Tax Avoidance, Financial Stress & Well Being

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada published a report titled Stretching the Loonie: a time series analysis of financial difficulty and quality of life. The report is based on a nation-wide survey and the results are concerning. They reveal a serious trend and it is possible this is contributing to the late filing trend we are seeing this tax season.

An important discussion is taking place in Canada and tax professionals will not want to miss their chance to weigh in by the September 30 consultation deadline.  Specifically, the federal government wishes to “modernize” the GAAR – General Anti Avoidance Rules - after a series of 24 losses in court.  Here are the issues:

The Federal government announced three new refundable benefit programs on September 13, which will put extra money in the pockets of individuals and families. 

During the pandemic, the federal government put temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program in place.  These special programs will end on September 25, 2022.  Employers will want to refresh their memories both on the pandemic response rules, and now, the return to normal for the purposes of informing management and/or payroll departments who may receive questions from departing employees: 

There may be one silver lining to all this inflation…the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), arguably the best savings vehicle available to Canadians, is about to get even better.

There are four important strategies to maximize income with tax efficiency during both inflationary and potential recessionary headwinds.  Consider introducing them to your clients as part of your fall tax filing strategies:

The financial services industry lost a highly respected member of its community.  Dr. Paul Bates, M.T.S., DPT, FCPA, FCMA, CMC who was an exemplary, accomplished man, a fellow financial author and educator, an outstanding humanitarian and family man, and for so many of us, a true and dear friend.