owed by the federal government for years of missed benefits.  The tax benefits lost to working-age non-filers was about $1.7 billion, according to an award winning research paper[1].

The Global Financial Disruption: Are You Prepared to Help?

President and CEO of Knowledge Bureau, Evelyn Jacks, joins Derek Notman and H. Adam Holt on their podcast, Rethink. Financial Advice, and discusses a variety of issues critical to the future of the tax and financial services industry: what's on the horizon for advisors and how to best prepare for the headwinds affecting us all. You’ll want to take this in.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

In your view, should Canadians be able to write off more of their out-of-pocket medical expense costs? What amount would be appropriate?

  • Yes
    43 votes
    93.48%
  • No
    3 votes
    6.52%