Tax Alerts
No increase in Old Age Security benefit amounts during first quarter of 2025
Benefits payable under the federal Old Age Security program are indexed to inflation on a quarterly basis, with inflationary increases in benefit amounts calculated using a prescribed indexing formula...
NETFILE service for prior year returns available until January 31
Canadian individual tax filers will be able to use the Canada Revenue Agency’s online NETFILE service to file income tax returns for the 2017 through 2023 taxation years until Friday January 31, 202...
Prescribed interest rates for 2025
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2025, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Inflation falls to 1.9% in November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined to 1.9% for the month of November 2024, as compared to the 2.0% inflation rate r...
Unemployment rate for November increases to 6.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate stood at 6.8% for the month of November. That rate represents an increase of 0.3% from Oct...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates by one-half percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement, the Bank of Canada indicated that the policy interest rate would be reduced by one-half percentage point. The Bank Rate has therefore declined fr...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2025
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Canada Pension Plan benefits to increase by 2.6% for 2025
Benefits received under the Canada Pension Plan are indexed annually to increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on that indexing formula, CPP benefits payable will increase by 2.6%, effective as ...
$250 payment to be issued under new “Working Canadians Rebate” program
The federal government has announced that eligible Canadians will receive a $250 Working Canadians Rebate to help them meet recent increases in the cost of living. The non-taxable rebate payment will ...
Federal government to provide temporary GST/HST holiday
The federal government recently announced that a temporary tax holiday would be provided from the imposition of the GST/HST. The two-month holiday will run from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025...
Inflation rate increases to 2.0% for October 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the overall rate of inflation for the month of October 2024. During October, the overall inflation rate stood...
Personal income tax brackets to increase by 2.7% in 2025
Federal personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are indexed, with such indexing based on year-over-year changes in the overall Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recentl...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for December 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change in unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of October. That rate stood at 6.5%, the same rate recorded for the ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for participants in online economy
Canadians who earn income from the online economy are required to report all such income earned on their annual tax returns. To assist the tax authorities in the enforcement of those reporting obligat...
Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2025
The federal government has announced the Canada Pension Plan contribution percentages and amounts which will be in effect during 2025. Maximum pensionable earnings for 2025 will be $71,300, and the ba...
CRA issues updated guide to Students and Income Tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a comprehensive guide to the federal tax rules relevant to post-secondary students during the current taxation year. That guide, P105 – Students and Income T...
Canada Carbon Rebate for small businesses to be issued in December 2024
In its budget for the 2024-25 year, the federal government announced that a new Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) would be provided for small businesses. In order to receive the CCR, a business must be a Can...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2025 announced
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates which will be payable by employees and employers during the 2025 calendar year. For 2025, those rates are set at $1.64 ...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates by one-half percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 23, the Bank of Canada announced that the Bank Rate would be lowered by one-half percentage point, from 4.5% to 4.0%. In the press...
Unemployment rate down slightly in September
The October release of the federal Labour Force Survey shows a slight reduction in the overall rate of unemployment recorded for September 2024, as compared to the previous month. That rate declined b...
Inflation rate drops to 1.6% for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation fell to 1.6% for the month of September 2024. As noted in the StatsCan release, that rate...
CRA issues Tax Tip on new rules for reporting of income earned from online sales
Millions of Canadians earn income by selling goods or services through websites or apps, and the revenue from such sales represents income to those vendors, which they are required to report on their ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for November 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA issues updated guides for GST/HST registrants
Canadian businesses which have sales of taxable goods or services in excess of $30,000 must register for GST/HST purposes and are required to file returns and remit GST/HST amounts on a prescribed sch...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement dates for 2025
The Bank of Canada has provided the dates on which it will make scheduled interest rate announcements during the 2025 calendar year. Those dates are as follows. Wednesday, January 29, Wednesday, Marc...
Old Age Security rates to increase by 1.3% in fourth quarter
Benefit amounts provided under the federal Old Age Security (OAS) program are indexed to inflation and adjusted at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The federal government has announ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for October 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Inflation rate for August down to 2.0%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August 2024, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.0% ...
Mortgage lending rules changed to expand access to 30-year amortizations
Finance Canada has announced that, effective as of December 15, 2024, all first-time home buyers and all buyers of new-build residential properties will qualify for 30-year amortization periods (the t...
Unemployment rate for August up by 0.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall unemployment rate for the month of August. That rate rose to 6.6%, as compared to the 6.4% r...
Upcoming deadline for third income tax instalment payment for 2024
The third individual income tax instalment payment for the 2024 tax year is due and payable on or before September 15, 2024. As September 15 falls on a Sunday this year, tax instalments due will be co...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating emp...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates by 0.25%
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 4, the Bank of Canada reduced interest rates by 0.25%, meaning that the Bank Rate is now 4.5%. In its press release announcing t...
Tax credit for volunteer first responders doubled for 2024
The federal government provides a non-refundable tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers who perform at least 200 hours of combined volunteer service during the year. Th...
CRA issues updated application form for child and family tax benefits
The federal, provincial, and territorial governments provide a number of child and family tax credit and benefit programs, and the current benefit year for such programs began on July 1, 2024. In most...
Upcoming deadline for third tax instalment payment for 2024
Individuals who pay income tax by instalments must make the third such instalment payment for the 2024 tax year on or before September 15th, 2024. As that date falls on a Sunday this year, such paymen...
Inflation rate for July 2024 down to 2.5%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation (as measured on a year-over-year basis) stood at 2.5% for the month of July - the lowest ...
No change in unemployment rate for July 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of July 2024. That rate stood at 6.4%, the same rate recorded for Ju...
Finance announces enhancements to Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that the inclusion rate for all capital gains earned by corporations after June 24, 2024 would increase from 50% to 66.6%. At the same time, t...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for September 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA issues guides to tax credit and benefit programs for 2024-25
The federal and provincial governments offer a range of tax credit and benefit programs which provide tax-free payments to eligible Canadians. The current benefit year for such credit and benefit prog...
30-year amortization mortgages to be available for first-time home buyers
Home purchasers who take out a mortgage must pay back that mortgage amount (plus interest) over a specified period of time, known as the amortization period. While the standard amortization period is ...
CRA expands SimpleFile service for 2023 returns
The federal and provincial governments offer a number of tax credits and benefits for which both eligibility and the amount receivable are determined, in part, by the income of the recipient. In order...
Interest and penalty relief for taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers a program – the Taxpayer Relief Program – under which interest and penalty charges can be waived where taxpayers are unable to meet their tax filing or ...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 24, the Bank of Canada announced that rates would be lowered by 25 basis points. As a result, the Bank Rate now stands at 4.75%. In t...
HST/GST exemption now provided for mental health services
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a News Release reminding taxpayers and mental health service providers that mental health services are now generally (except in the province of Québec) exempt fro...
Overall inflation rate down slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of June 2024. That rate stood at 2.7%, as compared to ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall rate of unemployment during the month of June 2024. That rate stood at 6.4%, as compared to ...
Upcoming filing deadline for small business Canada Carbon Rebate
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that the Canada Carbon Rebate program would be expanded to be available to small businesses. In order to be eligible for the rebate a small bu...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Increase in overall inflation rate for May 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of May 2024 stood at 2.9% – an increase from the 2.7% inflation figure...
New tax credit and benefit year begins July 1, 2024
The federal and provincial governments provide eligible taxpayers with a range of refundable tax credit and benefit amounts. Such benefits are generally paid on a monthly or quarterly basis and are re...
Increase in Old Age Security benefit amounts for third quarter of 2024
The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to Canadian residents aged 65 and older is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government recently announced that, for the thi...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Increase in capital gains tax effective June 25, 2024
As announced in the 2024-25 federal budget, the percentage of capital gains included in income will increase from 50% to 66.6%, effective for gains realized after June 24, 2024. The change in the incl...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of May increased slightly, to 6.2%. The comparable rate for April 2024 was 6.1%. Acr...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
June 17 return filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
All self-employed taxpayers, and their spouses, are required to file an individual income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before Monday June 17, 2024. All taxpayers (including those who are sel...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 5, the Bank of Canada announced that rates would be lowered by 25 basis points. As a result, the Bank Rate now stands at 5.0%. The ch...
Federal government to provide carbon rebate to small businesses
In its 2024-25 budget, the federal government announced the creation of the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, which will be provided to eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations which...
Upcoming deadline for second tax instalment payment for 2024
The second individual income tax instalment payment for the 2024 tax year is due and payable on or before Monday June 17, 2024. Taxpayers who are subject to the instalment payment requirement will hav...
CRA simplifies procedure for obtaining access to online services
The Canada Revenue Agency’s digital services make it possible for Canadian taxpayers to manage all of their personal tax filing, payment, and appeal rights and obligations online, on the Agency’s ...
Rate of inflation down slightly in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of April. For that month, the inflation rate stood at ...
Online application process now open for rental housing GST/HST rebate
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a notice indicating that applications for the GST/HST rebate for new purpose-built rental housing (PBRH) can be made online, on the CRA website, as of May 13, 2024...
Unemployment rate unchanged in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, while employment during the month of April increased by 90,000, the overall unemployment rate was unchanged from March,...
CRA issues updated Guide to reporting of self-employment income for 2023
Self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) are required to file an individual income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before June 17, 2024. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently updated and ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for June 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Making a payment arrangement with the Canada Revenue Agency
All Canadian individual taxpayers were required to pay any balance of income tax owed for the 2023 tax year on or before April 30, 2024. While self-employed taxpayers and their spouses have until June...
Upcoming change to capital gains inclusion rate
The 2024-25 federal budget included a measure to increase the percentage of capital gains which must be included in income by corporations and trusts and, in some circumstances, individual taxpayers. ...
Individual income tax return filing deadline is April 30, 2024
Most Canadian individual taxpayers are required to file their income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024. The exception is self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) ...
April 30 payment deadline for all individual income tax amounts owed
All Canadian individual taxpayers who have tax amounts owing for the 2023 tax year must pay those amounts in full on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024. Where amounts owed are not paid in full by that d...
Inflation rate for March increases to 2.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation rose from 2.8% in February 2024 to 2.9% in March 2024. Both rates are as measured on a ye...
Federal budget proposes increase in Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limits
The federal home buyers' plan (HBP) allows eligible first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a first home. No tax is payab...
Budget 2024: Manipulation of Bankrupt Status
Budget 2024 proposes to repeal the exception to the debt forgiveness rules for bankrupt corporations and the loss restriction rule applicable to bankrupt corporations. This change would subject bankru...
Budget 2024: Synthetic Equity Arrangements
Budget 2024 proposes to remove the tax-indifferent investor exception (including the exchange traded exception) to the anti-avoidance rule. This measure would simplify the anti-avoidance rule and prev...
Budget 2024: Mutual Fund Corporations
Budget 2024 proposes amendments to the Income Tax Act to preclude a corporation from qualifying as a mutual fund corporation where it is controlled by or for the benefit of a corporate group (includ...
Budget 2024: Avoidance of Tax Debts
Budget 2024 proposes to introduce a supplementary rule to strengthen the tax debt anti-avoidance rule, applicable in the following circumstances: there has been a transfer of property from a tax debt...
Budget 2024: Interest Deductibility Limits - Purpose-Built Rental Housing
Legislative proposals to implement the excessive interest and financing expenses limitation (EIFEL) rules are currently before Parliament in Bill C-59. The EIFEL rules provide an exemption for interes...
Budget 2024: Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses
Budget 2024 proposes to return a portion of fuel charge proceeds from a province via the new Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, an automatic, refundable tax credit directly for eligible busine...
Budget 2024: Immediate Expensing for Productivity-Enhancing Assets
Budget 2024 proposes to provide immediate expensing for new additions of property in respect of Class 44 (patents or the rights to use patented information for a limited or unlimited period), Class 46...
Budget 2024: Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
Budget 2024 proposes to provide an accelerated CCA of 10% for new eligible purpose-built rental projects that begin construction on or after Budget Day and before January 1, 2031, and are available fo...
Budget 2024: Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Budget 2024 proposes adjustments to the Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit to provide greater support to businesses engaged in the production of qualifying materials at polymetallic ...
Budget 2024: Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit
Budget 2024 provides the design and implementation details of the Clean Electricity investment tax credit announced in Budget 2023. Eligible corporations would be: taxable Canadian corporations; prov...
Budget 2024: Home Buyers' Plan
Budget 2024 proposes to increase the home buyers' plan (“HBP”) withdrawal limit from $35,000 to $60,000. This increase would also apply to withdrawals made for the benefit of a disabled individual...
Budget 2024: Charities and Qualified Donees
Budget 2024 proposes to extend the period for which qualifying foreign charities are registered as a qualified donee from 24 months to 36 months. In addition, foreign charities would be required to su...
Budget 2024: Employee Ownership Trust Tax Exemption
Budget 2023 proposed tax rules to facilitate the creation of employee ownership trusts (“EOTs”). These legislative proposals are currently before Parliament in Bill C-59. The 2023 Fall Economic St...
Budget 2024: Disability Supports Deduction
Budget 2024 proposes to expand the list of expenses recognized under the Disability Supports Deduction, subject to the specified conditions, such as the cost of: an ergonomic work chair (including an...
Budget 2024: Canada Child Benefit
Budget 2024 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to extend eligibility for the Canada Child Benefit (“CCB”) in respect of a child for six months after the child's death (the "extended period"), if...
Budget 2024: Alternative Minimum Tax
Budget 2023 announced amendments to the Income Tax Act that would change the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) calculation. Draft legislative proposals to implement these changes were published for ...
Budget 2024: Volunteer Firefighters and Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credits
Budget 2024 proposes to double the credit amount for the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit from $3,000 to $6,000, applicable to the 2024 and subsequent ...
Budget 2024: Capital Gains Inclusion Rate
Budget 2024 proposes to increase the capital gains inclusion rate from one half to two thirds for corporations and trusts, and from one half to two thirds on the portion of capital gains realized in t...
Budget 2024: Canadian Entrepreneurs' Incentive
Budget 2024 proposes to introduce the Canadian Entrepreneurs' Incentive, which would reduce the tax rate on capital gains on the disposition of qualifying shares by an eligible individual. Specificall...
Budget 2024: Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption
The amount of the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (“LCGE”) is $1,016,836 in 2024 and indexed to inflation. Budget 2024 proposes to increase the LCGE to apply to up to $1.25 million of eligible ca...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of March. That rate increased by 0.3%, to 6.1%. Among demograph...
Mineral exploration tax credit program extended for additional year
The federal government provides investors in flow-through shares of qualifying mineral exploration companies with a non-refundable 15% tax credit. That mineral exploration tax credit program was sched...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for May 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change to Old Age Security rates for second quarter of 2024
Increases to benefits payable under the Old Age Security program are based on changes to the Consumer Price Index, with such benefit amounts indexed quarterly. The federal government has announced tha...
CRA issues updated guide to students and income tax
Post-secondary students are entitled to claim a number of tax deductions and credits for costs relating to their education. In addition, such students are frequently in a position to claim several tax...
Inflation rate down slightly in February 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight decline in the overall inflation rate for the month of February 2024. That rate stood at 2.8%, a 0.1% decline from ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for April 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Unemployment rate up slightly in February 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall rate of unemployment during the month of February. That rate rose to 5.8%, as compared to th...
Date announced for release of 2024-25 federal budget
Finance Canada has announced that the federal budget for the upcoming (2024-25) fiscal year will be brought down on Tuesday April 16, 2024, at around 4 p.m. Once the budget measures are announced, the...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 5.25...
Old Age Security clawback income threshold for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency has published the income threshold which will apply for purposes of the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback threshold during 2024. Individuals who receive OAS benefits can have u...
Electronic filing now mandatory for GST/HST registrants
Canadian businesses which have registered for goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) purposes must file returns with the federal government on a prescribed schedule, which can be monthl...
Inflation rate declines slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation declined to below 3% during the month of January 2024. The inflation rate for that month (as meas...
NETFILE service for filing of 2023 tax returns now available
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its digital services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year are now open. Both NETFILE and ReFILE services are available 21...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for March 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Slight decline in unemployment rate for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight drop in the overall rate of unemployment for the month of January 2024. That rate declined by 0.1%, from 5.8% to 5.7...
CRA announces individual tax filing deadlines for 2023 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be Tuesday April 30, 2024. Self-employed individuals and their spous...
February 29, 2024 deadline for making RRSP contributions for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the deadline for making registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions which can be deducted on the return for the 2023 tax year will be Thursday ...
Income tax return packages to be sent by mid-February
While the majority of Canadian taxpayers file their income tax returns by electronic means, paper returns can still be filed with and processed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Agency will be s...
NETFILE service for 2023 tax returns available February 19
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its services for the online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be available in mid-February. Both NETFILE and ReFILE servic...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for February 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
Online filing of prior year tax returns available until January 26
Canadian taxpayers can still file individual income tax returns for the 2017 to 2022 tax years using the Canada Revenue Agency’s online tax filing service NETFILE. The NETFILE filing service provide...
Rate of inflation increases in December 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the overall rate of inflation for the month of December 2023. That rate stood at 3.4%, as compared to the 3.1...
January 18 deadline for repayment of CEBA loans
During the pandemic, the federal government provided loan financing to eligible Canadian businesses through the Canada Emergency Business Assistance (CEBA) program. Such loan amounts provided are part...
No change in unemployment rate for December 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2023. That rate stood at 5.8%, the same as the rate reco...
No change in inflation rate for November 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows no change in the overall rate of inflation for the month of November 2023. That rate stood at 3.1%, the same rate recorded f...
Canada Pension Plan benefits to increase by 4.4% in 2024
Benefits paid under the Canada Pension Plan are indexed annually, based on changes to the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that CPP benefits paid during the 2024 calendar yea...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Old Age Security payments to increase by 0.8% for first quarter of 2024
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has announced that Old Age Security (OAS) payments for the first quarter (January to March) of 2024 will increase by 0.8%. OAS benefit amounts are adjus...
Final individual income tax instalment for 2023 due on December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2023 tax year must be mad...
Little change in unemployment rate for November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the general unemployment rate for the month of November 2023. For that month, unemployment stood at 5.8%, as...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 6, 2023, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
New T4 and T4A reporting requirements for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip reminding employers and pension plan administrators of a change in T4 and T4A reporting rules, beginning with the 2023 tax year. All issuers of T4s and T...
CRA announces indexation adjustment for 2024 personal tax amounts
Annual changes in personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that, for the upcoming 2024 tax year, su...
Fall Economic Statement shows deficit of $40 billion for current fiscal year
The 2023-24 Fall Economic Statement brought down by the Minister of Finance on November 21 indicates that the federal government will run a deficit of $40 billion for the current (2023-24) fiscal year...
Overall inflation rate declines in October 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a drop in the overall inflation rate for the month of October, with the inflation rate for that month coming in at 3.1%, as ...
Deadline extended for filing of underused housing tax returns for 2022
The federal government levies a 1% underused housing tax (“UHT”) on some owners of vacant or underused residential properties in Canada. Generally, affected property owners are foreign nationals, ...
Date announced for release of Fall Economic Statement
Finance Canada has announced that the Fall Economic Statement for the 2023-24 fiscal year will be presented by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday November 21, 2023 at around 4 p.m. Once the measures i...
Little change in overall unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the unemployment rate recorded for the month of October 2023. That rate rose by 0.2%, from 5.5% to 5.7%, wit...
CRA announces Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution percentages, limits, and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during 2024. Those figures include change...
Rural supplement for Climate Action Incentive Payment to be increased
Residents of Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador receive a Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) from the federa...
Temporary exemption from carbon tax on purchases of home heating oil
The federal government has announced that sales of home heating oil delivered between November 9, 2023 and April 1, 2027 will be exempt from the federal carbon tax. In the same announcement, the feder...
CRA issues Tax Tip on reporting of cryptocurrency holdings and transactions
Canadians who hold “crypto-assets”, including cryptocurrency, are required to report any income or capital gains resulting from transactions involving such assets. The Canada Revenue Agency recent...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 25, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. The Bank Rate accordingly re...
CRA issues information on registration renewal for EFILE providers for 2024
EFILE services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be available sometime in early 2024. The Canada Revenue Agency recently issued a program update reminding EFIL...
Inflation rate down slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a drop in the overall rate of inflation for the month of September. That rate stood at 3.8%, as compared to the 4.0% inflati...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for November
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change in unemployment rate for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate recorded for the month of September, with that rate remaining at 5.5% for the thir...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2024
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has announced the premium rates and limits which will apply for purposes of the Employment Insurance program during the 2024 calendar year. For 2024, as a re...
Increase in Old Age Security benefits for October to December 2023
The federal government has announced that amounts paid under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2023. The increases are based on changes t...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for October
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Inflation rate increases to 4.0% in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August stood at 4.0%, as compared to the 3.3% inflation rate recorded fo...
Interest and penalty relief provided for taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip indicating that interest and penalty relief will be provided to taxpayers who are unable to meet their tax filing and/or payment obligations due to this ...
Repayment deadline extended for small business pandemic loans
During the pandemic, the federal government provided the small business sector with financial assistance through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program. That program provided eligible sm...
Prescribed interest rates for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the last quarter of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpos...
No change in unemployment rate for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of August stood at 5.5%, the same rate recorded for the month of July. As no...
Third individual instalment payment of 2023 due September 15
Individual Canadian taxpayers who pay federal income tax by instalments make those instalment payments of tax four times each year, by specified deadlines. The third income tax instalment deadline for...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate re...
Credit toward CERB repayment debt available to eligible post secondary students
During the pandemic a number of post-secondary students received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and, in some cases, have been asked to repay those benefits to the federal government. The...
Increase in withdrawal limits for Registered Education Savings Plans
Canadian parents can save for their children’s post-secondary education on a tax-assisted basis, through the federal Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) program, which allows parents to contrib...
New forms issued for withdrawals and transfers involving First Home Savings Accounts
Beginning in 2023, Canadians are able to save for the purchase of a first home on a tax-assisted basis through the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) program. One of the features of the FHSA progra...
Upcoming changes to electronic filing requirements for businesses
For several years, businesses which file more than 50 information returns (slips and summaries) have been required to file those returns by electronic means, rather than paper filing. Effective as of ...
Finance Canada issues reminder of availability of First Home Savings Accounts
Beginning in 2023, Canadians aged 18 and over can save for the purchase of a first home on a tax-assisted basis, through the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) program. Contributions (to a maximum of $...
Increase in rate of inflation for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall inflation rate increased by .5% for the month of July. That rate reached 3.3%, as compared to the 2.8% infl...
Updated publication issued for GST/HST tax credit for 2023-24
The federal government provides a refundable tax credit to lower and middle-income  Canadians, to help offset the impact of the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST). That credit is p...
Unemployment rate for July up by 0.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in overall unemployment rate for the month of July 2023. That rate increased by 0.1% to 5.5%. Across demographi...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for September 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada releases schedule for interest rate announcements in 2024
The Bank of Canada issues interest rate announcements on eight scheduled dates throughout the year, and the Bank recently released its schedule for such announcements during 2024. Interest rate announ...
Updated guide issued for Canada Child Benefit program for 2023-24
Through its Canada Child Benefit program, the federal government provides a non-taxable monthly benefit to parents of children under the age of 18. Benefit amounts are adjusted at the start of each be...
CRA issues updated information on tax collection policies
During the pandemic, relieving changes were made to the policies and practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with respect to the collection of tax amounts owed by Canadians. In the past several m...
Second benefit period for Canada Dental Benefit opened July 1
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadian taxpayers that applications for the second benefit period for the Canada Dental Benefit can be made as of July 1, 2023. Eligible families ca...
Overall inflation rate for June down to 2.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of June 2023 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) stood at 2.8%. The com...
Increases to Old Age Security benefits effective July 2023
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security program will increase for the July to September 2023 benefit period. Effective with the July 2023 payment, the max...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, another increase to interest was warranted. Consequently, the Bank Rate now stand...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for August 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Advance payment of Canada Workers’ Benefit begins in July 2023
The Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit provided to lower-income individuals and families which have working income from employment or self-employment. In previous years, the CW...
Taxpayer relief for Canadians affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadians of the availability of administrative relief from tax interest and penalty charges for taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s ...
Inflation rate down to 3.4% for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for May 2023 stood at 3.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable rate fo...
Online digital form now available for disability tax credit applications
Qualifying Canadians are entitled to claim a disability tax credit which reduces both federal and provincial tax payable. In order to claim that credit an individual must complete and submit an applic...
New information released on upcoming payment of grocery rebate
The federal government has released additional details of the “grocery rebate” which was announced in the 2023 federal Budget. That rebate is scheduled to be paid to eligible Canadians on July 5, ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that unemployment rose slightly during May 2023, the first such increase since August of 2022. During May, the unemployment r...
Prescribed interest rates for first three quarters of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates by one-quarter percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 7, the Bank of Canada indicated that interest rates would be increased by one-quarter percentage point, bringing the Bank Rate to 5%....
Second individual income tax instalment for 2023 due June 15
Canadians who pay income tax by instalment make those instalment payments of tax four times each year, by specified deadlines. The second income tax instalment deadline for the 2023 tax year falls on ...
June 15, 2023 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
While most Canadian taxpayers were required to file their income tax returns for the 2022 tax year on or before May 1, 2023, self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) have until Thursday June 15, 20...
New tax credit and benefit year starts July 1, 2023
The federal (and provincial) governments provide taxpayers with a number of tax credits and benefits which are delivered through monthly or quarterly direct payments. In many cases, eligibility for su...
Payment of one-time “grocery rebate” scheduled for July 5
In its 2023-24 budget, the federal government announced that, to assist Canadians coping with recent inflationary increases in the cost of food, it would be providing a one-time “grocery rebate”. ...
Making a payment arrangement with the Canada Revenue Agency
All Canadian individual taxpayers were required to pay any tax balance owed for the 2022 tax year on or before May 1, 2023. As of May 2, 2023, interest at a rate of 9% is levied on all such outstandin...
Inflation rate up slightly for April 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation increased slightly during the month of April, to 4.4%. The comparable rate for March 2023...
CRA issues updated publication on taxpayer objection and appeal rights
Most Canadians were required to file an income tax return for the 2022 tax year by the end of April 2023. For each such filing, a Notice of Assessment is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), out...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for June 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Requesting a reduction in tax withholdings from Old Age Security payments
Canadians who receive Old Age Security (OAS) benefits and whose net income is above a specified threshold (currently $86,912) must repay a portion of those benefits, through the OAS recovery tax (or c...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for May 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
May 1, 2023 deadline for filing of individual income tax returns for 2022
Most individual Canadian taxpayers must file their income tax returns for the 2022 tax year on or before Monday, May 1, 2023. Self-employed individuals and their spouses, however, have until June 15, ...
May 1, 2023 deadline for payment of individual income taxes for 2022
Monday May 1, 2023 is the deadline by which all individual income taxes owed for the 2022 tax year must be paid. The May 1 payment deadline applies regardless of the date by which an individual must f...
CRA warns of scam involving grocery rebate
In the 2023-24 budget, the federal government announced that a one-time payment would be made to Canadians to help them meet inflationary increases in the cost of living. That payment – the “groce...
Inflation rate for March down to 4.3%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall inflation rate for the month of March 2023 stood at 4.3%, as compared to the 5.2% rate recorded for Februar...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 12, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 4.75...
Unemployment rate for March unchanged at 5.0%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of March 2023 stood at 5.0%, the same rate recorded for the previous month. ...
Federal government announces OAS payment amounts for second quarter of 2023
Old Age Security (OAS) benefits paid monthly to eligible Canadians are indexed to inflation on a quarterly basis, meaning that such benefit amounts increase to reflect that indexing at the beginning o...
Penalty and interest waiver available for Underused Housing Tax returns
The federal government imposes a 1% annual Underused Housing Tax (UHT) on the ownership of vacant or underused housing in Canada. While the tax usually applies to non-resident, non-Canadian owners it ...
CRA resumes debt collection activities
Where the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) owes an amount to the taxpayer (such as a tax refund), the Agency has the right to deduct from that amount any debts owed by the taxpayer to the federal governmen...
Prescribed interest rates for first half of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
Budget 2023 - Alcohol Excise Duty
Budget 2023 proposes to temporarily cap the inflation adjustment for excise duties on beer, spirits, and wine at two per cent, for one year only, as of April 1, 2023. The excise duty rates on all alco...
Budget 2023 - General Anti-Avoidance Rule (“GAAR”)
Budget 2023 proposes to amend the GAAR by: introducing a preamble; changing the avoidance transaction standard; introducing an economic substance rule; introducing a penalty; and extending the reasse...
Budget 2023 - Strengthening the Intergenerational Business Transfer Framework
Budget 2023 proposes to amend the rules introduced by Bill C-208 to ensure that they apply only where a genuine intergenerational business transfer takes place. To provide flexibility, it is proposed ...
Budget 2023 - Registered Disability Savings Plans
Budget 2023 proposes to extend the qualifying family member measure (which allows a family member to open an RDSP for an adult relative) by three years, to December 31, 2026. Siblings will also be qua...
Budget 2023 - Registered Education Savings Plans
Budget 2023 proposes to increase limits on certain RESP withdrawals from $5,000 to $8,000 for full-time students, and from $2,500 to $4,000 for part-time students. Budget 2023 also proposes to allow d...
Budget 2023 - Deduction for Tradespeople’s Tool Expenses
Budget 2023 proposes to double the maximum employment deduction for tradespeople’s and apprentice mechanics’ tools from $500 to $1,000, effective for 2023 and subsequent taxation years....
Budget 2023 - Automatic Tax Filing
The CRA’s automatic tax filing service called “File My Return”, which reached some 53,000 Canadians in 2022, will be expanded to reach more than 2 million Canadians by 2025. The government will ...
Budget 2023 - Grocery Rebate
Budget 2023 proposes to introduce an increase to the maximum GST/HST tax credit (“GSTC”) amount for January 2023 that would be known as the Grocery Rebate. Eligible individuals would receive an ad...
Budget 2023 - Alternative Minimum Tax for High-Income Individuals
The federal government proposes to: Increase the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) capital gains inclusion rate from 80% to 100%. Capital loss carry forwards and allowable business investment losse...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for April 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Inflation rate for February 2023 at 5.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index puts the overall rate of inflation for the month of February 2023 at 5.2%, as compared to the 5.9% rate recorded for January. Both...
April 1 launch of Tax-Free First Home Savings Account program
As part of the 2022 Federal Budget, the federal government introduced the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). The FHSA allows eligible taxpayers to contribute $8,000 per year (to a lifetime ma...
Date announced for 2023-24 Federal Budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the 2023-24 Federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday March 28, 2023, at around 4 p.m. EST. The media release providing the budget date can be found on ...
CRA telephone help services for 2023 filing season
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides taxpayers with several telephone help lines, through which taxpayers can obtain both general tax information and information specific to their tax situation. T...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
For the first time since January of 2022, the Bank of Canada has determined that no increase to current interest rates is needed. Consequently, the Bank Rate remains at 4.75%. In the press release ann...
CRA announces meal and vehicle expense amounts claimable for 2022
Taxpayers are entitled to make a claim on their annual return for costs incurred in certain circumstances for meal costs and vehicle expenses. Such costs may, for instance, be claimable by individuals...
Inflation rate for January 2023 decreases to 5.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation continues to moderate. The inflation rate for the month of January 2023 stood at 5.9%, as...
March 31, 2023 deadline for claiming top-up to Canada Housing Benefit
In 2022, the federal government announced the creation of a top-up to the existing Canada Housing Benefit, which would provide a one-time payment of $500 to lower income individuals who pay a dispropo...
CRA issues Tax Tip on reporting of income from pandemic benefits
Millions of Canadians received federal government benefits during the pandemic, and those benefits represented income which must be reported on the annual tax return. The CRA will, by the end of Febru...
No change in unemployment rate for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, while there was an increase in employment during January 2023, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.0%. Employment ...
CRA announces payment deadline for 2022 tax balances
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the tax payment deadline for individual income taxes owed for the 2022 tax year will be Monday May 1, 2023. While the payment deadline is usually April 30,...
CRA announces individual tax filing deadline for 2022 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year will be Monday May 1, 2023. While the filing deadline is usually April 30, an e...
March 1, 2023 deadline for making RRSP contributions for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the deadline for making registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions which can be deducted on the return for the 2022 tax year will be Wednesday...
CRA issues individual income tax return package for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the tax package to be used for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year. That package, which includes both the income tax return and...
NETFILE service for 2022 returns available February 20
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for filing of federal individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year will be available on Monday February 20, 2023. Informat...
CRA to distribute paper T1 return forms to selected taxpayers
While the majority of Canadian taxpayers file their individual income tax returns electronically, a significant number of taxpayers file a paper return. The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip ...
Bank of Canada announces eighth straight increase in interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 25, the Bank of Canada announced that interest rates would be increased by one-quarter percentage point. That change marks the eig...
NETFILE service for prior year returns open until January 27
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of prior year returns will be available until January 27, 2023. Specifically, NETFILE and ReFILE services for tax years ...
Inflation rate down slightly in December 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of December 2022. For that month, inflation stood at 6...
Finance holds public consultation process for 2023-24 federal Budget
Finance Canada is currently conducting the consultation process leading to the release of the 2023-24 federal Budget this spring. There are two parts to the budget consultation process – an online s...
Unemployment rate for December 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2022 stood at 5.0%. During the month of December, the country ad...
Canada Pension Plan retirement benefit amounts for 2023
The federal government has announced the amounts which may be paid as benefits under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during 2023. The amount of retirement benefit receivable by an individual is based on...
Old Age Security benefit amounts for first quarter of 2023
The federal government has announced the amounts which will be paid to recipients of Old Age Security benefits for the first quarter of 2023. Such benefit amounts are indexed quarterly, based on the c...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement dates for 2023
The Bank of Canada announces its decision with respect to interest rates on eight scheduled dates each year, and the Bank has provided the dates on which such interest rate announcements will be made ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for January 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Prescribed interest rates for first quarter of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of ...
Application process for rental support payment now open
The federal government is providing a one-time non-taxable $500 payment to assist eligible Canadians who pay more than 30% of their income for rental housing, and the application process for that bene...
Final individual instalment payment for 2022 due on December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2022 tax year must be mad...
Bank of Canada announces seventh straight increase in interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 7, the Bank of Canada announced that interest rates would be increased by one-half percentage point. That change marks the sevent...
Old Age Security benefit clawback threshold for 2023
Most Canadians are eligible to receive Old Age Security (OAS) benefits after they turn 65 (although receipt of such benefits can be deferred to as late as age 70). Regardless of the age at which recei...
CRA issues 2022 guide to employee taxable benefits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication T4130 Employers’ Guide – Taxable Benefits and Allowances. The Guide, which can be found on the CRA website at T4130 Employ...
Tax-free savings account contribution limit increased for 2023
Canadians over the age of 17 can make annual contributions (up to a specified maximum) to a tax-free savings account (TFSA). While contributions made are not deductible from income, all investment inc...
CRA announces personal income tax indexing factor for 2023
Each year, personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are increased to reflect year-over-year changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the indexing fa...
Overall unemployment rate for October at 5.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of October 2022 stood at 5.2%.During that month, employment increased among ...
Inflation rate for October comes in at 6.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of October stood at 6.9%, the same rate recorded for the month of September...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2023 announced
The federal government has announced the amount of Employment Insurance (EI) premiums which will be payable by employees and employers during the 2023 calendar year. The 2023 EI premium rate is $1.63 ...
Canada Workers Benefit to be paid in advance
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit provided by the federal government to lower income Canadians who have “earned working income” during the year. The credit of up to $1,428 for ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for December 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Canada Revenue Agency announces CPP contribution amounts for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2023 will be $66,600. The basic exemption amount for 2023 remains $3,500. Th...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 26, the Bank of Canada once again announced an increase in interest rates, bringing the Bank Rate to 4.00%. The most recent change...
Canada Revenue Agency issues updated guide to determining who is an employee
The characterization of an individual as an employee or as a self-employed taxpayer affects both the tax treatment of that individual’s income and the remittance and filing obligations which are imp...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Food inflation rate reaches 41-year high in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that inflationary increases in the price of food continue to outpace the overall inflation rate.During September, that overa...
Filing and payment deadline extension provided to taxpayers in Atlantic Canada
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that administrative tax relief will be provided to taxpayers living in Atlantic Canada who were affected by Hurricane Fiona. Specifically, the CRA has announced...
Unemployment rate down slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that there was little change in the overall employment picture for the month of September. The unemployment rate for that mon...
Old Age Security benefit amounts to increase for fourth quarter of 2022
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the October to December 2022 benefit period. For that period, and owing to changes...
November 3 final application deadline for business pandemic benefits
While the last of the pandemic benefit programs for Canadian businesses ended as of May 7, 2022, eligible businesses have up to 180 days after the end of a benefit claim period to apply for such benef...
Federal government to provide one-time Canada Housing Benefit top-up payment
Finance Canada has announced that it plans to provide a one-time payment of $500 under the Canada Housing Benefit program, to assist individuals and families who must allocate a significant portion of...
Federal government matching program for Atlantic Canada storm relief donations
The federal government has announced that, for a period of 30 days (until October 24, with the possibility of extension), it will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross for storm relief effort...
Overall inflation rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August was down slightly. That rate stood at 7.0% (as measured on a year...
GST/HST tax credit doubled for July to December 2022 period
The federal government provides eligible Canadians with a GST/HST tax credit, with the amount of credit receivable based on family composition, size, and income. For the July 2022 through June 2023 b...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Unemployment rate increases by 0.5% in August 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of August rose slightly, to 5.4%. Among demographic groups, employment fell among yo...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employee ...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 7, the Bank of Canada once again announced an increase in interest rates, bringing the Bank Rate to 3.50%. The most recent chang...
CRA issues updated form for requests to reduce employee source deductions
Canadian employees have tax deducted from their income at source – that is, the employer deducts income tax from the employee’s wages and then remits such tax to the federal government on the empl...
Third instalment payment for 2022 due September 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make such payments quarterly. The third instalment payment deadline for the 2022 tax year falls on Thursday September 15, 2022. Mo...
Prescribed rate for leasing for September 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
CRA issues Tax Tip on electronic filing of T2 returns
All Canadian resident corporations, regardless of size, are required to file a T2 corporation income tax return annually. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip for such corporate filers...
Finance Canada issues details of Tax-Free First Home Savings Account
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that, beginning in 2023, first-time home buyers would be able to save for a home purchase on a tax-free basis, through the new Tax-Free First ...
Inflation rate for July down by one-half percentage point
The most release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 7.6%. The comparable rate for Jun...
CRA issues guides to GST/HST tax credit and Canada Child Benefit for 2022-23
The benefit year for most individual tax credit and benefit programs administered by the Canada Revenue Agency runs from July 1 to the following June 30, and benefit amounts change with each year. The...
Unemployment rate for July unchanged
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment for the month of July was unchanged, at 4.9%. Employment was down in Ontario and Prince Edward ...
Canada Revenue Agency issues updated guide to Tax Free Savings Accounts
Since 2009 Canadians have been able to save on a tax-sheltered basis through Tax Free Savings Accounts, or TFSAs. While TFSA contributions made are not tax-deductible, investment income earned by cont...
Bank of Canada provides interest rate announcement dates for 2023
The Bank of Canada has released the schedule on which it will make interest rate announcements during the 2023 calendar year. Those announcements will be made on the following dates:  January 25, Mar...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for August
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Upcoming deadline for payment of third individual instalment for 2022
Canadian individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments make such payments four times a year, on prescribed dates. The third such instalment payment for 2022 is due and payable on or before Th...
Canada Child Benefit amounts increase as of July 2022
The Canada Child Benefit is a non-taxable payment made monthly by the federal government to eligible families having children under the age of 18. There are two benefit levels – one for children und...
Inflation rate for June reaches 8.1%
The July release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation reached 8.1% for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis. That 8.1% figure was ...
Unemployment rate for June down to 4.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of June fell by 0.2%, to a new record low of 4.9%. Statistics Canada, howeve...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates by 1 percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 13, the Bank of Canada increased interest rates by a full percentage point. Consequently, the Bank Rate now stands at 2.75%, the high...
Application period for business pandemic benefits for 2022 still open
While the remaining pandemic benefit relief programs for businesses ended on May 7, 2022, the application process for such benefits for 2022 is still open. Applications are made and benefits paid sepa...
Increases to Old Age Security benefits effective July 2022
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the July to September 2022 benefit period. Two changes will take effect as of July...
Maximum permitted borrowings under some mortgage lending products to be reduced
The Office the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has announced that changes will be made with respect to maximum borrowings permitted under some “combined loan plans”. Those products...
New federal child and family benefit payment year starts July 1
For many federal tax benefits, including the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, and the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the new benefit payment year starts on July...
First Climate Action Incentive payments to be made in July
The federal government provides residents of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan with a Climate Action Incentive (CAI) intended to help offset the cost of the federal carbon tax. In previous ...
Inflation rate for May reaches 7.7%
The overall inflation rate for the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 7.7% – nearly a full percentage point higher than the 6.8% increase recorded for the month of April 2...
Old Age Security rates increase for Canadians over age 75
Effective as of July 1, 2022, the monthly Old Age Security benefit will be increased by 10% for recipients aged 75 and older. Recipients who turn 75 after July 1, 2022 will see the increase in their b...
Unemployment rate reaches historic low of 5.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall rate of unemployment for the month of May stood at 5.1% – marking a new record low for the third consecuti...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purp...
Upcoming deadline for payment of 2022 individual income tax instalment
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make such payments quarterly. The second instalment payment deadline for the 2022 tax year falls on Wednesday June 15, 2022. Most ...
Upcoming deadline for filing of 2021 returns by self-employed taxpayers
While all individual taxpayers were required to pay any balance of taxes owed for the 2021 tax year on or before April 30, 2022, self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) benefit from a later tax re...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates by one-half percent
As anticipated, in its scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 1, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by another one-half percentage point. This latest change brings the Bank Rate to 1....
Updated guide issued on Tax-Free Savings Accounts
The Canada Revenue Agency recently updated and re-issued its Guide RC4466 to the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The updated Guide includes information on determining TFSA contribution room, permitte...
CRA provides Tax Tip on correcting errors in a tax return
The CRA has issued a new Tax Tip for tax filers who become aware, after the return has been filed, that their income tax return for 2021 contains an error. In all cases taxpayers should wait until the...
CRA issues Notices of Redetermination on CERB overpayments
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, more than 8 million Canadians applied for and received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). In applying for the CERB, recipients self-assessed their ...
Inflation rate for April reaches 6.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the overall rate of inflation reached 6.8% for the month of April 2022, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The lar...
Application process for pandemic benefit programs continues
Most of the pandemic benefit programs which the federal government has provided over the past two years came to an end on May 7, 2022. Notwithstanding the ending of the programs, applications for bene...
Unemployment rate for April at new record low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of April stood at 5.2%, down 0.1% from the rate recorded for March 2022. Among demog...
First-time Home Buyers’ tax credit amount doubled
The federal government provides a non-refundable tax credit to first time home buyers (defined as individuals who have not owned and lived in a home in the current year or any of the previous four yea...
Inflation rate reaches 30-year high
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of March 2022 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) was the highest such rate sin...
Pandemic benefit programs for individuals to end on May 7, 2022
Under current legislation, three major pandemic benefit programs for individuals are scheduled to expire on May 7, 2022. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, a...
Home accessibility tax credit amount increased
Since 2016, the federal government has provided a non-refundable tax credit for home renovation expenses undertaken to increase accessibility. Individuals eligible for this credit include those who ar...
CRA issues one-time grant payment to seniors
In some instances, seniors who were eligible for the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and who received pandemic benefits during 2020 saw their GIS benefit amounts reduced or eliminated begin...
May 2, 2022 payment deadline for income taxes owed for 2021
All Canadian individual taxpayers are required to pay income tax balances owed for 2021 on or before Monday May 2, 2022. Where payment is not made on or before that date, interest will be levied on al...
Unemployment rate for March at record low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of March stood at 5.3%. That rate is the lowest rate on record since compara...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 13, the Bank of Canada determined that an increase in interest rates was warranted. Following that increase, the Bank Rate stands at...
Budget 2022: Taxation of Vaping Products
The proposed federal excise duty framework for vaping products would come into force on October 1, 2022. Retailers may continue to sell until January 1, 2023, unstamped products that are in inventory ...
Budget 2022: GST/HST on Assignment Sales by Individuals
Budget 2022 proposes to amend the Excise Tax Act to make all assignment sales in respect of newly constructed or substantially renovated residential housing taxable for GST/HST purposes....
Budget 2022: Substantive CCPCs
Budget 2022 proposes targeted amendments to the Income Tax Act to align the taxation of investment income earned and distributed by “substantive CCPCs” with the rules that currently apply to CC...
Budget 2022: Genuine Intergenerational Share Transfers
Budget 2022 announces a consultation process for Canadians to share views as to how the existing rules could be modified to protect the integrity of the tax system while continuing to facilitate genu...
Budget 2022: Small Business Deduction
In order to facilitate small business growth, Budget 2022 proposes to extend the range over which the business limit is reduced based on the combined taxable capital employed in Canada of the Canadia...
Budget 2022: Medical Expense Tax Credit for Surrogacy and Other Expenses
Budget 2022 proposes to broaden the Medical Expense Tax Credit to recognize circumstances that involve medical expenses for individuals other than the intended parents....
Budget 2022: Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople
Budget 2022 proposes to introduce a Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople to recognize certain travel and relocation expenses of workers in the construction industry....
Budget 2022: Residential Property Flipping Rule
Profits arising from dispositions of residential property (including a rental property) that was owned for less than 12 months would be deemed to be business income....
Budget 2022: Home Accessibility Tax Credit
Budget 2022 proposes to increase the annual expense limit of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit from $10,000 to $20,000....
Budget 2022: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
This new refundable credit would provide recognition of eligible expenses for a qualifying renovation....
Budget 2022: Home Buyers’ Tax Credit
Budget 2022 proposes to double the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit amount from $5,000 to $10,000, which would provide up to $1,500 in tax relief to eligible home buyers....
Budget 2022: Tax-Free First Home Savings Account
Budget 2022 proposes to create the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, a new registered account to help individuals save for their first home....
Increase to Old Age Security benefit for second quarter of 2022
The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit payable to most Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed to inflation, with the benefit being adjusted at the beginning of each calendar quarter. For the second quart...
Tax tip issued for gig economy workers
Many Canadian taxpayers work in the “gig” economy – holding down part-time, contract, or on-call positions or providing services to clients through online platforms, or some combination of those...
Unemployment rate for February drops to 5.5%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of February dropped by a full percentage point, from 6.5% to 5.5%. While emp...
Date announced for 2022-23 federal budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the federal budget for the upcoming 2022-23 fiscal year will be brought down on Thursday April 7, 2022, at around 4 p.m. The announcement of the budget date ...
Extended hours for individual tax enquiries line
The Canada Revenue Agency provides an individual tax enquiries line where taxpayers can obtain general tax information, or information specific to their personal taxes. While the individual tax enquir...
Reporting of income from digital transactions
Millions of Canadians earn money each year from online or digital sales transactions, often through platforms like Etsy or eBay. The Canada Revenue Agency recently issued a Tax Tip, reminding taxpayer...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
Inflation rate for February reaches 5.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of February 2022 reached 5.7% (as measured on a year-over-year basis), t...
CRA issues guide to claiming employment expenses for 2021
Canadian individual taxpayers can claim a deduction for a number of expenses which they incur in the course of their employment. For 2021, those deductible expenses can include a flat rate deduction f...
NETFILE hours of service
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 tax years is available 21 hours each day. The hours of servi...
NETFILE service for filing of 2021 tax returns now open
Canadian individual taxpayers can now file their income tax returns for the 2021 tax year using the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE tax service. That service, which will be available until Fri...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 2 the Bank of Canada, as expected, announced an increase to interest rates. Specifically, the Bank Rate has been increased from 0.50...
Federal individual tax credits for 2022
Dollar amounts on which individual non-refundable federal tax credits for 2022 are based, and the actual tax credit claimable, will be as follows:                                    ...
Federal individual tax rates and brackets for 2022
The indexing factor for federal tax credits and brackets for 2022 is 2.4%. The following federal tax rates and brackets will be in effect for individuals for the 2022 tax year. Income level     �...
CRA issues Tax Tip for employees working from home
During the 2021 tax year, many employees continued to work from home for pandemic-related reasons. Such employees may be eligible to claim a deduction for specified home office related expenses incurr...
Inflation rate for January 2022 reaches 5.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of January 2022 stood at 5.1%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The last prev...
CRA issues guide to claiming medical expenses for 2021
Canadian individual taxpayers are entitled to claim a non-refundable tax credit for qualifying medical expenses incurred. Detailed information on the rules governing the types of expenses which qualif...
Unemployment rate up slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate rose slightly during the month of January, from 6% to 6.5%. The change marked the first su...
CRA issues Tax Tip for students for 2021 return filings
Post-secondary students filing a return for the 2021 tax year are entitled to claim a number of tax credits and deductions for education-related expenses which they incur, in addition to the credits a...
NETFILE service for 2021 individual tax returns available February 21
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2021 tax year will be available on Monday February 21, 2022. In order ...
Inflation rate reaches 4.8% for December 2021
The January release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of December 2021 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) reached 4.8%. While pr...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates … for now
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 26, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Consequently, the Bank Rate remains at ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for paper filers of 2021 tax return
Taxpayers who filed their income tax return on paper last year will automatically receive the 2021 income tax package from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by February 21, 2022. The package taxpayers w...
CRA issues automobile expense deduction limits for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the automobile expense deduction limits which will apply during the 2022 taxation year. Owing to increases in the Consumer Price Index, most such limits h...
Income tax return forms for 2021 available on January 18, 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that individual (T1) income tax return forms for the 2021 tax year will be available on the Agency’s website on January 18, 2022. Such returns must be f...
Access to Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit expanded
In October 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a new pandemic benefit, the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB), which was intended to be provided to workers affected by regional p...
Old Age Security rates for first quarter of 2022
The amount of Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to eligible Canadians is adjusted each quarter to take account of increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on recent increases to the Consumer Pri...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Canada Revenue Agency issues TD1 Form for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the TD1 form to be used by all Canadian resident employees for the 2022 tax year. On the TD1 form, the employee indicates the federal personal tax credit amo...
December 31 deadline for final RRSP contributions
Canadian taxpayers who have a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) must collapse that RRSP by the end of the year in which the taxpayer turns 71. Such taxpayers are entitled to make a final RRSP ...
Small Business Air Quality Improvement Tax Credit introduced
As part of the Economic and Fiscal Update, the federal government announced that small businesses would be provided with a refundable Small Businesses Air Quality Improvement Tax Credit. That credit, ...
Changes to home office expense deduction extended through 2022
As part of pandemic relief measures, changes were made to the existing home office expense deduction for employees. Those changes, which were for the 2020 tax year only, allowed employees to use a fla...
Final individual tax instalment for 2021 payable by December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2021 tax year must be mad...
Economic and Fiscal Update to be delivered on December 14, 2021
The 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update will be delivered by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday, December 14 at around 4 p.m. The update is expected to include information on the current state of the Cana...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for January 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Taxpayer relief for Canadians affected by extreme weather events
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip on its website reminding individuals who have been affected by the recent extreme weather events of the availability of the Taxpayer Relief Program...
Upcoming deadline for final individual income tax instalment for 2021
The fourth and final income tax instalment payment deadline for individuals for 2021 falls on Wednesday December 15. Taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment will have received an Instalment Reminde...
Canada Revenue Agency issues income tax guide for students for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) publishes a guide for post-secondary students which outlines the tax treatment of the types of income and expenses (like scholarship income and tuition expenses) which ...
Canada Revenue Agency announces individual tax brackets and credit amounts for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the indexing factor which will apply for purposes of determining individual income tax brackets and non-refundable tax credits for 2022. That indexing fact...
Inflation rate for October reaches 4.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that during the month of October inflation rose by 4.7%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. That increase marked t...
Unemployment rate down slightly in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate declined slightly during the month of October, from 6.9% to 6.7%. Employment held steady f...
Employment insurance premium rates for 2022
The federal government has announced the premium rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Employment Insurance program during the 2022 calendar year. For 2022, maximum insurable earnings...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for December 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the contribution rates and amounts which will apply with respect to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during the 2022 calendar year. For 2022, the employer and...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rate at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 27, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate r...
Inflation rate for September up by 4.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, rose by 4.4% during the month of September. The compa...
Prescribed leasing rate for November 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Enhanced security measures introduced for online representatives
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that new security measures have been made available with respect to the authorization of online representatives by taxpayers. Generally, representatives a...
Pandemic benefit programs ending October 23, 2021
The federal government currently provides a range of pandemic benefit programs, for both individuals and businesses, and a number of those programs are scheduled to end on Saturday October 23, 2021. H...
Employment returns to pre-pandemic levels in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate declined during the month of September, by 0.2 percentage points. The September unemployme...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2022 released
The federal government has announced the premium rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of Employment Insurance during the 2022 calendar year. The contribution rates for both employers and em...
Old Age Security rates for fourth quarter of 2021
The amount of Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to eligible Canadians is adjusted each quarter to take account of increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on recent increases to the CPI, the fed...
Final payment of CCB young child supplement to be issued in October
In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government announced that, as part of its pandemic relief measures, an additional amount would be paid during 2021 to qualifying families who were elig...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employ...
Pandemic relief programs ending in October 2021
A number of pandemic relief benefit programs provided to individual Canadians are currently scheduled to end as of October 23, 2021. Those programs are as follows: Canada Recovery Benefit Canada Reco...
Inflation rate up sharply in August
The latest release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, rose by 4.1% during the month of August, as compared to the 3....
Unemployment rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a decline in the overall unemployment rate during the month of August. During that month, the rate declined by 0.4%, to 7.1%....
Prescribed leasing rate for October 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Upcoming deadline for third instalment payment of 2021
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The third of those deadlines falls on Wednesday September 15, 2021. Taxpa...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 8, the Bank of Canada (the “Bank”) indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank...
Bank of Canada releases schedule of interest rate announcement dates for 2022
Each year, on pre-announced dates, the Bank of Canada releases its decision on any changes to current interest rates. The Bank recently issued a listing of the dates on which such interest rate announ...
CRA issues guide to GST/HST credit for 2021/22
The benefit year for many federal tax credits, including the GST/HST tax credit, runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Each year, credit amounts change, as do the income thresholds which ...
CRA issues warning on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy tax scams
In July of this year, the federal government announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program would be extended to be available to employers until October 2021. The Canada Revenue Agenc...
Federal government launches consultation process on luxury tax
This year’s federal Budget included a proposal for a “luxury tax” which would apply, at varying rates, to sales of specified goods over a prescribed price threshold. The proposal indicated that ...
CRA issues guidelines on qualifying SR&ED activities
The Canadian tax system provides credits and incentives for taxpayers who carry out qualifying scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) work. When claims are made for such credit a...
Inflation rate increases in July 2021
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 3.7%. The comparable rate ...
Prescribed leasing rate for September 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Upcoming deadline for payment of individual income tax instalment
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments must make the third instalment payment of the year on or before Wednesday September 15, 2021. Such taxpayers should receive an Instalment Reminde...
Inflation rate for June at 3.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis, reached 3.1%. That rate was slightl...
Federal government extends availability period for pandemic benefits
The federal government has announced that a number of pandemic relief benefit programs, for both businesses and individuals, have been extended. The changes announced are as follows. The eligibility p...
Eligibility criteria for Canada Workers Benefit expanded
The federal government administers the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a refundable tax credit which supplements income amounts for lower-income working Canadians. The annual benefit amount is $1,400 fo...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
One-time Old Age Security supplement to be paid in mid-August
As announced in this year’s federal Budget, some recipients of Old Age Security will receive a one-time supplement, to be paid in August 2021. During that month, OAS recipients who were born on or b...
Canada Child Benefit increase effective July 2021
The current benefit year for the Canada Child Benefit runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The federal government recently announced that Child Tax Benefit amounts for this benefit year have been ...
Unemployment rate for June 2021 down to 7.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a rebound in employment, as pandemic-related public health restrictions were eased in several provinces. For the month of Jun...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 14, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0....
Old Age Security benefit to increase for third quarter of 2021
The Old Age Security benefit administered by the federal government is adjusted quarterly to reflect the rate of inflation. The federal government has announced that the maximum basic OAS benefit paya...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 9, 2021, the Bank of Canada determined that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank rate remains a...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
June 30, 2021 filing deadline for calendar-year companies
Canadian companies are required to file their federal income tax returns within 6 months after their fiscal year end. Consequently, companies which had a calendar year end on December 31, 2020 must fi...
Unemployment rate for May up slightly
While there was little change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of May, employment did fall by 68,000 positions, most of those in part-time work. The overall unemployment rate for the mon...
Inflation rate for May up by 3.6%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase of 3.6% increase in the rate of inflation for the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comp...
Upcoming 2021 individual income tax instalment payment deadline
For individuals who pay income tax through quarterly instalments, the second instalment payment deadline for the year is Tuesday June 15, 2021. Information on the instalment payment system, including ...
June 15, 2021 income tax filing deadline for self-employed individuals
The filing deadline for income tax returns for the 2020 tax year for self-employed individuals and their spouses is Tuesday June 15, 2021. Information on that filing deadline and on available filing m...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for June 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA announces details of refund of CERB repayments to self-employed taxpayers
In 2020, some self-employed Canadians received Canada Emergency Relief Benefits (CERB) to which they were not entitled, as the result of erroneous information provided by the federal government, and t...
CRA issues Tax Tip on how to change a tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip on its website outlining the several methods taxpayers can use to make a change, or correct an error, on an already-filed return. Requests for chan...
Payments of Canada Child Benefit young child supplement to begin May 28
Last year, the federal government announced that families who are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit in 2021 and have a child or children under the age of six could receive a supplement — the Can...
Inflation rate for April up by 3.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of April 2021 was up by 3.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Statistics Can...
CRA issues warning on TFSA “maximizer” tax scheme
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers with respect to a tax scheme currently being promoted, typically to homeowners who have significant equity in their homes and substant...
CRA issues updated application form for Taxpayer Relief program
Taxpayers who are unable to file their returns or make payment of taxes owed on a timely basis for reasons outside their control (including financial hardship) can apply, under the Taxpayer Relief Pro...
April unemployment rate increases to 8.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows an increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of April 2021. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, ros...
Inflation up by 2.2% for March 2021
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of March 2021 was 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. While the monthly in...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing May 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 21, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was warranted. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at ...
Payments of 2020 individual income tax due Friday April 30, 2021
The deadline for payment of all individual income tax amounts owed for the 2020 tax year is Friday, April 30, 2021. For most individuals (other than self-employed taxpayers and their spouses), April 3...
Budget 2021: Anti-avoidance rules and taxpayer disclosure
The Budget includes proposals to address perceived anti-avoidance activity and failures by taxpayers to comply with transaction reporting rules. To address the issue of failure to report, the governme...
Budget 2021: Film and television production tax credits
The federal government provides two tax credit programs for the film and television industry. The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) provides a 25% refundable tax credit on qualified ...
Budget 2021: Business pandemic support programs to be extended
In the Budget, the federal government announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and the Lockdown Support programs, which are currently scheduled to expire on...
Budget 2021: Additional clean energy assets eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance
Under Canada’s capital cost allowance (CCA) system, an asset is written off over a period of years, at a prescribed percentage rate per year, based on the useful life of that asset. Acquisitions of ...
Budget 2021: Tax rate reductions provided for zero-emission technology manufacturers
The Budget includes a proposal for a temporary measure to reduce corporate income tax rates for qualifying zero-emission technology manufacturers. Specifically, taxpayers would be able to apply reduce...
Budget 2021: “Immediate expensing” of asset acquisition costs by CCPCs
Under Canadian tax rules, companies which acquire capital assets are required to deduct, or write off, the cost of those assets over a period of years, under the rules provided in the Capital Cost All...
Budget 2021: Canada Recovery Hiring Program to be introduced
The federal Budget includes a proposal for a Canada Recovery Hiring Program. That program will provide eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50% on the incremental remuneration paid to eligible e...
Budget 2021: Repayment of Wage Subsidy to be required in some circumstances
The Budget papers provide that public corporations which received the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will, in some instances, be required to repay part or all of that subsidy. Specifically, where the t...
Budget 2021: Electronic Filing and Payment Requirements
Current rules provide that tax preparers and filers of information returns who file more than a prescribed number of returns each year must file such returns electronically. Those rules will be amende...
Budget 2021: Electronic communication with the CRA
Changes are proposed to the rules to increase the ability of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to communicate with taxpayers electronically, without the taxpayer having to authorize the CRA to do so. Ge...
Budget 2021: Changes to rules affecting registered charities
The Canada Revenue Agency has the authority to revoke the charitable registration status of an organization where that organization fails to fulfill its legal obligations. The rules governing such rev...
Budget 2021: Tax treatment of pandemic benefit repayments
Millions of Canadian taxpayers received pandemic benefits during the 2020 taxation year. While most such recipients were entitled to those benefits, there were instances in which the benefits were pai...
Budget 2021: Tax treatment of postdoctoral fellowship income
Postdoctoral fellows are generally not, for purposes of the income tax system, considered to be students. Consequently, postdoctoral fellowship income does not qualify for the exemption generally prov...
Budget 2021: Northern residents deductions
Canadians who live in prescribed northern areas of Canada for at least six consecutive months in a year are eligible for the Northern residents deduction. That deduction has both a residency component...
Budget 2021: Canada Workers’ Benefit increased
The Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB) is a non-taxable refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low-income and medium-income workers. The CWB, which is generally available to workers who e...
Budget 2021: Eligibility criteria for disability tax credit expanded
The federal government provides qualifying individuals with a disability tax credit (DTC) which reduces federal tax otherwise payable. For 2021, the value of the DTC is $1,299. To qualify for the DTC,...
CRA provides guidance on changes to the 2020 tax return
The tax return completed by individual Canadians changes from one year to the next, as tax credits or deductions are introduced, eliminated, or changed, or reporting requirements are altered. The Cana...
April 30, 2021 deadline for filing of most individual income tax returns for 2020
The filing deadline for most individual income tax returns for the 2020 taxation year is Friday, April 30, 2021. Self-employed individuals and their spouses are not required to file their returns unti...
April 30, 2021 deadline for payment of 2020 individual income tax owed
Last year, the federal government provided a deferral of the payment deadline for individual income taxes owed. No such deferral is allowed for this year, meaning that any balance of individual income...
Federal government extends benefit period for Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
The federal government, through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, provides a weekly benefit of $500 to qualifying individual Canadians who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-...
CRA issues guidance on 2020 tax consequences of home sales, purchases, and renovations
While gains made on a sale of a principal residence in Canada are generally tax exempt, there are reporting requirements imposed on such sales. In addition, certain tax credits may be claimed by home ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first half of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of ...
Inflation rate for February up slightly
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation for the month of February 2021. That rate stood at 1.1%, as compared to the rate ...
Federal Budget 2021-22 to be brought down in April
The Minister of Finance has announced that the federal Budget for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year will be delivered on Monday April 19, 2021. This year’s Budget will be the first one delivered sinc...
Canada Revenue Agency locks down individual online tax accounts
Over the past month, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) identified a large number of individual taxpayer online accounts for which user IDs and passwords had been obtained by unauthorized third parties. ...
Employment increases by 259,000 positions in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant increase in employment during the month of February. During that month, employment rose by 259,000 jobs, and th...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
As expected, the Bank of Canada announced on March 10 that no changes would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. In the press release announcing its decision,...
Federal government to provide interest relief on pandemic benefit tax debt
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that targeted interest relief will be provided to Canadians who received pandemic income support benefits during 2020. Specifically, qualifying individual...
Inflation rate for January at 1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation for January 2021. The inflation rate for that month, as measured on a year-over-...
NETFILE service hours of availability
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 tax years is now available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ser...
CRA issues 2020 guide for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the guide to be used by taxpayers who are reporting business or professional income, commission income, and income from farming and fishing received during 2...
CRA help line to be available Saturdays during tax filing season
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that, beginning February 27, 2021, its Individual Tax Enquiries line will be available on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That service is also available ...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for March
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Extended hours and callback service now available on individual tax help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its individual income tax enquiries line will be open for extended hours during the upcoming tax filing season. That line — reachable at 1-800-959-...
NETFILE service for 2020 individual tax returns available February 22
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2020 taxation year will be available starting Monday, February 22, 2021. In order to ...
Unemployment rate increases to 9.4% in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant decline in employment during the month of January, and a corresponding increase in the overall unemployment rat...
Canada Revenue Agency releases 2020 individual income tax return package
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the individual income tax forms and guides to be used by Canadian residents in filing an income tax return for the 2020 taxation year. The particular form to...
Consultation process launched for 2021-22 federal Budget
The federal government has launched the consultation process leading to the release of the 2021-22 federal Budget. This year, there are three components to the consultation process. The government wil...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for February
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 20 the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0....
CRA issues guide to employment expense deductions for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an updated version of Guide T4044, Employment Expenses 2020, which outlines the tax treatment of various employment expenses, and will be used by taxpayers i...
Inflation rate up in December 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate inflation rose by 0.7% during the month of December 2020, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The rate for...
CRA announces automobile benefit and deduction amounts for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the automobile expense deduction limits and benefit rates which will apply during the 2021 taxation year. Most of the rates and limits which applied during...
Unemployment rate up slightly in December
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2020 increased to 8.6%. The comparable rate for the month of Nov...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns open until January 22, 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 taxation years will be available until Friday, January 22, 2021. ...
CRA issues 2020 income tax guide for students
Post-secondary students in Canada are eligible for a range of tax credits and deductions, including a tuition tax credit, deductions for moving expenses, and a claim for qualifying student loan intere...
CRA announces new flat rate method for home office expense claims
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that a new temporary home office tax credit may be claimable by qualifying individuals who worked from home during 2020. Taxpayers are eligible to use thi...
Upcoming changes to CRA administrative policy on representatives
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) permits taxpayers to designate another person, firm, or business to communicate with the CRA on the taxpayer’s behalf, where a written authorization has been provided...
December 31 deadline for tax relief applications
Taxpayers may apply to the Minister of National Revenue for administrative relief from interest and penalty charges imposed or, in some cases, for permission to late-file tax elections. In order to be...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 9, the Bank of Canada announced that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5...
Unemployment rate down slightly in November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment declined by 0.4% during the month of November. The unemployment rate for the month was 8.5%. Fu...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for December
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Federal government updates deficit projection for 2020-21
On November 30, the Minister of Finance released the Fall Economic Statement, which included updated deficit projections for the current and future fiscal years. The deficit is now projected to reach ...
Wage subsidy program extended to June 2021
The federal government has announced that the program providing a wage subsidy to eligible businesses experiencing a pandemic-related revenue loss has been extended to be available until June 2021. Th...
Date announced for 2020 Fall Economic Statement
The federal government has announced that its Fall Economic Statement for the 2020-21 fiscal year will be released on Monday November 30, 2020. The press release announcing the date and time of the St...
Inflation rate for October up slightly
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate of inflation for the month of October rose by 0.7%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable inc...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2021 announced
The federal government has released the premium rates and amounts which will apply in 2021 for purposes of the Employment Insurance (EI) program. For 2021, the EI premium rate will be 1.58% and maximu...
CRA announces increases in retirement savings contribution limits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced upcoming changes in the allowable contribution limits for a range of retirement savings programs. For registered pension plans, the 2021 money purchase l...
Unemployment rate for October at 8.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall rate of unemployment stood at 8.9% for the month of October. While the unemployment rate for the month was l...
CRA issues updated Employer’s Guide to Taxable Benefits
The tax treatment of non-monetary benefits provided by employers to their employees can vary widely. Some such benefits must be included in the employee’s taxable income for the year, while others a...
CRA announces Canada Pension Plan contribution rates and amounts for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan during 2021. For 2021, the employer and employee contribution ...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for November
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates at current levels
In its October 28 announcement, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. The press release announcing...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement schedule for 2021
The Bank of Canada has released its schedule for policy interest rate announcements to be made during the 2021 calendar year, and that schedule is as follows: Wednesday, January 20 Wednesday, March 1...
Inflation rate up slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation rose 0.5% on a year-over-year basis in September, up from a 0.1% increase in August. While pric...
Application process for Canada Recovery Benefit now open
In September, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program came to an end, and three new programs to provide financial assistance to individuals impacted by the pandemic were launched. One of those p...
Unemployment rate down to 9% in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that Canada’s overall unemployment rate declined by 1.2% during the month of September. For the month, that rate stood at 9...
Application process now open for two new individual COVID-19 benefits
The federal government has created three separate benefits which can be claimed by qualifying Canadians, following the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. Applications for two...
CRA issues warning of tax scam involving debt write-offs
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers with respect to a tax scam currently operating, which involves claims for bad debt write-offs. While bad debts can be written off for ...
Application process now open for two new individual COVID-19 benefits
The federal government has created three separate benefits which can be claimed by qualifying Canadians, following the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. Applications for two...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employ...
Old Age Security benefit increase for fourth quarter of 2020
The Old Age Security benefit received by Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that the basic OAS benefit of $6...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for October
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
September 30, 2020 final application deadline for Canada Emergency Student Benefit
As part of its pandemic relief plan, the federal government provided eligible post-secondary students and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who were unable to find work for pandemic-rela...
June and September individual income tax instalment payments due by September 30, 2020
Canadian taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment usually make four instalment payments each year, by the 15th day of March, June, September, and December. Earlier this year, the federal government ...
Individual tax balances for 2019 tax year due by September 30
Earlier this year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that the deadline for payment of individual income tax balances for the 2019 tax year, which is usually April 30, was being extended to Wed...
Unemployment rate decreases to 10.2% for August
The September release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of August stood at 10.2%. That rate represented a decrease of 0.7% from the ra...
Increase announced to non-taxable meal allowance rate
The federal government has announced an increase in the amount of any overtime meal allowance, or meal portion of a travel allowance, that employers can provide to employees on a non-taxable basis. Th...
Filing of 2019 tax return necessary to ensure continued payment of tax credits
Eligibility for a number of refundable tax credits and benefits, including the harmonized sales tax/goods and services tax credit and the child tax benefit is based in part on a taxpayer’s income fo...
September 29 deadline for all applications for Canada Student Benefit Program
The pandemic emergency benefit program provided by the federal government for post-secondary students and recent secondary and post-secondary graduates ended on August 29, 2020. Those eligible for suc...
Federal government announces transition measures for end of CERB program
Since March 15 of this year, Canadians who have lost income as a result of the pandemic have been able to receive $500 per week from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB program will...
CRA to contact taxpayers affected by cyberattack
Earlier this month, a cyberattack on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other agencies of the federal government compromised the personal tax and financial information of approximately 5500 taxpayers...
Application forms available for expanded Canada Employer Wage Subsidy program
On July 17, the federal government announced that the existing Canada Employer Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program would be extended to be available until November 21, 2020, and that eligibility criteria for ...
Inflation rate for July drops to 0.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 0.1%. The comparable rate ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for September 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Unemployment rate for July down to 10.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for July was 10.9%. The change means that the unemployment rate has fallen by 1.4 percentage poi...
Extension announced for September individual instalment payments
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make four such instalment payments each year. The usual deadlines for such payments are the 15th day of March, June, September, an...
Online filing option where paper return not yet assessed by CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a notice on its website indicating that it is experiencing delays in the processing of paper-filed individual income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year. ...
CRA provides interest waiver period on tax amounts owed
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that an interest waiver period will be provided to individual taxpayers with respect to income taxes owed. That waiver period will run from April 1 to Sep...
Individual income tax payment deadline extended to September 30, 2020
Earlier this year, the deadline for payment of individual income tax amounts owed for the 2019 taxation year was extended from April 30 to September 1, 2020. The federal government has now indicated t...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 15, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rema...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Federal emergency wage subsidy to be available until December
Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by the pandemic may be eligible for a federal government wage subsidy – the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). The CEWS, which pays the empl...
Unemployment rate down slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight decline in the rate of unemployment during the month of June. The unemployment rate for June stood at 12.3%, a decli...
Federal government projects $343 billion current-year deficit
On July 8, the federal government provided an update of its fiscal position for the current (2020-21) fiscal year, taking in account expenditures made in connection with the pandemic. That “Economic...
Supplemental OAS payment issued during first week of July
Earlier this year, the federal government announced that, as part of its pandemic relief measures, recipients of Old Age Security would receive an additional one-time payment. Such payment is intended...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns still available
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip reminding Canadians that its online filing services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 tax year are still open. Such indi...
No change to basic Old Age Security benefit for third quarter 2020
The Old Age Security benefit received by Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that, as the rate of inflation d...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Canada Emergency Response Benefit program extended
The federal government has announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program has been extended to be available for a further eight weeks in some circumstances. As originally designed...
Inflation rate down by 0.4% for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate of inflation fell by 0.4% during the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Prices were up in f...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for June 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate rose slightly during the month of May, from 13% to 13.7%. The StatsCan analysis indicates that une...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 3 the Bank of Canada, as anticipated. made no change to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. In its announcemen...
June 15 return filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
Self-employed Canadians and their spouses must file an individual income tax return for the 2019 tax year on or before June 15, 2020. As part of the federal government’s pandemic response plan, howe...
June 15 individual income tax instalment due date deferred
Individual Canadians who pay income tax by instalments would normally be required to make the second instalment payment for this year on June 15, 2020. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has indicated, h...
CRA extends filing and payment deadlines for corporations and trusts
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the deadline for filing of T2 returns by corporations and T3 returns by trusts has been extended. That announcement provides that all businesses and ...
Free tax return preparation clinics go online
Each year community organizations across Canada operate a number of tax clinics at which individual income tax returns are prepared and filed free of charge to the taxpayer. Due to concerns surroundin...
CRA extends federal benefit eligibility period
The benefit year for many federal benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax Credit runs from July 1 to June 30. Eligibility for and the amount of such benefits are based, ...
Repaying the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadians that there are circumstances in which the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) must be repaid. In particular, individuals who return to...
Federal government to provide one time increase in Old Age Security payments
The federal government has announced that, in order to help seniors with additional costs resulting from the pandemic, a one-time supplement will be provided to Canadians who already receive Old Age S...
CRA issues warning of Canada Emergency Response Benefit scam
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an alert on its website warning Canadians of a scam operating with respect to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). That Benefit, for which more than...
Online applications available for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
As part of its pandemic response, the federal government is providing eligible employers with a partial wage subsidy through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. The CEWS program provides...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for May 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Inflation rate down sharply for March
The April release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a sharp decline in the rate of inflation for the month of March. That rate stood at 0.9%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. T...
Significant increase in unemployment rate during March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of March. The April release of the Labour Force Survey, w...
Canada Student Loan repayments suspended until September 30, 2020
The federal government has announced that required repayments of Canada Student Loans will be suspended until September 30th, 2020. Where payments are usually made by pre-authorized debit, such paymen...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 15, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Wage subsidy program to be provided to Canadian employers
The federal government will be providing a wage subsidy program to eligible employers who have experienced a recent reduction in revenues of 30% or more. That program—the Canada Emergency Wage Subsi...
Application process for Canada Emergency Response Benefit now open
As of April 6, 2020, Canadians can apply for the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provides eligible individuals with $500 per week for a maximum of 16 weeks. The benefit is gene...
Federal government defers remittance of HST/GST payments
The federal government will be providing businesses with an extension with respect to remittance deadlines related to goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST). The deferral will app...
Bank of Canada announces further reduction in interest rates
In an unscheduled announcement made on March 27, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates for the third time this month. In that announcement, the Bank reduced current rates by one-half percentage po...
One-time increase in Canada Child Benefit to be provided
The federal government has announced that, for the current benefit year only, the amount of Canada Child Benefit will be increased by a one-time payment of $300 per child. The $300 additional benefit ...
Individual tax filing and payment deadlines extended
The deadline for filing of most 2019 individual income tax returns, as well as payment of any balance of tax owed for the 2019 taxation year by individual taxpayers would usually be April 30, 2020. Th...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates
Citing the negative shocks to Canada’s economy arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent drop in oil prices, the Bank of Canada has announced a further reduction in interest rates. The unsch...
Federal government postpones individual tax filing deadline for 2019 returns
The federal government has announced that the filing deadline for individual Canadian tax filers who would usually be required to file by April 30 has been extended to June 1, 2020. (Returns for 2019 ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for property buyers and sellers
Canadian taxpayers who buy or sell a property during the year may be subject to requirements to report that transaction on their annual return and, in some cases, to pay tax on sale proceeds. The CRA ...
Little change in unemployment rate for February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the overall unemployment rate during the month of February. That rate rose by 0.1%, to 5.6%. During the mont...
Extended hours for CRA individual tax enquiries line
The Canada Revenue Agency’s individual income tax enquiries telephone service will be available for extended hours during tax filing season. That enquiries service, which can be reached at 1-800-959...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 4 the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, a reduction to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the bank rate was...
CRA releases 2019 Guide to Self-Employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming and Fishing Income
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released its 2019 Guide to Self-Employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming and Fishing Income for 2019. That Guide is used by taxpayers who are reporting ...
NETFILE service for filing of individual returns for 2019 now available
The Canada Revenue Agency’s NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year is now available. The current NETFILE service, which can be found on the CRA we...
Upcoming deadline for 2019 RRSP contributions
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that contributions to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), in order to be deducted on the return for 2019, must be made on or before Monday March ...
Increase in inflation rate for January 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the rate of inflation for the month of January. That rate stood at 2.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basi...
Unemployment rate down slightly for January 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that that unemployment rate dropped slightly during the month of January, from 5.6% to 5.5%. During that month, employment in...
Canada Revenue Agency issues meal and travel expense deduction rates and limits for 2019
The rates and limits for deduction and credit claims for meal and travel expenses are now posted on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website. Such rates and limits apply to meal and travel expense clai...
Digital news subscription tax credit now available
In the 2019 Budget, the federal government introduced a new tax credit for digital news subscription costs incurred by individuals. That tax credit is available starting in the 2020 tax year. Individu...
Digital news subscription tax credit now available
In the 2019 Budget, the federal government introduced a new tax credit for digital news subscription costs incurred by individuals. That tax credit is available starting in the 2020 tax year. Individu...
CRA issues updated guide to students and income tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) publishes a guide for post-secondary students which outlines the rules governing typical tax situations for such students. Those rules include the tax treatment of tuit...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns available February 24, 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the NETFILE service for online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 tax year will be available beginning Monday, February 24, 2020. M...
CRA issues 2019 Individual Income Tax Return and Guide
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the Individual Income Tax Return and Guide for all provinces and territories for the 2019 tax year, and those forms and guides are posted on its website at...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rate unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 22, 2020, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
CRA announces automobile expense deduction limits for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the rates and limits which will apply for purposes of automobile-related benefits and deductions in 2020. Most such rates and limits are unchanged, as follows: ...
OAS payment rates for first quarter of 2020
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the first quarter (January 1 to March 31) of 2020. OAS payments are indexed quarterly to c...
Unemployment rate down for December 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that employment increased by 35,000 jobs during the month of December and that the overall unemployment rate fell by 0.3%, to...
Personal tax credit amounts increased
The federal government has announced that the basic personal tax credit, the spousal credit, and the eligible dependant credit amounts will increase, in four stages, from $12,298 to $15,000. The first...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Climate action incentive payment amounts for 2020
The federal government has announced the amounts which will be paid under the climate action incentive program during 2020. Such amounts are claimed when filing the individual income tax return for 20...
NETFILE service for prior years available until January 24, 2020
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their individual income tax returns for 2018 (or the three prior years) can file those returns on NETFILE until Friday, January 24, 2020. Until that date, the Canada R...
Economic and Fiscal Update projects increased current year deficit
The 2019 Economic and Fiscal Update released on December 16 by the Minister of Finance shows a significant increase in the projected deficit for the current fiscal year. In the 2019-20 Budget announce...
December 16 deadline for final instalment payment for 2019
Canadians who pay income tax by instalments are required to pay the fourth and final instalment payment of 2019 on or before Monday December 16, 2019. Taxpayers subject to the instalment payment requi...
December 31 deadline for taxpayer relief applications for 2009
Under the federal government’s Taxpayer Relief Program, the Minister of National Revenue can provide relief to taxpayers from interest or penalty charges which have been assessed. Such taxpayer reli...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 4, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 2...
Indexing adjustment for 2020 released by CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that personal income tax brackets and credit amounts for the 2020 taxation year will increase by 1.9%.  Each year, such individual income tax brackets and cred...
Inflation rate for October 2019 unchanged
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that there was no change in the rate of inflation recorded for the month of October. That rate stood at 1.9%, as measure...
CRA issues Payroll Deduction Formula guide for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the 2020 version of Guide T4127, Payroll Deduction Formulas, which is intended for use by payroll software providers or companies which develop their own in-house ...
Upcoming CRA webinar on payroll
On Wednesday November 27, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be hosting a webinar on payroll requirements for Canadian employers. The webinar, which will start at 1:00 p.m. EST, is free of charge fo...
CRA issues 2019 guide to students and income tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its tax guide for post-secondary students. That guide (P105, Students and Income Tax) reviews the tax treatment of common deductions and credi...
Employment Insurance contribution rates for 2020
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates which will be levied during 2020. For 2020, maximum insurable earnings for the year will be $54,200. The premium rate f...
No change in unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that there was no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of October 2019, with that rate remaining at 5.5%. Am...
CRA issues employer guide to payroll deductions for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued its Employer’s Guide: Payroll Deductions and Remittances for 2020 (T4001(E)). That guide provides employers with information on the deductions which must be made...
Canada Pension Plan contribution rates for 2020 released
The federal government has announced the contribution rates and amounts and maximum pensionable earnings which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan in 2020. Employee and employer contrib...
CRA issues 2019 employer guide to taxable benefits
Employers are required, by the end of February 2020, to issue T4 slips for their employees for the 2019 taxation year. Those T4s will summarize the amount of remuneration received by the employee duri...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 30, 2019, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate will r...
CPP contribution rate to increase January 1, 2020
As previously announced, changes are to be made to the Canada Pension Plan over the next 5 years, with the goal of increasing the amount of CPP retirement benefits available to contributors. The next ...
Online retirement income calculator available
The federal government provides a detailed online retirement income calculator which can be used by taxpayers planning retirement. The online calculator allows users to input income amounts from vario...
No change in inflation rate for September
The overall inflation rate was unchanged for the month of September, with that rate matching the 1.9% year-over-year increase posted for the month of August 2019. The greatest contributor to the infla...
Unemployment rate down in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a sharp increase in job creation for the month of September. During that month employment rose by 54,000, mainly in full-time...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
2020 Employment Insurance premium rates announced
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance premium rates and amounts which will be levied during the 2020 calendar year. For 2020, the Employment Insurance premium rate is decreased...
OAS payment rates for fourth quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the fourth quarter (October 1 to December 31) of 2019. OAS payments are indexed quarterly ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating emp...
CRA updates and re-issues publication on tax audits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication on the conduct of tax audits. The updated publication (RC4188E)) outlines the process by which the CRA chooses a file for audi...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Rate of inflation at 1.9% for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of August stood at 1.9%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The inflation rate ...
Federal government releases financial results for 2018-19
Finance Canada has released the Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada for 2018-19, which provides an overview of the federal government’s financial results for the 2018-19 fiscal year ...
CRA issues tax guidance for international students
Each September thousands of international students move to (or return to) Canada to attend Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational institutions. Depending on their residency status, those stu...
Unemployment rate unchanged in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that employment increased by 81,000 positions during the month of August 2019. Notwithstanding that increase, the unemploymen...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 4, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at ...
Individual income tax instalment payment due September 16
Individual taxpayers who make quarterly instalment payments of tax must make the third such instalment payment for the year on or before September 15. As that date falls on a Sunday this year, payment...
Bank of Canada announces 2020 interest rate announcement schedule
The Bank of Canada has released a listing of the eight dates on which it will make regularly scheduled interest rate announcements during 2020. That listing is as follows: Wednesday, January 22 Wedne...
CRA issues warning on self-directed RRSP withdrawal schemes
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip warning owners of self-directed RRSPs about a current tax scheme which they may encounter. Promoters of such schemes falsely promise owners of self-direc...
CRA issues updated guide to electronic record keeping by taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its Information Circular outlining the rules and requirements which apply to taxpayers who keep business and tax books and records in electronic for...
Inflation rate unchanged in July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation recorded for the month of July was unchanged from the previous month. For both June and July, tha...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for September
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, which includes the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as the rates in ...
Unemployment rate up slightly for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the unemployment rate for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis. For that month, the ...
CRA enhances telephone security procedures
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip reminding taxpayers of the procedures which it utilizes to protect their personal information, particularly with respect to contacts between taxpay...
Third quarterly income tax instalment due September 15
Individuals who are required to pay income tax by instalments must make their third quarterly instalment for 2019 on or before September 15, 2019. As that date is a Sunday, such payments are considere...
Federal government issues initial listing of prescribed livestock tax deferral areas for 2019
The federal government provides tax relief to livestock producers who are experiencing severe weather or climate conditions during the year. Such relief is provided through the livestock tax deferral ...
Bank of Canada releases 2020 interest rate announcement dates
The Bank of Canada has released the listing of dates on which it will make scheduled interest rate announcements during calendar year 2020. There will be 8 such scheduled interest rate announcements d...
Mortgage stress test interest rate lowered to 5.19%
Prospective mortgage borrowers in Canada are subject to a “stress test” as part of the assessment of their credit-worthiness. Under that test, such borrowers are required to qualify for a mortgage...
Inflation rate up by 2% in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of June 2019 stood at 2%. The comparable rate for May was 2.4%. The decr...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for August
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, although the unemployment rate for the month of June rose by 0.1%, employment increased by 132,000 positions during the...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at 2%. ...
Prescribed interest rates for the first three quarters of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
Increases to GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit payment rates
July 1, 2019 is the start of the 2019-20 benefit year for many provincial and federal child and tax benefits, including the federal GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit. As of that date, the pa...
OAS payment rates for third quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the third quarter (July 1 to September 30) of 2019. OAS payments are indexed quarterly to ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of July 2019. The prescribed rate for July is 2.75%. A chart showi...
Inflation rate for May at 2.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of May 2019, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.4%. Inflation during...
Finance holding consultations on upcoming changes to stock option rules
Under the Canadian tax system, employee stock options receive preferential tax treatment. In this year’s Budget the federal government indicated that, in its view, the existing rules on stock option...
First-time home buyer’s incentive to launch September 2, 2019
In this year’s federal Budget, a new program was announced to benefit first-time home buyers. Under that program, the First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation...
Increases to Canada child benefit effective July 1, 2019
Effective as of July 2019, the amount of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payable to eligible Canadian families will be increased to account for inflation. Starting with the July payment (which will be made...
Unemployment rate down slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in the overall unemployment rate recorded for the month of May. The unemployment rate for that month stood at...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for June 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of June 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be increase...
Individual income tax instalment payment due June 17
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments must make their second instalment payment for 2019 on or before June 17, 2019. Such taxpayers will have received an instalment notice setting out...
2018 returns for self-employed taxpayers due June 17, 2019
Self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) have until Monday June 17, 2019 to file their income tax returns for the 2018 tax year. Returns filed after that date will be subject to late-filing penalti...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on May 29, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Consequently, the Bank Rate remain...
Filing of 2018 tax return required to receive federal tax benefits
The federal government and many of the provinces provide benefit programs for which both entitlement and benefit amount are based, at least in part, on the income of the recipient taxpayer. Those bene...
Overall inflation rate for April 2019 at 2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of April stood at 2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Seven of the eight maj...
CRA confirms June 17 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip confirming that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns filed for the 2018 tax year by self-employed individuals and their spouses is...
Good employment news for the month of April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows growth in employment during the month of April for nearly all demographic groups. The overall unemployment rate for the month...
CRA issues warning on Health Spending Account tax schemes
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning about a current tax scheme involving Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) which are being marketed to small businesses. HSAs are self-insured health pla...
Canada Child Benefit rates to increase in July
The federal government has announced that, effective with the July 2019 payment, Canada Child Benefit rates will increase.As of July, the maximum benefit for a child under the age of 6 will increase t...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for May 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of May 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be reduced t...
CRA reminds flood-affected taxpayers of available relief
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a press release reminding taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s floods of the availability of relief with respect to their obligation to file a...
Increase in rate of inflation for March 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a significant increase in the rate of inflation recorded for the month of March 2019. During that month, the CPI rose 1.9%, ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
The Bank of Canada, in its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 24, determined that no change was needed to current rates. The Bank Rate therefore remains at 2%. The press rele...
OAS rates unchanged for the second quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security payment rates which will be in effect for the second quarter (April 1 to June 30) of 2019. OAS payment rates are indexed quarterly to inflatio...
April 30 deadline for payment of 2018 individual income taxes
All payments of individual income tax owed for the 2018 taxation year must be received by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on or before Tuesday April 30, 2019. There are a number of means by which paym...
CRA issues guide to medical expense claims for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an updated guide to be used by taxpayers who are claiming medical expenses on their income tax returns for 2018. Individual taxpayers are entitled to claim a...
Unemployment rate unchanged in March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that there was no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of March. That rate remained at 5.8%. Employment ...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for April
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month April 2019. The prescribed rate for the upcoming month is 3.1%. A chart...
Prescribed interest rates for the first half of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
CRA posts Tax Tips for students and seniors
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a number of Tax Tips for seniors and students on its website. Those Tax Tips list and explain particular credits, deductions, or benefits which are most like...
Inflation increases by 1.5% in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey indicates that the rate of inflation for the month of February, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 1.5%. The compara...
Budget 2019: Adjusting the Rules for Cannabis Taxation
Budget 2019 is proposing that the excise duty framework for cannabis products be amended to more effectively apply the excise duty on new classes of cannabis products, as well as to cannabis oils, whi...
Budget 2019: Expanding Health-Related Tax Relief
Budget 2019 proposes to expand health-related tax relief under the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) system to better meet the health care needs of Canadians by: providing GST/HST...
Budget 2019: Employee Stock Options
Budget 2019 announces the Government’s intent to limit the use of the current employee stock option tax regime and move toward aligning the tax treatment with the United States for employees of larg...
Budget 2019: Electronic Delivery of Requirements for Information
Budget 2019 proposes that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be allowed to send requirements for information electronically to a bank or credit union only if the bank or credit union notifies the CR...
Budget 2019: Carrying on Business in a Tax-Free Savings Account
Budget 2019 proposes that the joint and several liability for tax owing on income from carrying on a business in a TFSA be extended to the TFSA holder. The joint and several liability of a trustee of ...
Budget 2019: Mutual Funds: Allocation to Redeemers Methodology
Budget 2019 proposes to introduce a new rule that would deny a mutual fund trust a deduction in respect of the portion of an allocation made to a unitholder on a redemption of a unit of the mutual fun...
Budget 2019: Pensionable Service Under an Individual Pension Plan (IPP)
Budget 2019 proposes to prohibit Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) from providing retirement benefits in respect of past years of employment that were pensionable service under a defined benefit plan of...
Budget 2019: Contributions to a Specified Multi-Employer Plan (SMEP) for Older Members
To bring the Specified Multi-Employer Plan (SMEP) rules in line with the pension tax provisions that apply to other defined benefit RPPs, Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to prohibit contri...
Budget 2019: Medical Expense Tax Credit
Amounts paid for cannabis products may be eligible for the medical expense tax credit where such products are purchased for a patient for medical purposes in accordance with the Access to Cannabis for...
Budget 2019: Supporting Donations of Cultural Property
A recent court decision related to the interpretation of “national importance” has created uncertainty about the availability of these tax incentives. Budget 2019 proposes to introduce legislative...
Budget 2019: Tax Measures for Kinship Care Providers, Tax Treatment of Financial Assistance Payments
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to clarify that financial assistance payments received by care providers under a kinship care program are neither taxable nor included in income for th...
Budget 2019: Tax Measures for Kinship Care Providers, Canada Workers Benefit
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to clarify that an individual may be considered to be the parent of a child in their care for the purpose of the Canada Workers Benefit, regardless of ...
Budget 2019: Improvements to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
To ensure that the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) continues to respond to the needs of Canadians with disabilities, Budget 2019 proposes two changes that will better protect the long-term s...
Budget 2019: Variable Payment Life Annuities
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to permit PRPPs and defined contribution RPPs to provide a variable payment life annuity (VPLA) to members directly from the plan. A VPLA will provide payme...
Budget 2019: Advanced Life Deferred Annuities
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to permit an advanced life deferred annuity (ALDA) to be a qualifying annuity purchase, or a qualified investment, under certain registered plans. An ALDA w...
Budget 2019: Change in Use Rules for Multi-Unit Residential Properties
To improve the consistency of the tax treatment of owners of multi-unit residential properties in comparison to owners of single-unit residential properties, Budget 2019 proposes to allow a taxpayer t...
Budget 2019: Modernizing the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Budget 2019 proposes to increase the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit to $35,000. This would be available for withdrawals made after March 19, 2019. Budget 2019 also proposes to extend acces...
Budget 2019: Canada Training Credit
Budget 2019 proposes this new, non-taxable credit that would help Canadians pay for training fees. Every year, eligible workers between the ages of 25 and 64 would accumulate a credit balance of $250 ...
Budget 2019: Strengthening Canada’s International Tax Rules
Budget 2019 proposes to: extend the foreign affiliate dumping rules in the Income Tax Act to prevent a corporation resident in Canada that is controlled by a non-resident individual or trust from red...
Budget 2019: Strengthening Beneficial Ownership Transparency
In Budget 2019, the Government proposes further amendments to the Income Tax Act to make the beneficial ownership information maintained by federally incorporated corporations more readily available t...
Budget 2019: Character Conversion Transactions
Budget 2019 proposes an amendment that introduces an additional qualification for the commercial transaction exception in the definition “derivative forward agreement” as the exception applies to ...
Budget 2019: Canadian-Belgian Co-productions - Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit
Budget 2019 proposes to add The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Respective Governments of the Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities of the Kingdom of Bel...
Budget 2019: Improving Support for Small, Growing Companies
Budget 2019 proposes to repeal the use of taxable income as a factor in determining a CCPC’s annual expenditure limit for the purpose of the enhanced SR&ED tax credit. As a result, small CCPCs w...
Budget 2019: Small Business Deduction - Farmers and Fishers
Budget 2019 proposes to eliminate the requirement that sales be to a farming or fishing cooperative corporation in order to be excluded from specified corporate income. As such, this exclusion will ap...
Budget 2019: Supporting Business Investment in Zero-Emission Vehicles
Budget 2019 proposes that these vehicles be eligible for a full tax write-off in the year they are put in use. Qualifying vehicles will include electric battery, plug-in hybrid (with a battery capacit...
Budget 2019: Support for Canadian Journalism
Budget 2019 proposes to introduce three new tax measures to support Canadian journalism: allowing journalism organizations to register as qualified donees; a refundable labour tax credit for qualifyi...
Unemployment rate unchanged in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force survey shows that, while the rate of unemployment for the month of February was unchanged, employment grew by 56,000 positions. The unempl...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 2% I...
Inflation down to 1.4% for January 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a drop in the rate of inflation for the month of January. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, was 1.4%. ...
First instalment payment of 2019 due March 15
The first instalment payment of individual income taxes for the 2019 tax year is due on or before Friday March 15, 2019. Individuals who have previously paid tax by instalments will have received an i...
CRA providing extended hours for individual tax help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its Individual Income Tax Enquiries line (1-800-959-8281) is now available for extended hours. Until April 30, 2019, telephone agents will be availab...
Date announced for 2019-20 federal Budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the 2019-20 federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Once the Budget is released, at around 4 p.m., the Budget Papers will be posted o...
Obtaining a 2018 tax return form and guide
The 2018 T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Guide package is now available on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packag...
NETFILE available for filing of 2018 individual income tax returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns is available as of Monday, February 18, 2019. The current NETFILE service (which ...
CRA issues tax filing tips for students
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip for post-secondary students and graduates who will be filing an income tax return for the 2018 tax year. That Tax Tip, which can be found on the CR...
Small increase in unemployment rate for January
During the month of January, the number of people employed in Canada rose by 67,000, with that figure attributable for most part to increased employment of those aged 15 to 24 and those working in the...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of March 2019. That prescribed rate for the month of March will be...
CRA issues tax filing tips for seniors
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip which lists the tax deductions and credits which are most relevant to seniors, and which can be claimed by eligible seniors when preparing and fili...
NETFILE service for 2018 returns available February 18
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2018 tax year will be available online on Monday February 18, 2019. The N...
Upcoming changes to the CRA’s e-mail service
Effective as of February 11, 2019, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be merging its online mail and account alerts services. Notification of the change is being sent to users of those services, and...
Pre-Budget consultations ending on January 29
Finance Canada has issued a reminder that the current consultation process with respect to the upcoming 2019-20 federal Budget will end on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Interested stakeholders can make t...
Inflation rate increases to 2% in December
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2% during the month of December 2018. The equiva...
Finance announces automobile allowance limits and rates for 2019
Finance Canada has announced the automobile deduction limits and expense benefit rates which will apply to businesses and their employees during the 2019 taxation year. Most of the limits which applie...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 9, 2019, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. The Bank Rate therefore remains at 2...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for January and February
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the months of January and February 2019.The prescribed rate for January is ...
Prescribed interest rates for the first quarter of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Canada Pension Plan changes to take effect January 1, 2019
Over the next seven years, significant changes will be made to the Canada Pension Plan. Those changes will result, overall, in an increase of about 50% in the maximum retirement benefit. The first suc...
Inflation for November down to 1.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of November, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 1.7%. The comparable r...
NETFILE service for prior years available until January 25, 2019
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their individual income tax returns for 2017 (or the three prior years) can file those returns on NETFILE until Friday, January 25, 2019. Until that date, the Canada R...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of January 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.39%....
December 31, 2018 deadline for 2008 tax fairness applications
Where taxpayers fail to meet their tax filing or payment obligations, penalties and interest are usually levied for that failure. However, the Minister of National Revenue has the authority to forgive...
Unemployment rate for November at 42-year low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of November was the lowest recorded since 1976. The unemployment rate for the month,...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 5, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Personal tax credit amounts for 2019
The federal government will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2019: Basic personal amount ………………………………    $12,069 Spouse or common law partner amount …...
Inflation rate up slightly in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation rate for the month of October. That rate rose 2.4%, following a 2.2% increase for...
Finance announces start of 2019-20 federal Budget consultation process
Finance Canada has announced details of the consultation process leading up the release of the 2019-20 Federal Budget next spring. The budget consultation process will include both in-person and digit...
New tax credits to support news organizations
In the 2018-19 Fall Economic Statement, the Minister of Finance announced that three new tax initiatives would be introduced to support both traditional and digital news organizations. Those changes w...
Federal government announces new business tax incentives
In the Fall Economic Statement issued on November 21, the Minister of Finance announced new tax measures that would: allow businesses to immediately write off the cost of machinery and equipment used...
CRA issues 2018 employer’s guide to taxable benefits
Some of the non-monetary benefits which employers provide to their employees must be included in the employee’s income and taxed as such. Each year, employers must include the amount of any such tax...
CRA announces enhancements to BizApp
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a mobile web app for small business owners and sole proprietors which enables them to manage their business tax accounts on any browser-enabled mobile device. ...
Unemployment rate down slightly for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in unemployment during the month of September. That rate stood at 5.8%, down 0.1% from the rate posted for Au...
Canada Pension Plan contribution rates for 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the contribution rates and amounts for the Canada Pension Plan which will apply during the 2019 calendar year, and that announcement can be found at https://www...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of November. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.43%. A c...
CRA announces contingency plans for postal disruption
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (as well as other federal government departments and agencies) has issued information indicating how government payments will be handled during the current postal disru...
Inflation rate at 2.2% for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the inflation rate for the month of September stood at 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable rate...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 24, the Bank of Canada once again increased the bank rate, which now stands at 2%.In the press release announcing the increase, wh...
OAS payment rates for the fourth quarter of 2018
The federal government has announced the maximum Old Age Security (OAS) benefit amount which will be paid to eligible recipients in the last quarter — October, November, and December — of 2018. Th...
CRA issues updated forms for reduced source deductions
In some circumstances, taxpayers are entitled to request a reduction in the amount of tax being deducted at source from their income. An employee can request that the amount of income tax being deduct...
CRA to hold webinar on CPP changes for the self-employed
A number of changes have been made over the past few years to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), with those changes generally providing greater flexibility to CPP contributors. Some of those changes parti...
Slight decline in unemployment rate for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decrease in the overall unemployment rate for the month of September. That rate decreased from the 6% rate recorded f...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of October. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.33%. A ch...
Prescribed interest rates for the fourth quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the fourth quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purp...
NETFILE still available for filing of 2017 returns
While the deadline for filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017 tax year (for both employees and the self-employed) has passed, the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA’s) NETFILE service thro...
Inflation rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of August 2018 stood at 2.8%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable...
CRA updates fact sheet for temporary Canadian workers
Canada’s tax system is one based on residency, and individuals who are considered to be residents of Canada are subject to federal and provincial tax. The federal government has issued a fact sheet ...
Employment insurance premium rate for 2019
The Minister of Finance has announced that the employment insurance premium rate payable by employees and the self-employed for the 2019 tax year will be reduced. The premium rate for that year will b...
CRA issues updated guide to federal and provincial child benefits
The federal government has updated and re-issued its guide to child benefits paid by the federal and several provincial governments. The updated guide (T4114), which is available on the Canada Revenue...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small increase in the unemployment rate posted for the month of August. That rate rose by 0.2%, from 5.8% to 6%. Most of th...
Relief available to taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can provide interest and penalty relief to taxpayers who are unable to meet their tax filing or payment obligations due to circumstances beyond their control, including...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 5, the Bank indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 1.75%. The Bank acknow...
CRA issues Tax Tip on benefit review process
Each year the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends a letter and questionnaire to approximately 350,000 taxpayers, seeking to determine whether such taxpayers are receiving the correct tax credits and ben...
Upcoming tax instalment due date for individuals
The due date for the third instalment payment of 2018 income taxes by individuals falls on September 15, 2018. As that date is a Saturday, instalment payments will be considered to be made on time if ...
Amendments to be made to rules on political activities of charities
The federal government has announced that changes will be made to the administrative rules governing the extent to which charities can engage in non-partisan political activities. The intended amendme...
Rate of inflation at 3% for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows a significant increase in inflation for the month of July. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 3%. T...
Unemployment rate down slightly for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that the overall rate of unemployment was down slightly for the month of July. That rate stood at 5.8%, down by 0.2% from...
Finance announces lower payment card fees for small businesses
The Minister of Finance has announced that two major payment card networks have agreed to lower costs charged to small and medium-sized businesses. Both VISA and Mastercard have agreed to reduce domes...
CRA podcasts and webinars for small businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prepares and posts on its website a number of podcasts and webinars covering tax and tax-related issues of particular interest to small businesses. There are currently ...
Bank of Canada 2019 interest rate announcement dates
The Bank of Canada has issued a listing of the dates on which it will make announcements during the 2019 calendar year with respect to current interest rates. There are eight such interest rate announ...
Upcoming changes to mortgage lending assessments for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has announced that, effective as of October 1, 2018, changes will be made to the process by which self-employed taxpayers are assessed for mortgage f...
CRA issues new direct deposit form for businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its Form RC366, which allows businesses to have amounts owed to them deposited directly to a bank account. The updated form can be used to eit...
CRA issues updated guide to RESPs
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication RC4092(E) on Registered Education Savings Plans. The updated publication incorporates changes, originally announced as part of...
Inflation rate up by 2.5% in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.5%. That change ...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing rules
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will apply during the months of July and August 2018. Those prescribed rates will be 3.28% for July ...
CRA issues updated guide to taxation of RRIF on death
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its publication outlining the tax treatment of funds held in a RRIF on the death of the RRIF annuitant. The updated publication (RC4178(E)) also rev...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for June
While employment rose by 32,000 during the month of June, the unemployment rate was also up, by 0.2%, a result attributed by Statistics Canada an increase in the number of individuals seeking to enter...
Bank of Canada increases benchmark interest rate
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 11, the Bank of Canada indicated that it was increasing its benchmark interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point. Accordingly...
CRA issues Tax Tip on return review process
Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency reviews approximately 3 million returns which have already been filed and assessed. Generally, such reviews are carried out to confirm income amounts reported, and...
Old Age Security benefits to increase by 1.2% in third quarter
Old Age Security (“OAS”) benefits received by Canadians are indexed to changes in the overall Consumer Price Index, and are adjusted each quarter to reflect increases in that Index.The federal gov...
No change to inflation rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates the rate of inflation for the month of May stood at 2.2%. The same rate was recorded for the month of April, and both ra...
CRA issues updated source deductions online calculator
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has re-issued the payroll deductions online calculator to be used by employers in calculating employee source deductions as of July 1, 2018. The updated version of that...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of July. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.28%. A chart...
Prescribed interest rates for the third quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the third quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
CRA updates and re-issues Notice of Objection form
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its standard form for filing an objection to a Notice of Assessment or Reassessment. The 2018 T-400A E, Notice of Objection, can be found on the CRA...
No change in unemployment rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in unemployment during the month of May. For the fourth consecutive month, that rate stood at 5.8%. There was s...
June 15 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
The filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2017 year for self-employed individuals and their spouses is midnight Friday June 15, 2018. Returns can be filed using the Canada Revenue ...
Individual income tax instalment payment due June 15
For Canadians who make quarterly instalment payments of personal income tax, the next due date for such payment is Friday June 15, 2018. The Canada Revenue Agency has posted a notice on its website in...
Taxpayer relief available for Canadians affected by spring floods
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder to taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s floods of the availability of administrative tax relief. Under the federal government’s T...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on May 30, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains...
CRA issues updated payroll deduction formulas for July 1, 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued updated payroll deduction formulas for use by employers for payroll periods beginning after July 1, 2018. The updated formulas reflect changes in provincial ...
Inflation rate for April at 2.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of April stood at 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The rate for...
Changes to distribution of GST/HST reporting/remittance forms for small businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be making changes to its distribution method for GST/HST reporting and remittance forms for small businesses, with those changes generally directed toward reducing...
Unemployment rate unchanged in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that there was no change during the month of April to either employment figures or the overall unemployment rate. That un...
CRA tax topic podcasts available for download
The Canada Revenue Agency prepares and posts podcasts on a number of different tax topics, both individual and corporate. Those podcasts are available for download from the CRA website. The current se...
Prescribed interest rates for May and June
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the months of May and June 2018. Those prescribed rates will be 3.22% during the ...
Getting information about your tax refund
Taxpayers who have filed their return for the 2017 tax year and are expecting to receive a refund can track the status of that refund payment through a toll-free telephone line. That line, the CRA’s...
CRA issues warning on filing season tax scams
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers of the need to be particularly vigilant with respect to fraudulent text, telephone, and e-mail communications, which increase during t...
Inflation rate for March reaches 2.3%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation stood at 2.3% during the month of March 2018, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The year...
April 30 due date for all 2017 individual taxes owed
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder that all individual income tax balances owed for the 2017 tax year must be paid on or before Monday April 30, 2018. April 30 is also the deadline ...
Unemployment rate unchanged in March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment for the month of March 2018 stood at 5.8%. The same rate was recorded for February 2018. Employ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 18, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate will remain at 1....
ReFILE service for changing individual income tax returns
It is not uncommon for taxpayers to discover an error or omission in an already-filed return, and the usual means by which such error can be corrected is the filing of a T1-Adjustment form. While a co...
CRA issues reminder of taxability of income from “sharing economy”
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder to taxpayers who receive income from the “sharing economy” that such income is taxable and must be reported on the annual tax return. Although...
Bank of Canada interest rate announcement dates for 2018
The Bank of Canada’s regularly scheduled interest rate announcement dates for the remainder of calendar year 2018 are as follows: April 18, 2018; May 30, 2018; July 11, 2018; September 5, 201...
CRA issues update on home sale reporting requirements
Proceeds received from the sale of one’s principal residence are, in most circumstances, not taxable, as such sales are eligible for the principal residence exemption. However, as of the 2016 tax ye...
Significant increase in inflation rate for February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a sharp increase in inflation for the month of February. That rate stood at 2.2%, while the rate for January 2018 was 1.7%. ...
Prescribed interest rates for second quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the second quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose...
CRA issues warning on tax scams
While taxpayers fall victim to tax scams year-round, such scams are more prevalent during and just following tax filing season. During that time, taxpayers  expect to hear from the tax authorities, a...
CRA publication on changes to Voluntary Disclosure Program available online
In December 2017, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that substantive changes would be made to the Agency’s Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP). That program enables taxpayers who are in defau...
CRA issues e-filers manual for 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued its Guide RC4018, Electronic Filers Manual for 2017 Income Tax and Benefit Returns. That guide is for use by certified e-filers in filing individual income tax ret...
Unemployment rate down slightly in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in the overall unemployment rate for the month of February 2018. That rate declined from 5.9% in the month of...
Increase in Consumer Price Index for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation for the month of January 2018 stood at 1.7%. The rate for the previous month was 1.9%. Inflat...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 7, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at 1.5%. ...
Budget 2018 - Personal tax credits
Budget 2018: No personal tax credits have been repealed, and there are no new personal tax rate changes....
Budget 2018 - Foreign-born Status Indians
Budget 2018: Foreign-born Status Indians may now be eligible for child benefits, retroactive to 2005....
Budget 2018 - Service animals
Budget 2018: Eligibility of specially trained service animals will be expanded for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit....
Budget 2018 - Canada Workers Benefit
Budget 2018: Taxpayers will no longer need to apply when filing their return in order to receive the Canada Workers Benefit....
Budget 2018 - Working Income Tax Benefit amounts
Budget 2018: The Working Income Tax Benefit amounts are enhanced as of 2019, and the credit is renamed the Canada Workers Benefit...
Budget 2018 - Non-resident surplus stripping rules
Budget 2018: The non-resident surplus stripping rules are tightened to address the use of partnerships and trusts....
Budget 2018 - CRA compliance orders
Budget 2018: Where a CRA compliance order or information requirement is contested, a new rule will “stop the clock” to prevent the tax year from being statute barred....
Budget 2018 - RDTOH
Budget 2018: A corporation will have two RDTOH accounts going forward: eligible and non-eligible RDTOH....
Budget 2018 - Investment income
Budget 2018: A corporation with $100,000 of investment income will have its small business limit reduced to $250,000....
Budget 2018 - Corporations' small business limit
Budget 2018: A corporation’s small business limit will be reduced where the corporation earns investment income exceeding $50,000....
Extended hours for CRA telephone help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a 1-800 telephone service to provide tax information to Canadian taxpayers. Such information can be general in nature, or can involve the specific tax affairs ...
CRA issues list of approved software for NETFILING of 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency’s NETFILE service for filing of individual income tax returns will be available starting Monday February 26, 2018. Taxpayers do not need to obtain an access code to file th...
Unemployment rate up slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labor Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall unemployment rate for the month of January. That rate rose by 0.1%, from 5.8% to 5.9%. That c...
2018-19 Federal Budget date announced
The Federal Minister of Finance has announced that the 2018-19 federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. The Budget will be released at around 4 p.m. and the full Budget Paper...
Obtaining hard copy of a 2017 income tax return package
This year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be providing taxpayers with hard copies of the 2017 Income Tax and Benefit package through a variety of means, and at various dates. Individuals who pap...
CRA announces NETFILE service availability dates for 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the date on which NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017 tax year will be available. NETFILE service will be availab...
CRA to mail tax return packages to selected taxpayers
While the majority of Canadians now file their individual income tax returns electronically, there is still a significant minority of tax filers who file using a printed return. The Canada Revenue Age...
CRA announces change to 2017 individual tax return forms
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a notice on its website that an “update” has been made to individual 2017 tax forms. Those forms are to be used by individual Canadians to file their ret...
CRA reinstates telephone tax return filing service
For a number of years, taxpayers whose tax situation was relatively straightforward were able to file their return by telephone. That service, which was called TELEFILE, was withdrawn a few years ago....
Prescribed interest rates for first quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates
As widely expected, the Bank of Canada indicated, in its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 17, that an increase in the bank rate was required. The Bank’s announcement, w...
Federal Budget 2018-19 consultations to end January 26
Finance Canada has announced that the consultation process leading to the release of the 2018-19 federal Budget will conclude on Friday January 26, 2018. Canadians can provide input by submitting thei...
CRA issues individual T1 Tax Return Form and Guide for 2017
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Benefit form to be used by individual Canadian taxpayers in filing their return for the 2017 tax year. The T1 form is ava...
Unemployment rate for December 2017 down to 5.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that the unemployment rate for the month of December 2017 stood at 5.7%. The last period for which that rate was recorded...
Small business tax rate reduced effective January 1
As previously announced, the federal small business tax rate is reduced to 10.0%, effective as of January 1, 2018. There is no change in the federal small business limit, which remains at $500,000. Th...
Automobile deduction and benefit limits for 2018
Finance Canada has announced the limits and thresholds which will apply for purposes of determining automobile benefits and deductions during 2018. Most such deduction limits and thresholds are unchan...
CRA issues guidance on upcoming changes to small business tax rules
Planned changes to the federal income tax rules governing the taxation of small incorporated Canadian businesses are to take effect for 2018. One of those changes will include greater restrictions on ...
Changes to be made to Voluntary Disclosure Program
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides an administrative program under which taxpayers who have failed to file returns or pay taxes on a timely basis can bring their tax affairs into compliance, usu...
Age 71 final RRSP contribution to be made by December 31
Taxpayers who are turning age 71 during the year and who have available contribution room are entitled to make a final RRSP contribution for that year. Such contributions must be made by the end of th...
NETFILE service for 2016 returns available until January 19
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their return for the 2016 tax year will have until January 19, 2018 to file that return using NETFILE. Until that date, returns for the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 tax ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change is required to current rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at ...
Unemployment rate down in November
The most recent release of Statistic’s Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight decline in the overall unemployment for the month of November. That rate declined by 0.4%, to 5.9%. The November ...
T4127 for 2018 payroll deduction amounts released
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the 2018 version of its publication T4127(E), Payroll Deductions Formulas. The guide is intended for use by payroll software providers and by employers which manag...
CRA issues federal TD1 Form and TD1 Worksheet for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the federal TD1 Form and Worksheet which will be used by taxpayers and their employers to determine required federal income tax source deductions for the upcoming ...
Inflation rate up by 1.4% in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows an inflation rate of 1.4% for the month of October, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The equivalent rate for the...
Finance launches pre-budget consultations
Finance Canada has begun the consultation process leading to the release of the 2018-19 federal Budget. As part of that budget consultation process, the Minister of Finance is holding in-person public...
CRA to provide online filing for trust tax and information returns
Effective as of January 8, 2018, administrators and representatives of qualifying Canadian trusts will be able to file trust income tax and information returns online, through the Canada Revenue Agenc...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2018
The federal government has announced the premium rates and maximum insurable earnings amount which will be in place for the 2018 calendar year. The premium rate for the year for employees has been set...
CRA announces CPP contribution rates and amounts for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution rates and amounts for both employers and employees which will apply for 2018. Maximum pensionable earnings for the year will be $55,900 (...
NS - Two-month HST holiday to begin December 14, 2024
As announced by the federal government last month, a two-month holiday from the imposition of the federal goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) will be provided on sales of specified t...
NS - Changes to provide expanded access to locked-in pension amounts
Where an individual who is a member of a registered pension plan (RPP) leaves their employer, funds which have accrued to their credit in that RPP are in most cases transferred to a “locked-in” ac...
NS - Province issues fiscal update for first quarter of 2024-25
The Nova Scotia government recently issued its first budget update for the province’s 2024-25 fiscal year; that update indicates that the province will run a higher-than-anticipated deficit. The upd...
NS - Heating Assistance Rebate Program opens October 1
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia residents with a rebate of $600 to help offset the cost of home heating under the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP). That rebate is generally availabl...
NS - Province extends current rent cap through 2027
The Nova Scotia government has announced that the current rent cap of 5% has been extended to apply until the end of 2027. The cap had been scheduled to end as of December 31, 2025. The rent cap provi...
NS - New registration and fee requirements to be required for specified short-term rentals
The provincial government has announced that, effective as of September 30, 2024, new registration requirements and registration fees and penalties will be imposed with respect to specified types of s...
NS - Changes made to Down Payment Assistance Program
The province provides assistance to first-time home buyers who have an annual household income of below $145,000 through its Down Payment Assistance Program. That Program helps provincial residents wh...
NS - Province to provide tax rebate on purpose-built rental housing projects
Nova Scotia provides a temporary program under which taxpayers can receive a rebate of the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) applicable to new purpose-built rental housing projects....
NS - Increase in provincial minimum wage effective April 1, 2024
Effective as of April 1, 2024, the Nova Scotia general minimum wage increased to $15.20 per hour. That change in the minimum wage follows the recommendation made by the province’s Minimum Wage Revie...
NS - Province to begin indexing of individual income tax brackets and credits
In its 2024-25 budget, the provincial government announced that indexing of individual income tax brackets and some non-refundable individual income tax credits would be introduced, effective as of th...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2024
During the 2024 taxation year the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate      Taxable Income Brackets 8.79%        �...
NS - Personal tax credit amounts for 2024
The province of Nova Scotia will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2024: Basic personal amount ………………………………… $11,481 Spouse or equivalent-to-spouse amount...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase April 1, 2024
The Nova Scotia government has announced that, following a recommendation of the province’s Minimum Wage Review Committee, the provincial general minimum wage will increase effective April 1, 2024. ...
NS - Province launches consultation process for 2024-25 budget
The Nova Scotia government has launched the consultation process for the 2024-25 provincial budget to be brought down in the spring of 2024. Residents of the province can send suggestions or comments ...
NS - New forgivable loan program for intergenerational housing builds
The provincial government has announced that residents of the province who build a secondary or backyard suite in their home or on their property may be eligible for up to $25,000 in forgivable loans....
NS - Skilled trades workers eligible for refund of provincial income tax paid
Nova Scotia residents who were under the age of 31 at the end of 2022 and who are registered as an apprentice or certified as a journeyperson in an eligible trade may receive a refund of provincial t...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase effective October 1, 2023
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced that the Nova Scotia general hourly minimum wage would increase twice during 2023. The first such increase took place on April 1, 2023, when the ...
NS - Applications for seniors’ property tax rebate available July 1, 2023
This year, Nova Scotia will provide eligible lower-income seniors in the province with a rebate of up to one-half of the amount which was paid for property taxes in 2022, with the maximum rebate being...
NS - Province expands small business wildfire relief program
Earlier this month, the Nova Scotia government announced that small businesses located within the mandatory wildfire evacuation zone would be eligible to receive a one-time, $2,500 grant to help offse...
NS - Provincial income tax refund available to under-30 workers in skilled trades
The province provides a refundable tax credit (the “More Opportunity for Skilled Trades and Occupations” tax refund) for individuals who are under the age of 30 and work in the province in specifi...
NS - Financial support for households and small businesses affected by wildfires
The Nova Scotia government has announced that financial assistance will be provided to households and small businesses in the province which have been affected by the recent wildfires. The Small Busin...
NS - Nova Scotia residents to receive climate action incentive payments in 2023-24
Eligible residents of Nova Scotia will begin receiving federal climate action incentive (CAI) payments, effective as of July 1, 2023.The quarterly payment amounts for Nova Scotia residents are as foll...
NS - Date announced for 2023-24 fiscal year budget
The Nova Scotia Minister of Finance has announced that the province’s budget for the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year will be released on Thursday March 23. Once the budget measures are announced, the f...
NS - Province accelerates planned increases to minimum wage
The Nova Scotia government had announced a five-stage increase in the provincial minimum wage which would see that minimum wage increase to $15.00 by April of 2024. Earlier this month, however, the go...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2023
During the 2023 taxation year the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate                     Taxable Income Brac...
NS - Payroll deduction formulas for 2023 released
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the payroll deduction formulas to be used by Nova Scotia employers during the 2023 tax year. The Guide to Payroll Deductions outlines the amounts which Nova Scot...
NS - Application process open for small business hurricane relief grant program
The Nova Scotia government has announced that it will be providing a grant to eligible small businesses which were affected by hurricane Fiona, and that the application process for that grant is now o...
NS - Province announces disaster financial relief for small businesses and households
The government of Nova Scotia has announced details of a disaster financial relief program for small businesses and households in the province. The Disaster Financial Assistance Program helps small bu...
NS - Minimum wage increase to take effect October 1, 2022
Effective as of October 1, 2022, the Nova Scotia general minimum wage will increase by 25 cents per hour, from $13.35 to $13.60 per hour. The change is the second in a planned five-stage increase in t...
NS - Applications now available for 2022 property tax rebate for seniors
Nova Scotia provides eligible seniors living in the province with a rebate of 50% of the previous year’s property taxes, to a maximum of $800. To qualify for the rebate, seniors must meet the follow...
NS - Children’s sports and arts tax credit available for 2022
In the 2022-23 budget, the government of Nova Scotia announced the creation of a new refundable tax credit to help offset the cost of enrolling children in athletic or arts programs. The maximum credi...
NS - Province introduces new sports and arts activities tax credit for children
Effective for the 2022 and subsequent taxation years, Nova Scotia is providing a new tax credit to help offset the cost of enrolling children (under age 19) in artistic, cultural, and physical activit...
NS - Province cancels plans for non-resident property tax
In its budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Nova Scotia government had announced that it would be imposing a special property tax on non-resident owners of residential property in the province. The...
NS - Multi-stage increase to provincial minimum wage announced
The Nova Scotia government has accepted the recommendation of its Minimum Wage Review Committee that the provincial minimum wage should increase to $15.00 per hour by 2024. That increase will take pla...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase effective April 1, 2022
The Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Review Committee recently submitted a report recommending increases to the provincial minimum wage. The provincial government has announced that the recommendation for an ...
NS - Province launches Budget consultation process for 2022-23
Nova Scotia has announced the start of the consultation process leading to the release of the province’s 2022-23 Budget in the spring of this year. Provincial residents can submit ideas, comments, o...
NS - CRA issues TD1 form for Nova Scotia residents for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the TD1 form to be used by residents of Nova Scotia for the 2022 tax year. On the TD1 form, an employee indicates the provincial personal tax credit amounts ...
NS - Province releases public accounts for 2020-21
The province has issued its Public Accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, summarizing Nova Scotia’s revenue, expenditure, and deficit picture for 2020-21. The province reported a deficit...
NS - Province approves financial hardship withdrawals from locked-in retirement accounts
Individuals who hold retirement savings in locked-in accounts cannot generally access those funds prior to reaching a specified age. The Nova Scotia government recently changed the existing rules to p...
NS - Application deadline for small business property tax rebate program extended
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced that it would be providing eligible Nova Scotia businesses with a partial rebate of their 2020-21 property taxes. The Small Business Real Propert...
NS - Application process for seniors’ property tax rebate starts July 1
The province provides a program for eligible seniors which reduces their property taxes by a maximum of $800. To be eligible for the 2021 program, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, must qualif...
NS - Application process open for Small Business Property Tax Rebate
The province provides a property tax rebate program for eligible Nova Scotia small businesses, with that program giving eligible businesses a one-time rebate of a portion of their paid property taxes....
NS - Provincial minimum wage increased as of April 1, 2021
Effective as of April 1, 2021, the general minimum wage payable in the province of Nova Scotia increased to $12.95 per hour. The general minimum wage rate does not apply to specified types of employee...
NS - Province brings down 2021-22 fiscal year Budget
The 2021-22 provincial Budget brought down on March 25, 2021 contained no new personal or corporate taxes or tax increases. The Budget did include an announcement of an extension to the Nova Scotia Eq...
NS - Property tax relief to be provided for small businesses in the service sector
The Nova Scotia government has announced that property tax relief will be provided to qualifying small businesses in the service sector, through a one-time rebate program. Under the Small Business Pro...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2021
During the 2021 taxation year, the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income tax brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate                              �...
NS - Province issues second Budget update for 2020-21
On December 17, the provincial Minister of Finance issued the province’s second Budget update for the current (2020-21) fiscal year. That update showed that the government is now forecasting a defic...
NS - Property tax rebate provided for qualifying tourism accommodation owners
The provincial government has announced that a partial rebate of 25% of commercial property tax paid for 2020-21 may be claimed by qualified owners of tourism accommodation in the province. To obtain ...
NS - Applications available for 2020-21 heating rebate program
Eligible Nova Scotia residents can receive an annual rebate of up to $200, intended to help offset the costs of home heating. To qualify for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, provincial residents...
NS - Province issues first fiscal update for 2020-21
The first fiscal update issued by the provincial government for the current (2020-21) fiscal year reflects the financial impact of the current pandemic. The government is forecasting a deficit of $852...
NS - Tax on vaping products to be implemented September 15
As announced in this year’s provincial Budget, the province will be introducing a new tax on all vaping products, effective as of September 15, 2020. Vaping substances, including those that do not c...
NS - Budget update projects current year deficit
On July 29, the Nova Scotia Finance and Treasury Board Minister brought down a budget update for the province’s 2020-21 fiscal year, which indicated that the province will run a deficit of $852.9 mi...
NS - Provincial digital animation tax credit extended
Nova Scotia provides eligible corporations with a refundable digital animation tax credit, with the amount of the credit based on a specified percentage of qualifying production-related expenditures. ...
NS - Province to provide small business grant and loan program
The government of Nova Scotia has announced that it will be providing financial support to small businesses in the province which have experienced recent revenue losses. That support will be provided ...
NS - Provincial minimum wage increased April 1, 2020
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage was increased, effective as of April 1, 2020. As of that date, the general minimum wage payable in the province increased from $11.55 to $12.55 per hour. As well, ...
NS - Innovation Equity Tax Credit extended to corporate investors
Since January 2019, the province has provided an Innovation Equity Tax Credit to individual investors. That credit has now been extended to be available to corporate investors, effective for corporate...
NS - Province to reduce general corporate income tax rate
In its 2020-21 fiscal year Budget, which was release on February 28, the provincial Minister of Finance announced that the province would be cutting the general corporate income tax rate. That rate wi...
NS - 2019 tax return package for Nova Scotia residents now available online
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the Individual Income Tax Return and Guide to be used by individuals who were residents of Nova Scotia as of December 31, 2019. That return and guide can b...
NS - Province launches 2020-21 Budget consultation process
The provincial government has announced the start of the consultation process for Nova Scotia’s 2020-21 Budget, which will run from November 28 to December 31, 2019. Provincial residents can partici...
NS - Applications now available for 2019-20 Heating Assistance Rebate
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia residents, through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) with a rebate of up to $200 to help offset home heating costs. A recent press release indicat...
NS - Province issues update on first quarter finances
The first-quarter fiscal update issued recently by the provincial government shows that Nova Scotia is on track to post a balanced budget for the current (2019-20) fiscal year. That fiscal update show...
NS - Province eliminates extra-provincial registration and renewal fees
Businesses which are incorporated in one province and expand their operations into a second province are generally required to pay extra-provincial registration and renewal fees in that second provinc...
NS - Province releases 2018-19 financial results
The province has released its Public Accounts for 2018-19, including audited financial statements for the year. Those statements show that Nova Scotia recorded a final surplus for the year of $120 mil...
NS - Student loan forgiveness available to post-July 2019 graduates
Changes are being made to the Nova Scotia Loan Forgiveness Program, effective as of August 1, 2019. Post-secondary students who complete their first undergraduate degree within an 8-year period and wh...
NS - Seniors’ 2019 property tax rebate applications available now
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia seniors with a rebate of 50% of property taxes paid during the previous year, to a maximum rebate of $800. The application process for the 2019 rebate is now...
NS - Province provides guidelines for Innovation Equity Tax Credit
As of January 1, 2019, the province provides an Innovation Equity Tax Credit which allows individual investors in qualifying Nova Scotia companies to earn a personal income tax credit. The maximum inv...
NS - Province creates new corporation innovation equity tax credit
In its Budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, the province announced that a corporate innovation equity tax credit would be made available, effective as of April 1, 2019. The new credit, which is similar...
NS - Province tables fourth consecutive balanced Budget
On March 26, the provincial Minister of Finance delivered a balanced Budget for the upcoming (2019-20) fiscal year. Projections included in the Budget also called for balanced budgets in each of the n...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase April 1, 2019
Effective April 1, 2019, the general minimum wage for experienced workers in the province will increase to $11.55 per hour. As of the same date, the minimum hourly wage for inexperienced workers incre...
NS - Province announces 2019-20 Budget date
The 2019-20 provincial Budget will be brought down by the Nova Scotia Minister of Finance on Tuesday March 26, 2019. Once the Budget is released, the budget papers will be posted on the provincial  g...
NS - Province creates Innovation Equity Tax Credit
The provincial government has announced that, effective immediately, it will be providing a new Innovation Equity Tax Credit. That new tax credit applies to investments up to $250,000 in eligible busi...
NS - 2019-20 Budget consultation process launched
The provincial government has announced that the consultation process for the 2019-20 Nova Scotia Budget commenced on November 30 and will end on December 31, 2018. Provincial residents can participat...
NS - Applications for 2018-19 home heating rebate program now available
The province government has announced that applications under the 2018-19 Heating Assistance Rebate Program are now available to be filed. That program provides eligible residents of the province with...
NS - Province releases first update of 2018-19 Budget
The first update since the release of the province’s Budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year shows an increase in the forecast surplus. The projected surplus is now $34.5 million, up $5.1 million from th...
NS - Seniors’ property tax rebate program expanded
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia seniors with a rebate of municipal property taxes paid for the previous year. That rebate is set at 50% of such property taxes paid, to a maximum rebate of $...
NS - Province receives highest-ever credit rating
The Nova Scotia government has announced that its credit rating from the ratings agency Standard and Poor’s was recently increased from A+ to AA-, which is the province’s highest rating to date fr...
NS - Province releases 2017-18 fiscal year results
Nova Scotia Finance has announced that the province ended its 2017-18 fiscal year in a surplus position. The gross surplus for the year ending March 31, 2018 was $230 million. That surplus figure was ...
NS - Applications available for interest-free down payment loans
The provincial government has announced that applications are now available for interest-free down payment loans for first-time homeowners. Under the Down Payment Assistance Program, the province will...
NS - Increase to provincial personal tax credits for 2018
Earlier this year, the province announced that a number of personal tax credit amounts have been increased for low and middle income taxpayers, effective as of the 2018 tax year. Each of the basic per...
NS - 2018-19 provincial Budget projects current year surplus
The 2018-19 Nova Scotia Budget brought down on March 20, 2018 indicates that the province will record a surplus of $29.4 million for the current (2018-19) fiscal year, and includes projections of bala...
NS - Personal income tax rates and brackets for 2018
For the 2018 tax year, the province of Nova Scotia will levy personal income tax at the following tax rates and brackets: 79% on the first $29,590 of taxable income; 95% on taxable income between $29...
NS - Minimum wage increase effective April 1
As of April 1, 2018, the provincial minimum wage will be increased, with that increase based on the 2017 national Consumer Price Index. That inflationary change will mean that the general minimum wage...
NS - CRA releases 2017 T1 tax return form for Nova Scotia residents
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the 2017 T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Benefit form to be used by individuals who were residents of Nova Scotia at the end of that year. The T1 form packag...
NS - Increased surplus projected in 2017-18 budget update
In the 2017-18 budget update presented on December 21, the province’s Minister of Finance was able to project an improvement in Nova Scotia’s net financial position for the current fiscal year. Th...
No increase in Old Age Security benefit amounts during first quarter of 2025
Benefits payable under the federal Old Age Security program are indexed to inflation on a quarterly basis, with inflationary increases in benefit amounts calculated using a prescribed indexing formula...
NETFILE service for prior year returns available until January 31
Canadian individual tax filers will be able to use the Canada Revenue Agency’s online NETFILE service to file income tax returns for the 2017 through 2023 taxation years until Friday January 31, 202...
Prescribed interest rates for 2025
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2025, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Inflation falls to 1.9% in November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined to 1.9% for the month of November 2024, as compared to the 2.0% inflation rate r...
Unemployment rate for November increases to 6.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate stood at 6.8% for the month of November. That rate represents an increase of 0.3% from Oct...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates by one-half percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement, the Bank of Canada indicated that the policy interest rate would be reduced by one-half percentage point. The Bank Rate has therefore declined fr...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2025
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Canada Pension Plan benefits to increase by 2.6% for 2025
Benefits received under the Canada Pension Plan are indexed annually to increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on that indexing formula, CPP benefits payable will increase by 2.6%, effective as ...
$250 payment to be issued under new “Working Canadians Rebate” program
The federal government has announced that eligible Canadians will receive a $250 Working Canadians Rebate to help them meet recent increases in the cost of living. The non-taxable rebate payment will ...
Federal government to provide temporary GST/HST holiday
The federal government recently announced that a temporary tax holiday would be provided from the imposition of the GST/HST. The two-month holiday will run from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025...
Inflation rate increases to 2.0% for October 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the overall rate of inflation for the month of October 2024. During October, the overall inflation rate stood...
Personal income tax brackets to increase by 2.7% in 2025
Federal personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are indexed, with such indexing based on year-over-year changes in the overall Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recentl...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for December 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change in unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of October. That rate stood at 6.5%, the same rate recorded for the ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for participants in online economy
Canadians who earn income from the online economy are required to report all such income earned on their annual tax returns. To assist the tax authorities in the enforcement of those reporting obligat...
Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2025
The federal government has announced the Canada Pension Plan contribution percentages and amounts which will be in effect during 2025. Maximum pensionable earnings for 2025 will be $71,300, and the ba...
CRA issues updated guide to Students and Income Tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a comprehensive guide to the federal tax rules relevant to post-secondary students during the current taxation year. That guide, P105 – Students and Income T...
Canada Carbon Rebate for small businesses to be issued in December 2024
In its budget for the 2024-25 year, the federal government announced that a new Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) would be provided for small businesses. In order to receive the CCR, a business must be a Can...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2025 announced
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates which will be payable by employees and employers during the 2025 calendar year. For 2025, those rates are set at $1.64 ...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates by one-half percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 23, the Bank of Canada announced that the Bank Rate would be lowered by one-half percentage point, from 4.5% to 4.0%. In the press...
Unemployment rate down slightly in September
The October release of the federal Labour Force Survey shows a slight reduction in the overall rate of unemployment recorded for September 2024, as compared to the previous month. That rate declined b...
Inflation rate drops to 1.6% for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation fell to 1.6% for the month of September 2024. As noted in the StatsCan release, that rate...
CRA issues Tax Tip on new rules for reporting of income earned from online sales
Millions of Canadians earn income by selling goods or services through websites or apps, and the revenue from such sales represents income to those vendors, which they are required to report on their ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for November 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA issues updated guides for GST/HST registrants
Canadian businesses which have sales of taxable goods or services in excess of $30,000 must register for GST/HST purposes and are required to file returns and remit GST/HST amounts on a prescribed sch...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement dates for 2025
The Bank of Canada has provided the dates on which it will make scheduled interest rate announcements during the 2025 calendar year. Those dates are as follows. Wednesday, January 29, Wednesday, Marc...
Old Age Security rates to increase by 1.3% in fourth quarter
Benefit amounts provided under the federal Old Age Security (OAS) program are indexed to inflation and adjusted at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The federal government has announ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for October 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Inflation rate for August down to 2.0%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August 2024, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.0% ...
Mortgage lending rules changed to expand access to 30-year amortizations
Finance Canada has announced that, effective as of December 15, 2024, all first-time home buyers and all buyers of new-build residential properties will qualify for 30-year amortization periods (the t...
Unemployment rate for August up by 0.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall unemployment rate for the month of August. That rate rose to 6.6%, as compared to the 6.4% r...
Upcoming deadline for third income tax instalment payment for 2024
The third individual income tax instalment payment for the 2024 tax year is due and payable on or before September 15, 2024. As September 15 falls on a Sunday this year, tax instalments due will be co...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating emp...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates by 0.25%
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 4, the Bank of Canada reduced interest rates by 0.25%, meaning that the Bank Rate is now 4.5%. In its press release announcing t...
Tax credit for volunteer first responders doubled for 2024
The federal government provides a non-refundable tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers who perform at least 200 hours of combined volunteer service during the year. Th...
CRA issues updated application form for child and family tax benefits
The federal, provincial, and territorial governments provide a number of child and family tax credit and benefit programs, and the current benefit year for such programs began on July 1, 2024. In most...
Upcoming deadline for third tax instalment payment for 2024
Individuals who pay income tax by instalments must make the third such instalment payment for the 2024 tax year on or before September 15th, 2024. As that date falls on a Sunday this year, such paymen...
Inflation rate for July 2024 down to 2.5%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation (as measured on a year-over-year basis) stood at 2.5% for the month of July - the lowest ...
No change in unemployment rate for July 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of July 2024. That rate stood at 6.4%, the same rate recorded for Ju...
Finance announces enhancements to Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that the inclusion rate for all capital gains earned by corporations after June 24, 2024 would increase from 50% to 66.6%. At the same time, t...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for September 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA issues guides to tax credit and benefit programs for 2024-25
The federal and provincial governments offer a range of tax credit and benefit programs which provide tax-free payments to eligible Canadians. The current benefit year for such credit and benefit prog...
30-year amortization mortgages to be available for first-time home buyers
Home purchasers who take out a mortgage must pay back that mortgage amount (plus interest) over a specified period of time, known as the amortization period. While the standard amortization period is ...
CRA expands SimpleFile service for 2023 returns
The federal and provincial governments offer a number of tax credits and benefits for which both eligibility and the amount receivable are determined, in part, by the income of the recipient. In order...
Interest and penalty relief for taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers a program – the Taxpayer Relief Program – under which interest and penalty charges can be waived where taxpayers are unable to meet their tax filing or ...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 24, the Bank of Canada announced that rates would be lowered by 25 basis points. As a result, the Bank Rate now stands at 4.75%. In t...
HST/GST exemption now provided for mental health services
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a News Release reminding taxpayers and mental health service providers that mental health services are now generally (except in the province of Québec) exempt fro...
Overall inflation rate down slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of June 2024. That rate stood at 2.7%, as compared to ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall rate of unemployment during the month of June 2024. That rate stood at 6.4%, as compared to ...
Upcoming filing deadline for small business Canada Carbon Rebate
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that the Canada Carbon Rebate program would be expanded to be available to small businesses. In order to be eligible for the rebate a small bu...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Increase in overall inflation rate for May 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of May 2024 stood at 2.9% – an increase from the 2.7% inflation figure...
New tax credit and benefit year begins July 1, 2024
The federal and provincial governments provide eligible taxpayers with a range of refundable tax credit and benefit amounts. Such benefits are generally paid on a monthly or quarterly basis and are re...
Increase in Old Age Security benefit amounts for third quarter of 2024
The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to Canadian residents aged 65 and older is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government recently announced that, for the thi...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Increase in capital gains tax effective June 25, 2024
As announced in the 2024-25 federal budget, the percentage of capital gains included in income will increase from 50% to 66.6%, effective for gains realized after June 24, 2024. The change in the incl...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of May increased slightly, to 6.2%. The comparable rate for April 2024 was 6.1%. Acr...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
June 17 return filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
All self-employed taxpayers, and their spouses, are required to file an individual income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before Monday June 17, 2024. All taxpayers (including those who are sel...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 5, the Bank of Canada announced that rates would be lowered by 25 basis points. As a result, the Bank Rate now stands at 5.0%. The ch...
Federal government to provide carbon rebate to small businesses
In its 2024-25 budget, the federal government announced the creation of the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, which will be provided to eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations which...
Upcoming deadline for second tax instalment payment for 2024
The second individual income tax instalment payment for the 2024 tax year is due and payable on or before Monday June 17, 2024. Taxpayers who are subject to the instalment payment requirement will hav...
CRA simplifies procedure for obtaining access to online services
The Canada Revenue Agency’s digital services make it possible for Canadian taxpayers to manage all of their personal tax filing, payment, and appeal rights and obligations online, on the Agency’s ...
Rate of inflation down slightly in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of April. For that month, the inflation rate stood at ...
Online application process now open for rental housing GST/HST rebate
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a notice indicating that applications for the GST/HST rebate for new purpose-built rental housing (PBRH) can be made online, on the CRA website, as of May 13, 2024...
Unemployment rate unchanged in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, while employment during the month of April increased by 90,000, the overall unemployment rate was unchanged from March,...
CRA issues updated Guide to reporting of self-employment income for 2023
Self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) are required to file an individual income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before June 17, 2024. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently updated and ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for June 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Making a payment arrangement with the Canada Revenue Agency
All Canadian individual taxpayers were required to pay any balance of income tax owed for the 2023 tax year on or before April 30, 2024. While self-employed taxpayers and their spouses have until June...
Upcoming change to capital gains inclusion rate
The 2024-25 federal budget included a measure to increase the percentage of capital gains which must be included in income by corporations and trusts and, in some circumstances, individual taxpayers. ...
Individual income tax return filing deadline is April 30, 2024
Most Canadian individual taxpayers are required to file their income tax return for the 2023 tax year on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024. The exception is self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) ...
April 30 payment deadline for all individual income tax amounts owed
All Canadian individual taxpayers who have tax amounts owing for the 2023 tax year must pay those amounts in full on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024. Where amounts owed are not paid in full by that d...
Inflation rate for March increases to 2.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation rose from 2.8% in February 2024 to 2.9% in March 2024. Both rates are as measured on a ye...
Federal budget proposes increase in Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limits
The federal home buyers' plan (HBP) allows eligible first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a first home. No tax is payab...
Budget 2024: Manipulation of Bankrupt Status
Budget 2024 proposes to repeal the exception to the debt forgiveness rules for bankrupt corporations and the loss restriction rule applicable to bankrupt corporations. This change would subject bankru...
Budget 2024: Synthetic Equity Arrangements
Budget 2024 proposes to remove the tax-indifferent investor exception (including the exchange traded exception) to the anti-avoidance rule. This measure would simplify the anti-avoidance rule and prev...
Budget 2024: Mutual Fund Corporations
Budget 2024 proposes amendments to the Income Tax Act to preclude a corporation from qualifying as a mutual fund corporation where it is controlled by or for the benefit of a corporate group (includ...
Budget 2024: Avoidance of Tax Debts
Budget 2024 proposes to introduce a supplementary rule to strengthen the tax debt anti-avoidance rule, applicable in the following circumstances: there has been a transfer of property from a tax debt...
Budget 2024: Interest Deductibility Limits - Purpose-Built Rental Housing
Legislative proposals to implement the excessive interest and financing expenses limitation (EIFEL) rules are currently before Parliament in Bill C-59. The EIFEL rules provide an exemption for interes...
Budget 2024: Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses
Budget 2024 proposes to return a portion of fuel charge proceeds from a province via the new Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, an automatic, refundable tax credit directly for eligible busine...
Budget 2024: Immediate Expensing for Productivity-Enhancing Assets
Budget 2024 proposes to provide immediate expensing for new additions of property in respect of Class 44 (patents or the rights to use patented information for a limited or unlimited period), Class 46...
Budget 2024: Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
Budget 2024 proposes to provide an accelerated CCA of 10% for new eligible purpose-built rental projects that begin construction on or after Budget Day and before January 1, 2031, and are available fo...
Budget 2024: Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Budget 2024 proposes adjustments to the Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit to provide greater support to businesses engaged in the production of qualifying materials at polymetallic ...
Budget 2024: Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit
Budget 2024 provides the design and implementation details of the Clean Electricity investment tax credit announced in Budget 2023. Eligible corporations would be: taxable Canadian corporations; prov...
Budget 2024: Home Buyers' Plan
Budget 2024 proposes to increase the home buyers' plan (“HBP”) withdrawal limit from $35,000 to $60,000. This increase would also apply to withdrawals made for the benefit of a disabled individual...
Budget 2024: Charities and Qualified Donees
Budget 2024 proposes to extend the period for which qualifying foreign charities are registered as a qualified donee from 24 months to 36 months. In addition, foreign charities would be required to su...
Budget 2024: Employee Ownership Trust Tax Exemption
Budget 2023 proposed tax rules to facilitate the creation of employee ownership trusts (“EOTs”). These legislative proposals are currently before Parliament in Bill C-59. The 2023 Fall Economic St...
Budget 2024: Disability Supports Deduction
Budget 2024 proposes to expand the list of expenses recognized under the Disability Supports Deduction, subject to the specified conditions, such as the cost of: an ergonomic work chair (including an...
Budget 2024: Canada Child Benefit
Budget 2024 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to extend eligibility for the Canada Child Benefit (“CCB”) in respect of a child for six months after the child's death (the "extended period"), if...
Budget 2024: Alternative Minimum Tax
Budget 2023 announced amendments to the Income Tax Act that would change the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) calculation. Draft legislative proposals to implement these changes were published for ...
Budget 2024: Volunteer Firefighters and Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credits
Budget 2024 proposes to double the credit amount for the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers Tax Credit from $3,000 to $6,000, applicable to the 2024 and subsequent ...
Budget 2024: Capital Gains Inclusion Rate
Budget 2024 proposes to increase the capital gains inclusion rate from one half to two thirds for corporations and trusts, and from one half to two thirds on the portion of capital gains realized in t...
Budget 2024: Canadian Entrepreneurs' Incentive
Budget 2024 proposes to introduce the Canadian Entrepreneurs' Incentive, which would reduce the tax rate on capital gains on the disposition of qualifying shares by an eligible individual. Specificall...
Budget 2024: Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption
The amount of the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (“LCGE”) is $1,016,836 in 2024 and indexed to inflation. Budget 2024 proposes to increase the LCGE to apply to up to $1.25 million of eligible ca...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of March. That rate increased by 0.3%, to 6.1%. Among demograph...
Mineral exploration tax credit program extended for additional year
The federal government provides investors in flow-through shares of qualifying mineral exploration companies with a non-refundable 15% tax credit. That mineral exploration tax credit program was sched...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for May 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change to Old Age Security rates for second quarter of 2024
Increases to benefits payable under the Old Age Security program are based on changes to the Consumer Price Index, with such benefit amounts indexed quarterly. The federal government has announced tha...
CRA issues updated guide to students and income tax
Post-secondary students are entitled to claim a number of tax deductions and credits for costs relating to their education. In addition, such students are frequently in a position to claim several tax...
Inflation rate down slightly in February 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight decline in the overall inflation rate for the month of February 2024. That rate stood at 2.8%, a 0.1% decline from ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for April 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Unemployment rate up slightly in February 2024
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall rate of unemployment during the month of February. That rate rose to 5.8%, as compared to th...
Date announced for release of 2024-25 federal budget
Finance Canada has announced that the federal budget for the upcoming (2024-25) fiscal year will be brought down on Tuesday April 16, 2024, at around 4 p.m. Once the budget measures are announced, the...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 5.25...
Old Age Security clawback income threshold for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency has published the income threshold which will apply for purposes of the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback threshold during 2024. Individuals who receive OAS benefits can have u...
Electronic filing now mandatory for GST/HST registrants
Canadian businesses which have registered for goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) purposes must file returns with the federal government on a prescribed schedule, which can be monthl...
Inflation rate declines slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation declined to below 3% during the month of January 2024. The inflation rate for that month (as meas...
NETFILE service for filing of 2023 tax returns now available
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its digital services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year are now open. Both NETFILE and ReFILE services are available 21...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for March 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Slight decline in unemployment rate for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight drop in the overall rate of unemployment for the month of January 2024. That rate declined by 0.1%, from 5.8% to 5.7...
CRA announces individual tax filing deadlines for 2023 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be Tuesday April 30, 2024. Self-employed individuals and their spous...
February 29, 2024 deadline for making RRSP contributions for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the deadline for making registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions which can be deducted on the return for the 2023 tax year will be Thursday ...
Income tax return packages to be sent by mid-February
While the majority of Canadian taxpayers file their income tax returns by electronic means, paper returns can still be filed with and processed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Agency will be s...
NETFILE service for 2023 tax returns available February 19
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its services for the online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be available in mid-February. Both NETFILE and ReFILE servic...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for February 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 24, 2024, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
Online filing of prior year tax returns available until January 26
Canadian taxpayers can still file individual income tax returns for the 2017 to 2022 tax years using the Canada Revenue Agency’s online tax filing service NETFILE. The NETFILE filing service provide...
Rate of inflation increases in December 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the overall rate of inflation for the month of December 2023. That rate stood at 3.4%, as compared to the 3.1...
January 18 deadline for repayment of CEBA loans
During the pandemic, the federal government provided loan financing to eligible Canadian businesses through the Canada Emergency Business Assistance (CEBA) program. Such loan amounts provided are part...
No change in unemployment rate for December 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2023. That rate stood at 5.8%, the same as the rate reco...
No change in inflation rate for November 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows no change in the overall rate of inflation for the month of November 2023. That rate stood at 3.1%, the same rate recorded f...
Canada Pension Plan benefits to increase by 4.4% in 2024
Benefits paid under the Canada Pension Plan are indexed annually, based on changes to the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that CPP benefits paid during the 2024 calendar yea...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2024
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Prescribed interest rates for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2024, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Old Age Security payments to increase by 0.8% for first quarter of 2024
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has announced that Old Age Security (OAS) payments for the first quarter (January to March) of 2024 will increase by 0.8%. OAS benefit amounts are adjus...
Final individual income tax instalment for 2023 due on December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2023 tax year must be mad...
Little change in unemployment rate for November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the general unemployment rate for the month of November 2023. For that month, unemployment stood at 5.8%, as...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 6, 2023, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
New T4 and T4A reporting requirements for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip reminding employers and pension plan administrators of a change in T4 and T4A reporting rules, beginning with the 2023 tax year. All issuers of T4s and T...
CRA announces indexation adjustment for 2024 personal tax amounts
Annual changes in personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that, for the upcoming 2024 tax year, su...
Fall Economic Statement shows deficit of $40 billion for current fiscal year
The 2023-24 Fall Economic Statement brought down by the Minister of Finance on November 21 indicates that the federal government will run a deficit of $40 billion for the current (2023-24) fiscal year...
Overall inflation rate declines in October 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a drop in the overall inflation rate for the month of October, with the inflation rate for that month coming in at 3.1%, as ...
Deadline extended for filing of underused housing tax returns for 2022
The federal government levies a 1% underused housing tax (“UHT”) on some owners of vacant or underused residential properties in Canada. Generally, affected property owners are foreign nationals, ...
Date announced for release of Fall Economic Statement
Finance Canada has announced that the Fall Economic Statement for the 2023-24 fiscal year will be presented by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday November 21, 2023 at around 4 p.m. Once the measures i...
Little change in overall unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the unemployment rate recorded for the month of October 2023. That rate rose by 0.2%, from 5.5% to 5.7%, wit...
CRA announces Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2024
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution percentages, limits, and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during 2024. Those figures include change...
Rural supplement for Climate Action Incentive Payment to be increased
Residents of Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador receive a Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) from the federa...
Temporary exemption from carbon tax on purchases of home heating oil
The federal government has announced that sales of home heating oil delivered between November 9, 2023 and April 1, 2027 will be exempt from the federal carbon tax. In the same announcement, the feder...
CRA issues Tax Tip on reporting of cryptocurrency holdings and transactions
Canadians who hold “crypto-assets”, including cryptocurrency, are required to report any income or capital gains resulting from transactions involving such assets. The Canada Revenue Agency recent...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 25, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. The Bank Rate accordingly re...
CRA issues information on registration renewal for EFILE providers for 2024
EFILE services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year will be available sometime in early 2024. The Canada Revenue Agency recently issued a program update reminding EFIL...
Inflation rate down slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a drop in the overall rate of inflation for the month of September. That rate stood at 3.8%, as compared to the 4.0% inflati...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for November
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
No change in unemployment rate for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows no change in the overall unemployment rate recorded for the month of September, with that rate remaining at 5.5% for the thir...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2024
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has announced the premium rates and limits which will apply for purposes of the Employment Insurance program during the 2024 calendar year. For 2024, as a re...
Increase in Old Age Security benefits for October to December 2023
The federal government has announced that amounts paid under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2023. The increases are based on changes t...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for October
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Inflation rate increases to 4.0% in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August stood at 4.0%, as compared to the 3.3% inflation rate recorded fo...
Interest and penalty relief provided for taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip indicating that interest and penalty relief will be provided to taxpayers who are unable to meet their tax filing and/or payment obligations due to this ...
Repayment deadline extended for small business pandemic loans
During the pandemic, the federal government provided the small business sector with financial assistance through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program. That program provided eligible sm...
Prescribed interest rates for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the last quarter of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpos...
No change in unemployment rate for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of August stood at 5.5%, the same rate recorded for the month of July. As no...
Third individual instalment payment of 2023 due September 15
Individual Canadian taxpayers who pay federal income tax by instalments make those instalment payments of tax four times each year, by specified deadlines. The third income tax instalment deadline for...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate re...
Credit toward CERB repayment debt available to eligible post secondary students
During the pandemic a number of post-secondary students received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and, in some cases, have been asked to repay those benefits to the federal government. The...
Increase in withdrawal limits for Registered Education Savings Plans
Canadian parents can save for their children’s post-secondary education on a tax-assisted basis, through the federal Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) program, which allows parents to contrib...
New forms issued for withdrawals and transfers involving First Home Savings Accounts
Beginning in 2023, Canadians are able to save for the purchase of a first home on a tax-assisted basis through the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) program. One of the features of the FHSA progra...
Upcoming changes to electronic filing requirements for businesses
For several years, businesses which file more than 50 information returns (slips and summaries) have been required to file those returns by electronic means, rather than paper filing. Effective as of ...
Finance Canada issues reminder of availability of First Home Savings Accounts
Beginning in 2023, Canadians aged 18 and over can save for the purchase of a first home on a tax-assisted basis, through the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) program. Contributions (to a maximum of $...
Increase in rate of inflation for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall inflation rate increased by .5% for the month of July. That rate reached 3.3%, as compared to the 2.8% infl...
Updated publication issued for GST/HST tax credit for 2023-24
The federal government provides a refundable tax credit to lower and middle-income  Canadians, to help offset the impact of the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST). That credit is p...
Unemployment rate for July up by 0.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in overall unemployment rate for the month of July 2023. That rate increased by 0.1% to 5.5%. Across demographi...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for September 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada releases schedule for interest rate announcements in 2024
The Bank of Canada issues interest rate announcements on eight scheduled dates throughout the year, and the Bank recently released its schedule for such announcements during 2024. Interest rate announ...
Updated guide issued for Canada Child Benefit program for 2023-24
Through its Canada Child Benefit program, the federal government provides a non-taxable monthly benefit to parents of children under the age of 18. Benefit amounts are adjusted at the start of each be...
CRA issues updated information on tax collection policies
During the pandemic, relieving changes were made to the policies and practices of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with respect to the collection of tax amounts owed by Canadians. In the past several m...
Second benefit period for Canada Dental Benefit opened July 1
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadian taxpayers that applications for the second benefit period for the Canada Dental Benefit can be made as of July 1, 2023. Eligible families ca...
Overall inflation rate for June down to 2.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of June 2023 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) stood at 2.8%. The com...
Increases to Old Age Security benefits effective July 2023
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security program will increase for the July to September 2023 benefit period. Effective with the July 2023 payment, the max...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, another increase to interest was warranted. Consequently, the Bank Rate now stand...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for August 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Advance payment of Canada Workers’ Benefit begins in July 2023
The Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit provided to lower-income individuals and families which have working income from employment or self-employment. In previous years, the CW...
Taxpayer relief for Canadians affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadians of the availability of administrative relief from tax interest and penalty charges for taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s ...
Inflation rate down to 3.4% for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for May 2023 stood at 3.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable rate fo...
Online digital form now available for disability tax credit applications
Qualifying Canadians are entitled to claim a disability tax credit which reduces both federal and provincial tax payable. In order to claim that credit an individual must complete and submit an applic...
New information released on upcoming payment of grocery rebate
The federal government has released additional details of the “grocery rebate” which was announced in the 2023 federal Budget. That rebate is scheduled to be paid to eligible Canadians on July 5, ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that unemployment rose slightly during May 2023, the first such increase since August of 2022. During May, the unemployment r...
Prescribed interest rates for first three quarters of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates by one-quarter percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 7, the Bank of Canada indicated that interest rates would be increased by one-quarter percentage point, bringing the Bank Rate to 5%....
Second individual income tax instalment for 2023 due June 15
Canadians who pay income tax by instalment make those instalment payments of tax four times each year, by specified deadlines. The second income tax instalment deadline for the 2023 tax year falls on ...
June 15, 2023 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
While most Canadian taxpayers were required to file their income tax returns for the 2022 tax year on or before May 1, 2023, self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) have until Thursday June 15, 20...
New tax credit and benefit year starts July 1, 2023
The federal (and provincial) governments provide taxpayers with a number of tax credits and benefits which are delivered through monthly or quarterly direct payments. In many cases, eligibility for su...
Payment of one-time “grocery rebate” scheduled for July 5
In its 2023-24 budget, the federal government announced that, to assist Canadians coping with recent inflationary increases in the cost of food, it would be providing a one-time “grocery rebate”. ...
Making a payment arrangement with the Canada Revenue Agency
All Canadian individual taxpayers were required to pay any tax balance owed for the 2022 tax year on or before May 1, 2023. As of May 2, 2023, interest at a rate of 9% is levied on all such outstandin...
Inflation rate up slightly for April 2023
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation increased slightly during the month of April, to 4.4%. The comparable rate for March 2023...
CRA issues updated publication on taxpayer objection and appeal rights
Most Canadians were required to file an income tax return for the 2022 tax year by the end of April 2023. For each such filing, a Notice of Assessment is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), out...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for June 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Requesting a reduction in tax withholdings from Old Age Security payments
Canadians who receive Old Age Security (OAS) benefits and whose net income is above a specified threshold (currently $86,912) must repay a portion of those benefits, through the OAS recovery tax (or c...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for May 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
May 1, 2023 deadline for filing of individual income tax returns for 2022
Most individual Canadian taxpayers must file their income tax returns for the 2022 tax year on or before Monday, May 1, 2023. Self-employed individuals and their spouses, however, have until June 15, ...
May 1, 2023 deadline for payment of individual income taxes for 2022
Monday May 1, 2023 is the deadline by which all individual income taxes owed for the 2022 tax year must be paid. The May 1 payment deadline applies regardless of the date by which an individual must f...
CRA warns of scam involving grocery rebate
In the 2023-24 budget, the federal government announced that a one-time payment would be made to Canadians to help them meet inflationary increases in the cost of living. That payment – the “groce...
Inflation rate for March down to 4.3%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall inflation rate for the month of March 2023 stood at 4.3%, as compared to the 5.2% rate recorded for Februar...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 12, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 4.75...
Unemployment rate for March unchanged at 5.0%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of March 2023 stood at 5.0%, the same rate recorded for the previous month. ...
Federal government announces OAS payment amounts for second quarter of 2023
Old Age Security (OAS) benefits paid monthly to eligible Canadians are indexed to inflation on a quarterly basis, meaning that such benefit amounts increase to reflect that indexing at the beginning o...
Penalty and interest waiver available for Underused Housing Tax returns
The federal government imposes a 1% annual Underused Housing Tax (UHT) on the ownership of vacant or underused housing in Canada. While the tax usually applies to non-resident, non-Canadian owners it ...
CRA resumes debt collection activities
Where the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) owes an amount to the taxpayer (such as a tax refund), the Agency has the right to deduct from that amount any debts owed by the taxpayer to the federal governmen...
Prescribed interest rates for first half of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
Budget 2023 - Alcohol Excise Duty
Budget 2023 proposes to temporarily cap the inflation adjustment for excise duties on beer, spirits, and wine at two per cent, for one year only, as of April 1, 2023. The excise duty rates on all alco...
Budget 2023 - General Anti-Avoidance Rule (“GAAR”)
Budget 2023 proposes to amend the GAAR by: introducing a preamble; changing the avoidance transaction standard; introducing an economic substance rule; introducing a penalty; and extending the reasse...
Budget 2023 - Strengthening the Intergenerational Business Transfer Framework
Budget 2023 proposes to amend the rules introduced by Bill C-208 to ensure that they apply only where a genuine intergenerational business transfer takes place. To provide flexibility, it is proposed ...
Budget 2023 - Registered Disability Savings Plans
Budget 2023 proposes to extend the qualifying family member measure (which allows a family member to open an RDSP for an adult relative) by three years, to December 31, 2026. Siblings will also be qua...
Budget 2023 - Registered Education Savings Plans
Budget 2023 proposes to increase limits on certain RESP withdrawals from $5,000 to $8,000 for full-time students, and from $2,500 to $4,000 for part-time students. Budget 2023 also proposes to allow d...
Budget 2023 - Deduction for Tradespeople’s Tool Expenses
Budget 2023 proposes to double the maximum employment deduction for tradespeople’s and apprentice mechanics’ tools from $500 to $1,000, effective for 2023 and subsequent taxation years....
Budget 2023 - Automatic Tax Filing
The CRA’s automatic tax filing service called “File My Return”, which reached some 53,000 Canadians in 2022, will be expanded to reach more than 2 million Canadians by 2025. The government will ...
Budget 2023 - Grocery Rebate
Budget 2023 proposes to introduce an increase to the maximum GST/HST tax credit (“GSTC”) amount for January 2023 that would be known as the Grocery Rebate. Eligible individuals would receive an ad...
Budget 2023 - Alternative Minimum Tax for High-Income Individuals
The federal government proposes to: Increase the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) capital gains inclusion rate from 80% to 100%. Capital loss carry forwards and allowable business investment losse...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for April 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Inflation rate for February 2023 at 5.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index puts the overall rate of inflation for the month of February 2023 at 5.2%, as compared to the 5.9% rate recorded for January. Both...
April 1 launch of Tax-Free First Home Savings Account program
As part of the 2022 Federal Budget, the federal government introduced the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). The FHSA allows eligible taxpayers to contribute $8,000 per year (to a lifetime ma...
Date announced for 2023-24 Federal Budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the 2023-24 Federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday March 28, 2023, at around 4 p.m. EST. The media release providing the budget date can be found on ...
CRA telephone help services for 2023 filing season
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides taxpayers with several telephone help lines, through which taxpayers can obtain both general tax information and information specific to their tax situation. T...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
For the first time since January of 2022, the Bank of Canada has determined that no increase to current interest rates is needed. Consequently, the Bank Rate remains at 4.75%. In the press release ann...
CRA announces meal and vehicle expense amounts claimable for 2022
Taxpayers are entitled to make a claim on their annual return for costs incurred in certain circumstances for meal costs and vehicle expenses. Such costs may, for instance, be claimable by individuals...
Inflation rate for January 2023 decreases to 5.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation continues to moderate. The inflation rate for the month of January 2023 stood at 5.9%, as...
March 31, 2023 deadline for claiming top-up to Canada Housing Benefit
In 2022, the federal government announced the creation of a top-up to the existing Canada Housing Benefit, which would provide a one-time payment of $500 to lower income individuals who pay a dispropo...
CRA issues Tax Tip on reporting of income from pandemic benefits
Millions of Canadians received federal government benefits during the pandemic, and those benefits represented income which must be reported on the annual tax return. The CRA will, by the end of Febru...
No change in unemployment rate for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, while there was an increase in employment during January 2023, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.0%. Employment ...
CRA announces payment deadline for 2022 tax balances
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the tax payment deadline for individual income taxes owed for the 2022 tax year will be Monday May 1, 2023. While the payment deadline is usually April 30,...
CRA announces individual tax filing deadline for 2022 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year will be Monday May 1, 2023. While the filing deadline is usually April 30, an e...
March 1, 2023 deadline for making RRSP contributions for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the deadline for making registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions which can be deducted on the return for the 2022 tax year will be Wednesday...
CRA issues individual income tax return package for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the tax package to be used for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year. That package, which includes both the income tax return and...
NETFILE service for 2022 returns available February 20
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for filing of federal individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year will be available on Monday February 20, 2023. Informat...
CRA to distribute paper T1 return forms to selected taxpayers
While the majority of Canadian taxpayers file their individual income tax returns electronically, a significant number of taxpayers file a paper return. The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip ...
Bank of Canada announces eighth straight increase in interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 25, the Bank of Canada announced that interest rates would be increased by one-quarter percentage point. That change marks the eig...
NETFILE service for prior year returns open until January 27
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of prior year returns will be available until January 27, 2023. Specifically, NETFILE and ReFILE services for tax years ...
Inflation rate down slightly in December 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation declined slightly during the month of December 2022. For that month, inflation stood at 6...
Finance holds public consultation process for 2023-24 federal Budget
Finance Canada is currently conducting the consultation process leading to the release of the 2023-24 federal Budget this spring. There are two parts to the budget consultation process – an online s...
Unemployment rate for December 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2022 stood at 5.0%. During the month of December, the country ad...
Canada Pension Plan retirement benefit amounts for 2023
The federal government has announced the amounts which may be paid as benefits under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during 2023. The amount of retirement benefit receivable by an individual is based on...
Old Age Security benefit amounts for first quarter of 2023
The federal government has announced the amounts which will be paid to recipients of Old Age Security benefits for the first quarter of 2023. Such benefit amounts are indexed quarterly, based on the c...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement dates for 2023
The Bank of Canada announces its decision with respect to interest rates on eight scheduled dates each year, and the Bank has provided the dates on which such interest rate announcements will be made ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for January 2023
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Prescribed interest rates for first quarter of 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2023, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of ...
Application process for rental support payment now open
The federal government is providing a one-time non-taxable $500 payment to assist eligible Canadians who pay more than 30% of their income for rental housing, and the application process for that bene...
Final individual instalment payment for 2022 due on December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2022 tax year must be mad...
Bank of Canada announces seventh straight increase in interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 7, the Bank of Canada announced that interest rates would be increased by one-half percentage point. That change marks the sevent...
Old Age Security benefit clawback threshold for 2023
Most Canadians are eligible to receive Old Age Security (OAS) benefits after they turn 65 (although receipt of such benefits can be deferred to as late as age 70). Regardless of the age at which recei...
CRA issues 2022 guide to employee taxable benefits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication T4130 Employers’ Guide – Taxable Benefits and Allowances. The Guide, which can be found on the CRA website at T4130 Employ...
Tax-free savings account contribution limit increased for 2023
Canadians over the age of 17 can make annual contributions (up to a specified maximum) to a tax-free savings account (TFSA). While contributions made are not deductible from income, all investment inc...
CRA announces personal income tax indexing factor for 2023
Each year, personal income tax brackets and tax credit amounts are increased to reflect year-over-year changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that the indexing fa...
Overall unemployment rate for October at 5.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of October 2022 stood at 5.2%.During that month, employment increased among ...
Inflation rate for October comes in at 6.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of October stood at 6.9%, the same rate recorded for the month of September...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2023 announced
The federal government has announced the amount of Employment Insurance (EI) premiums which will be payable by employees and employers during the 2023 calendar year. The 2023 EI premium rate is $1.63 ...
Canada Workers Benefit to be paid in advance
The Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit provided by the federal government to lower income Canadians who have “earned working income” during the year. The credit of up to $1,428 for ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for December 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Canada Revenue Agency announces CPP contribution amounts for 2023
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for 2023 will be $66,600. The basic exemption amount for 2023 remains $3,500. Th...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 26, the Bank of Canada once again announced an increase in interest rates, bringing the Bank Rate to 4.00%. The most recent change...
Canada Revenue Agency issues updated guide to determining who is an employee
The characterization of an individual as an employee or as a self-employed taxpayer affects both the tax treatment of that individual’s income and the remittance and filing obligations which are imp...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Food inflation rate reaches 41-year high in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that inflationary increases in the price of food continue to outpace the overall inflation rate.During September, that overa...
Filing and payment deadline extension provided to taxpayers in Atlantic Canada
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that administrative tax relief will be provided to taxpayers living in Atlantic Canada who were affected by Hurricane Fiona. Specifically, the CRA has announced...
Unemployment rate down slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that there was little change in the overall employment picture for the month of September. The unemployment rate for that mon...
Old Age Security benefit amounts to increase for fourth quarter of 2022
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the October to December 2022 benefit period. For that period, and owing to changes...
November 3 final application deadline for business pandemic benefits
While the last of the pandemic benefit programs for Canadian businesses ended as of May 7, 2022, eligible businesses have up to 180 days after the end of a benefit claim period to apply for such benef...
Federal government to provide one-time Canada Housing Benefit top-up payment
Finance Canada has announced that it plans to provide a one-time payment of $500 under the Canada Housing Benefit program, to assist individuals and families who must allocate a significant portion of...
Federal government matching program for Atlantic Canada storm relief donations
The federal government has announced that, for a period of 30 days (until October 24, with the possibility of extension), it will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross for storm relief effort...
Overall inflation rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of August was down slightly. That rate stood at 7.0% (as measured on a year...
GST/HST tax credit doubled for July to December 2022 period
The federal government provides eligible Canadians with a GST/HST tax credit, with the amount of credit receivable based on family composition, size, and income. For the July 2022 through June 2023 b...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Unemployment rate increases by 0.5% in August 2022
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of August rose slightly, to 5.4%. Among demographic groups, employment fell among yo...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employee ...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 7, the Bank of Canada once again announced an increase in interest rates, bringing the Bank Rate to 3.50%. The most recent chang...
CRA issues updated form for requests to reduce employee source deductions
Canadian employees have tax deducted from their income at source – that is, the employer deducts income tax from the employee’s wages and then remits such tax to the federal government on the empl...
Third instalment payment for 2022 due September 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make such payments quarterly. The third instalment payment deadline for the 2022 tax year falls on Thursday September 15, 2022. Mo...
Prescribed rate for leasing for September 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
CRA issues Tax Tip on electronic filing of T2 returns
All Canadian resident corporations, regardless of size, are required to file a T2 corporation income tax return annually. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip for such corporate filers...
Finance Canada issues details of Tax-Free First Home Savings Account
In this year’s budget, the federal government announced that, beginning in 2023, first-time home buyers would be able to save for a home purchase on a tax-free basis, through the new Tax-Free First ...
Inflation rate for July down by one-half percentage point
The most release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 7.6%. The comparable rate for Jun...
CRA issues guides to GST/HST tax credit and Canada Child Benefit for 2022-23
The benefit year for most individual tax credit and benefit programs administered by the Canada Revenue Agency runs from July 1 to the following June 30, and benefit amounts change with each year. The...
Unemployment rate for July unchanged
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment for the month of July was unchanged, at 4.9%. Employment was down in Ontario and Prince Edward ...
Canada Revenue Agency issues updated guide to Tax Free Savings Accounts
Since 2009 Canadians have been able to save on a tax-sheltered basis through Tax Free Savings Accounts, or TFSAs. While TFSA contributions made are not tax-deductible, investment income earned by cont...
Bank of Canada provides interest rate announcement dates for 2023
The Bank of Canada has released the schedule on which it will make interest rate announcements during the 2023 calendar year. Those announcements will be made on the following dates:  January 25, Mar...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for August
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescrib...
Upcoming deadline for payment of third individual instalment for 2022
Canadian individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments make such payments four times a year, on prescribed dates. The third such instalment payment for 2022 is due and payable on or before Th...
Canada Child Benefit amounts increase as of July 2022
The Canada Child Benefit is a non-taxable payment made monthly by the federal government to eligible families having children under the age of 18. There are two benefit levels – one for children und...
Inflation rate for June reaches 8.1%
The July release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation reached 8.1% for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis. That 8.1% figure was ...
Unemployment rate for June down to 4.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of June fell by 0.2%, to a new record low of 4.9%. Statistics Canada, howeve...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates by 1 percentage point
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 13, the Bank of Canada increased interest rates by a full percentage point. Consequently, the Bank Rate now stands at 2.75%, the high...
Application period for business pandemic benefits for 2022 still open
While the remaining pandemic benefit relief programs for businesses ended on May 7, 2022, the application process for such benefits for 2022 is still open. Applications are made and benefits paid sepa...
Increases to Old Age Security benefits effective July 2022
The federal government has announced that maximum payments under the Old Age Security (OAS) program will increase for the July to September 2022 benefit period. Two changes will take effect as of July...
Maximum permitted borrowings under some mortgage lending products to be reduced
The Office the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has announced that changes will be made with respect to maximum borrowings permitted under some “combined loan plans”. Those products...
New federal child and family benefit payment year starts July 1
For many federal tax benefits, including the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Workers Benefit, and the Climate Action Incentive Payment, the new benefit payment year starts on July...
First Climate Action Incentive payments to be made in July
The federal government provides residents of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan with a Climate Action Incentive (CAI) intended to help offset the cost of the federal carbon tax. In previous ...
Inflation rate for May reaches 7.7%
The overall inflation rate for the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 7.7% – nearly a full percentage point higher than the 6.8% increase recorded for the month of April 2...
Old Age Security rates increase for Canadians over age 75
Effective as of July 1, 2022, the monthly Old Age Security benefit will be increased by 10% for recipients aged 75 and older. Recipients who turn 75 after July 1, 2022 will see the increase in their b...
Unemployment rate reaches historic low of 5.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall rate of unemployment for the month of May stood at 5.1% – marking a new record low for the third consecuti...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purp...
Upcoming deadline for payment of 2022 individual income tax instalment
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make such payments quarterly. The second instalment payment deadline for the 2022 tax year falls on Wednesday June 15, 2022. Most ...
Upcoming deadline for filing of 2021 returns by self-employed taxpayers
While all individual taxpayers were required to pay any balance of taxes owed for the 2021 tax year on or before April 30, 2022, self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) benefit from a later tax re...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates by one-half percent
As anticipated, in its scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 1, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by another one-half percentage point. This latest change brings the Bank Rate to 1....
Updated guide issued on Tax-Free Savings Accounts
The Canada Revenue Agency recently updated and re-issued its Guide RC4466 to the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The updated Guide includes information on determining TFSA contribution room, permitte...
CRA provides Tax Tip on correcting errors in a tax return
The CRA has issued a new Tax Tip for tax filers who become aware, after the return has been filed, that their income tax return for 2021 contains an error. In all cases taxpayers should wait until the...
CRA issues Notices of Redetermination on CERB overpayments
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, more than 8 million Canadians applied for and received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). In applying for the CERB, recipients self-assessed their ...
Inflation rate for April reaches 6.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the overall rate of inflation reached 6.8% for the month of April 2022, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The lar...
Application process for pandemic benefit programs continues
Most of the pandemic benefit programs which the federal government has provided over the past two years came to an end on May 7, 2022. Notwithstanding the ending of the programs, applications for bene...
Unemployment rate for April at new record low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of April stood at 5.2%, down 0.1% from the rate recorded for March 2022. Among demog...
First-time Home Buyers’ tax credit amount doubled
The federal government provides a non-refundable tax credit to first time home buyers (defined as individuals who have not owned and lived in a home in the current year or any of the previous four yea...
Inflation rate reaches 30-year high
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of March 2022 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) was the highest such rate sin...
Pandemic benefit programs for individuals to end on May 7, 2022
Under current legislation, three major pandemic benefit programs for individuals are scheduled to expire on May 7, 2022. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, a...
Home accessibility tax credit amount increased
Since 2016, the federal government has provided a non-refundable tax credit for home renovation expenses undertaken to increase accessibility. Individuals eligible for this credit include those who ar...
CRA issues one-time grant payment to seniors
In some instances, seniors who were eligible for the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and who received pandemic benefits during 2020 saw their GIS benefit amounts reduced or eliminated begin...
May 2, 2022 payment deadline for income taxes owed for 2021
All Canadian individual taxpayers are required to pay income tax balances owed for 2021 on or before Monday May 2, 2022. Where payment is not made on or before that date, interest will be levied on al...
Unemployment rate for March at record low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of March stood at 5.3%. That rate is the lowest rate on record since compara...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 13, the Bank of Canada determined that an increase in interest rates was warranted. Following that increase, the Bank Rate stands at...
Budget 2022: Taxation of Vaping Products
The proposed federal excise duty framework for vaping products would come into force on October 1, 2022. Retailers may continue to sell until January 1, 2023, unstamped products that are in inventory ...
Budget 2022: GST/HST on Assignment Sales by Individuals
Budget 2022 proposes to amend the Excise Tax Act to make all assignment sales in respect of newly constructed or substantially renovated residential housing taxable for GST/HST purposes....
Budget 2022: Substantive CCPCs
Budget 2022 proposes targeted amendments to the Income Tax Act to align the taxation of investment income earned and distributed by “substantive CCPCs” with the rules that currently apply to CC...
Budget 2022: Genuine Intergenerational Share Transfers
Budget 2022 announces a consultation process for Canadians to share views as to how the existing rules could be modified to protect the integrity of the tax system while continuing to facilitate genu...
Budget 2022: Small Business Deduction
In order to facilitate small business growth, Budget 2022 proposes to extend the range over which the business limit is reduced based on the combined taxable capital employed in Canada of the Canadia...
Budget 2022: Medical Expense Tax Credit for Surrogacy and Other Expenses
Budget 2022 proposes to broaden the Medical Expense Tax Credit to recognize circumstances that involve medical expenses for individuals other than the intended parents....
Budget 2022: Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople
Budget 2022 proposes to introduce a Labour Mobility Deduction for Tradespeople to recognize certain travel and relocation expenses of workers in the construction industry....
Budget 2022: Residential Property Flipping Rule
Profits arising from dispositions of residential property (including a rental property) that was owned for less than 12 months would be deemed to be business income....
Budget 2022: Home Accessibility Tax Credit
Budget 2022 proposes to increase the annual expense limit of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit from $10,000 to $20,000....
Budget 2022: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
This new refundable credit would provide recognition of eligible expenses for a qualifying renovation....
Budget 2022: Home Buyers’ Tax Credit
Budget 2022 proposes to double the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit amount from $5,000 to $10,000, which would provide up to $1,500 in tax relief to eligible home buyers....
Budget 2022: Tax-Free First Home Savings Account
Budget 2022 proposes to create the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, a new registered account to help individuals save for their first home....
Increase to Old Age Security benefit for second quarter of 2022
The Old Age Security (OAS) benefit payable to most Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed to inflation, with the benefit being adjusted at the beginning of each calendar quarter. For the second quart...
Tax tip issued for gig economy workers
Many Canadian taxpayers work in the “gig” economy – holding down part-time, contract, or on-call positions or providing services to clients through online platforms, or some combination of those...
Unemployment rate for February drops to 5.5%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of February dropped by a full percentage point, from 6.5% to 5.5%. While emp...
Date announced for 2022-23 federal budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the federal budget for the upcoming 2022-23 fiscal year will be brought down on Thursday April 7, 2022, at around 4 p.m. The announcement of the budget date ...
Extended hours for individual tax enquiries line
The Canada Revenue Agency provides an individual tax enquiries line where taxpayers can obtain general tax information, or information specific to their personal taxes. While the individual tax enquir...
Reporting of income from digital transactions
Millions of Canadians earn money each year from online or digital sales transactions, often through platforms like Etsy or eBay. The Canada Revenue Agency recently issued a Tax Tip, reminding taxpayer...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
Inflation rate for February reaches 5.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of February 2022 reached 5.7% (as measured on a year-over-year basis), t...
CRA issues guide to claiming employment expenses for 2021
Canadian individual taxpayers can claim a deduction for a number of expenses which they incur in the course of their employment. For 2021, those deductible expenses can include a flat rate deduction f...
NETFILE hours of service
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 tax years is available 21 hours each day. The hours of servi...
NETFILE service for filing of 2021 tax returns now open
Canadian individual taxpayers can now file their income tax returns for the 2021 tax year using the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE tax service. That service, which will be available until Fri...
Bank of Canada increases interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 2 the Bank of Canada, as expected, announced an increase to interest rates. Specifically, the Bank Rate has been increased from 0.50...
Federal individual tax credits for 2022
Dollar amounts on which individual non-refundable federal tax credits for 2022 are based, and the actual tax credit claimable, will be as follows:                                    ...
Federal individual tax rates and brackets for 2022
The indexing factor for federal tax credits and brackets for 2022 is 2.4%. The following federal tax rates and brackets will be in effect for individuals for the 2022 tax year. Income level     �...
CRA issues Tax Tip for employees working from home
During the 2021 tax year, many employees continued to work from home for pandemic-related reasons. Such employees may be eligible to claim a deduction for specified home office related expenses incurr...
Inflation rate for January 2022 reaches 5.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of January 2022 stood at 5.1%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The last prev...
CRA issues guide to claiming medical expenses for 2021
Canadian individual taxpayers are entitled to claim a non-refundable tax credit for qualifying medical expenses incurred. Detailed information on the rules governing the types of expenses which qualif...
Unemployment rate up slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate rose slightly during the month of January, from 6% to 6.5%. The change marked the first su...
CRA issues Tax Tip for students for 2021 return filings
Post-secondary students filing a return for the 2021 tax year are entitled to claim a number of tax credits and deductions for education-related expenses which they incur, in addition to the credits a...
NETFILE service for 2021 individual tax returns available February 21
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2021 tax year will be available on Monday February 21, 2022. In order ...
Inflation rate reaches 4.8% for December 2021
The January release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of December 2021 (as measured on a year-over-year basis) reached 4.8%. While pr...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates … for now
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 26, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Consequently, the Bank Rate remains at ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for paper filers of 2021 tax return
Taxpayers who filed their income tax return on paper last year will automatically receive the 2021 income tax package from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by February 21, 2022. The package taxpayers w...
CRA issues automobile expense deduction limits for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the automobile expense deduction limits which will apply during the 2022 taxation year. Owing to increases in the Consumer Price Index, most such limits h...
Income tax return forms for 2021 available on January 18, 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that individual (T1) income tax return forms for the 2021 tax year will be available on the Agency’s website on January 18, 2022. Such returns must be f...
Access to Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit expanded
In October 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a new pandemic benefit, the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB), which was intended to be provided to workers affected by regional p...
Old Age Security rates for first quarter of 2022
The amount of Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to eligible Canadians is adjusted each quarter to take account of increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on recent increases to the Consumer Pri...
Prescribed interest rates for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2022, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Canada Revenue Agency issues TD1 Form for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the TD1 form to be used by all Canadian resident employees for the 2022 tax year. On the TD1 form, the employee indicates the federal personal tax credit amo...
December 31 deadline for final RRSP contributions
Canadian taxpayers who have a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) must collapse that RRSP by the end of the year in which the taxpayer turns 71. Such taxpayers are entitled to make a final RRSP ...
Small Business Air Quality Improvement Tax Credit introduced
As part of the Economic and Fiscal Update, the federal government announced that small businesses would be provided with a refundable Small Businesses Air Quality Improvement Tax Credit. That credit, ...
Changes to home office expense deduction extended through 2022
As part of pandemic relief measures, changes were made to the existing home office expense deduction for employees. Those changes, which were for the 2020 tax year only, allowed employees to use a fla...
Final individual tax instalment for 2021 payable by December 15
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The fourth and final instalment payment for the 2021 tax year must be mad...
Economic and Fiscal Update to be delivered on December 14, 2021
The 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update will be delivered by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday, December 14 at around 4 p.m. The update is expected to include information on the current state of the Cana...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for January 2022
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Taxpayer relief for Canadians affected by extreme weather events
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip on its website reminding individuals who have been affected by the recent extreme weather events of the availability of the Taxpayer Relief Program...
Upcoming deadline for final individual income tax instalment for 2021
The fourth and final income tax instalment payment deadline for individuals for 2021 falls on Wednesday December 15. Taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment will have received an Instalment Reminde...
Canada Revenue Agency issues income tax guide for students for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) publishes a guide for post-secondary students which outlines the tax treatment of the types of income and expenses (like scholarship income and tuition expenses) which ...
Canada Revenue Agency announces individual tax brackets and credit amounts for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the indexing factor which will apply for purposes of determining individual income tax brackets and non-refundable tax credits for 2022. That indexing fact...
Inflation rate for October reaches 4.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that during the month of October inflation rose by 4.7%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. That increase marked t...
Unemployment rate down slightly in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate declined slightly during the month of October, from 6.9% to 6.7%. Employment held steady f...
Employment insurance premium rates for 2022
The federal government has announced the premium rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Employment Insurance program during the 2022 calendar year. For 2022, maximum insurable earnings...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for December 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Canada Pension Plan contribution amounts for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the contribution rates and amounts which will apply with respect to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) during the 2022 calendar year. For 2022, the employer and...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rate at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 27, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate r...
Inflation rate for September up by 4.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, rose by 4.4% during the month of September. The compa...
Prescribed leasing rate for November 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Enhanced security measures introduced for online representatives
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that new security measures have been made available with respect to the authorization of online representatives by taxpayers. Generally, representatives a...
Pandemic benefit programs ending October 23, 2021
The federal government currently provides a range of pandemic benefit programs, for both individuals and businesses, and a number of those programs are scheduled to end on Saturday October 23, 2021. H...
Employment returns to pre-pandemic levels in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate declined during the month of September, by 0.2 percentage points. The September unemployme...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2022 released
The federal government has announced the premium rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of Employment Insurance during the 2022 calendar year. The contribution rates for both employers and em...
Old Age Security rates for fourth quarter of 2021
The amount of Old Age Security (OAS) benefit paid to eligible Canadians is adjusted each quarter to take account of increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on recent increases to the CPI, the fed...
Final payment of CCB young child supplement to be issued in October
In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government announced that, as part of its pandemic relief measures, an additional amount would be paid during 2021 to qualifying families who were elig...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employ...
Pandemic relief programs ending in October 2021
A number of pandemic relief benefit programs provided to individual Canadians are currently scheduled to end as of October 23, 2021. Those programs are as follows: Canada Recovery Benefit Canada Reco...
Inflation rate up sharply in August
The latest release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, rose by 4.1% during the month of August, as compared to the 3....
Unemployment rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a decline in the overall unemployment rate during the month of August. During that month, the rate declined by 0.4%, to 7.1%....
Prescribed leasing rate for October 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Upcoming deadline for third instalment payment of 2021
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax for the year through instalment payments do so by four prescribed deadlines each year. The third of those deadlines falls on Wednesday September 15, 2021. Taxpa...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 8, the Bank of Canada (the “Bank”) indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank...
Bank of Canada releases schedule of interest rate announcement dates for 2022
Each year, on pre-announced dates, the Bank of Canada releases its decision on any changes to current interest rates. The Bank recently issued a listing of the dates on which such interest rate announ...
CRA issues guide to GST/HST credit for 2021/22
The benefit year for many federal tax credits, including the GST/HST tax credit, runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Each year, credit amounts change, as do the income thresholds which ...
CRA issues warning on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy tax scams
In July of this year, the federal government announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program would be extended to be available to employers until October 2021. The Canada Revenue Agenc...
Federal government launches consultation process on luxury tax
This year’s federal Budget included a proposal for a “luxury tax” which would apply, at varying rates, to sales of specified goods over a prescribed price threshold. The proposal indicated that ...
CRA issues guidelines on qualifying SR&ED activities
The Canadian tax system provides credits and incentives for taxpayers who carry out qualifying scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) work. When claims are made for such credit a...
Inflation rate increases in July 2021
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 3.7%. The comparable rate ...
Prescribed leasing rate for September 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Upcoming deadline for payment of individual income tax instalment
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments must make the third instalment payment of the year on or before Wednesday September 15, 2021. Such taxpayers should receive an Instalment Reminde...
Inflation rate for June at 3.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis, reached 3.1%. That rate was slightl...
Federal government extends availability period for pandemic benefits
The federal government has announced that a number of pandemic relief benefit programs, for both businesses and individuals, have been extended. The changes announced are as follows. The eligibility p...
Eligibility criteria for Canada Workers Benefit expanded
The federal government administers the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a refundable tax credit which supplements income amounts for lower-income working Canadians. The annual benefit amount is $1,400 fo...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
One-time Old Age Security supplement to be paid in mid-August
As announced in this year’s federal Budget, some recipients of Old Age Security will receive a one-time supplement, to be paid in August 2021. During that month, OAS recipients who were born on or b...
Canada Child Benefit increase effective July 2021
The current benefit year for the Canada Child Benefit runs from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. The federal government recently announced that Child Tax Benefit amounts for this benefit year have been ...
Unemployment rate for June 2021 down to 7.8%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a rebound in employment, as pandemic-related public health restrictions were eased in several provinces. For the month of Jun...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 14, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0....
Old Age Security benefit to increase for third quarter of 2021
The Old Age Security benefit administered by the federal government is adjusted quarterly to reflect the rate of inflation. The federal government has announced that the maximum basic OAS benefit paya...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 9, 2021, the Bank of Canada determined that, in its view, no change to current rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank rate remains a...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
June 30, 2021 filing deadline for calendar-year companies
Canadian companies are required to file their federal income tax returns within 6 months after their fiscal year end. Consequently, companies which had a calendar year end on December 31, 2020 must fi...
Unemployment rate for May up slightly
While there was little change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of May, employment did fall by 68,000 positions, most of those in part-time work. The overall unemployment rate for the mon...
Inflation rate for May up by 3.6%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase of 3.6% increase in the rate of inflation for the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comp...
Upcoming 2021 individual income tax instalment payment deadline
For individuals who pay income tax through quarterly instalments, the second instalment payment deadline for the year is Tuesday June 15, 2021. Information on the instalment payment system, including ...
June 15, 2021 income tax filing deadline for self-employed individuals
The filing deadline for income tax returns for the 2020 tax year for self-employed individuals and their spouses is Tuesday June 15, 2021. Information on that filing deadline and on available filing m...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for June 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
CRA announces details of refund of CERB repayments to self-employed taxpayers
In 2020, some self-employed Canadians received Canada Emergency Relief Benefits (CERB) to which they were not entitled, as the result of erroneous information provided by the federal government, and t...
CRA issues Tax Tip on how to change a tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip on its website outlining the several methods taxpayers can use to make a change, or correct an error, on an already-filed return. Requests for chan...
Payments of Canada Child Benefit young child supplement to begin May 28
Last year, the federal government announced that families who are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit in 2021 and have a child or children under the age of six could receive a supplement — the Can...
Inflation rate for April up by 3.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of April 2021 was up by 3.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Statistics Can...
CRA issues warning on TFSA “maximizer” tax scheme
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers with respect to a tax scheme currently being promoted, typically to homeowners who have significant equity in their homes and substant...
CRA issues updated application form for Taxpayer Relief program
Taxpayers who are unable to file their returns or make payment of taxes owed on a timely basis for reasons outside their control (including financial hardship) can apply, under the Taxpayer Relief Pro...
April unemployment rate increases to 8.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows an increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of April 2021. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, ros...
Inflation up by 2.2% for March 2021
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of March 2021 was 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. While the monthly in...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing May 2021
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 21, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current rates was warranted. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at ...
Payments of 2020 individual income tax due Friday April 30, 2021
The deadline for payment of all individual income tax amounts owed for the 2020 tax year is Friday, April 30, 2021. For most individuals (other than self-employed taxpayers and their spouses), April 3...
Budget 2021: Anti-avoidance rules and taxpayer disclosure
The Budget includes proposals to address perceived anti-avoidance activity and failures by taxpayers to comply with transaction reporting rules. To address the issue of failure to report, the governme...
Budget 2021: Film and television production tax credits
The federal government provides two tax credit programs for the film and television industry. The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) provides a 25% refundable tax credit on qualified ...
Budget 2021: Business pandemic support programs to be extended
In the Budget, the federal government announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and the Lockdown Support programs, which are currently scheduled to expire on...
Budget 2021: Additional clean energy assets eligible for accelerated capital cost allowance
Under Canada’s capital cost allowance (CCA) system, an asset is written off over a period of years, at a prescribed percentage rate per year, based on the useful life of that asset. Acquisitions of ...
Budget 2021: Tax rate reductions provided for zero-emission technology manufacturers
The Budget includes a proposal for a temporary measure to reduce corporate income tax rates for qualifying zero-emission technology manufacturers. Specifically, taxpayers would be able to apply reduce...
Budget 2021: “Immediate expensing” of asset acquisition costs by CCPCs
Under Canadian tax rules, companies which acquire capital assets are required to deduct, or write off, the cost of those assets over a period of years, under the rules provided in the Capital Cost All...
Budget 2021: Canada Recovery Hiring Program to be introduced
The federal Budget includes a proposal for a Canada Recovery Hiring Program. That program will provide eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50% on the incremental remuneration paid to eligible e...
Budget 2021: Repayment of Wage Subsidy to be required in some circumstances
The Budget papers provide that public corporations which received the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will, in some instances, be required to repay part or all of that subsidy. Specifically, where the t...
Budget 2021: Electronic Filing and Payment Requirements
Current rules provide that tax preparers and filers of information returns who file more than a prescribed number of returns each year must file such returns electronically. Those rules will be amende...
Budget 2021: Electronic communication with the CRA
Changes are proposed to the rules to increase the ability of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to communicate with taxpayers electronically, without the taxpayer having to authorize the CRA to do so. Ge...
Budget 2021: Changes to rules affecting registered charities
The Canada Revenue Agency has the authority to revoke the charitable registration status of an organization where that organization fails to fulfill its legal obligations. The rules governing such rev...
Budget 2021: Tax treatment of pandemic benefit repayments
Millions of Canadian taxpayers received pandemic benefits during the 2020 taxation year. While most such recipients were entitled to those benefits, there were instances in which the benefits were pai...
Budget 2021: Tax treatment of postdoctoral fellowship income
Postdoctoral fellows are generally not, for purposes of the income tax system, considered to be students. Consequently, postdoctoral fellowship income does not qualify for the exemption generally prov...
Budget 2021: Northern residents deductions
Canadians who live in prescribed northern areas of Canada for at least six consecutive months in a year are eligible for the Northern residents deduction. That deduction has both a residency component...
Budget 2021: Canada Workers’ Benefit increased
The Canada Workers’ Benefit (CWB) is a non-taxable refundable tax credit that supplements the earnings of low-income and medium-income workers. The CWB, which is generally available to workers who e...
Budget 2021: Eligibility criteria for disability tax credit expanded
The federal government provides qualifying individuals with a disability tax credit (DTC) which reduces federal tax otherwise payable. For 2021, the value of the DTC is $1,299. To qualify for the DTC,...
CRA provides guidance on changes to the 2020 tax return
The tax return completed by individual Canadians changes from one year to the next, as tax credits or deductions are introduced, eliminated, or changed, or reporting requirements are altered. The Cana...
April 30, 2021 deadline for filing of most individual income tax returns for 2020
The filing deadline for most individual income tax returns for the 2020 taxation year is Friday, April 30, 2021. Self-employed individuals and their spouses are not required to file their returns unti...
April 30, 2021 deadline for payment of 2020 individual income tax owed
Last year, the federal government provided a deferral of the payment deadline for individual income taxes owed. No such deferral is allowed for this year, meaning that any balance of individual income...
Federal government extends benefit period for Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
The federal government, through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, provides a weekly benefit of $500 to qualifying individual Canadians who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-...
CRA issues guidance on 2020 tax consequences of home sales, purchases, and renovations
While gains made on a sale of a principal residence in Canada are generally tax exempt, there are reporting requirements imposed on such sales. In addition, certain tax credits may be claimed by home ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first half of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of ...
Inflation rate for February up slightly
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation for the month of February 2021. That rate stood at 1.1%, as compared to the rate ...
Federal Budget 2021-22 to be brought down in April
The Minister of Finance has announced that the federal Budget for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year will be delivered on Monday April 19, 2021. This year’s Budget will be the first one delivered sinc...
Canada Revenue Agency locks down individual online tax accounts
Over the past month, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) identified a large number of individual taxpayer online accounts for which user IDs and passwords had been obtained by unauthorized third parties. ...
Employment increases by 259,000 positions in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant increase in employment during the month of February. During that month, employment rose by 259,000 jobs, and th...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
As expected, the Bank of Canada announced on March 10 that no changes would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. In the press release announcing its decision,...
Federal government to provide interest relief on pandemic benefit tax debt
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that targeted interest relief will be provided to Canadians who received pandemic income support benefits during 2020. Specifically, qualifying individual...
Inflation rate for January at 1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation for January 2021. The inflation rate for that month, as measured on a year-over-...
NETFILE service hours of availability
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 tax years is now available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ser...
CRA issues 2020 guide for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the guide to be used by taxpayers who are reporting business or professional income, commission income, and income from farming and fishing received during 2...
CRA help line to be available Saturdays during tax filing season
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that, beginning February 27, 2021, its Individual Tax Enquiries line will be available on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That service is also available ...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for March
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Extended hours and callback service now available on individual tax help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its individual income tax enquiries line will be open for extended hours during the upcoming tax filing season. That line — reachable at 1-800-959-...
NETFILE service for 2020 individual tax returns available February 22
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2020 taxation year will be available starting Monday, February 22, 2021. In order to ...
Unemployment rate increases to 9.4% in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant decline in employment during the month of January, and a corresponding increase in the overall unemployment rat...
Canada Revenue Agency releases 2020 individual income tax return package
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the individual income tax forms and guides to be used by Canadian residents in filing an income tax return for the 2020 taxation year. The particular form to...
Consultation process launched for 2021-22 federal Budget
The federal government has launched the consultation process leading to the release of the 2021-22 federal Budget. This year, there are three components to the consultation process. The government wil...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for February
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 20 the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0....
CRA issues guide to employment expense deductions for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an updated version of Guide T4044, Employment Expenses 2020, which outlines the tax treatment of various employment expenses, and will be used by taxpayers i...
Inflation rate up in December 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate inflation rose by 0.7% during the month of December 2020, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The rate for...
CRA announces automobile benefit and deduction amounts for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the automobile expense deduction limits and benefit rates which will apply during the 2021 taxation year. Most of the rates and limits which applied during...
Unemployment rate up slightly in December
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of December 2020 increased to 8.6%. The comparable rate for the month of Nov...
Prescribed interest rates for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2021, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns open until January 22, 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 taxation years will be available until Friday, January 22, 2021. ...
CRA issues 2020 income tax guide for students
Post-secondary students in Canada are eligible for a range of tax credits and deductions, including a tuition tax credit, deductions for moving expenses, and a claim for qualifying student loan intere...
CRA announces new flat rate method for home office expense claims
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that a new temporary home office tax credit may be claimable by qualifying individuals who worked from home during 2020. Taxpayers are eligible to use thi...
Upcoming changes to CRA administrative policy on representatives
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) permits taxpayers to designate another person, firm, or business to communicate with the CRA on the taxpayer’s behalf, where a written authorization has been provided...
December 31 deadline for tax relief applications
Taxpayers may apply to the Minister of National Revenue for administrative relief from interest and penalty charges imposed or, in some cases, for permission to late-file tax elections. In order to be...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 9, the Bank of Canada announced that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5...
Unemployment rate down slightly in November
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment declined by 0.4% during the month of November. The unemployment rate for the month was 8.5%. Fu...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for December
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Federal government updates deficit projection for 2020-21
On November 30, the Minister of Finance released the Fall Economic Statement, which included updated deficit projections for the current and future fiscal years. The deficit is now projected to reach ...
Wage subsidy program extended to June 2021
The federal government has announced that the program providing a wage subsidy to eligible businesses experiencing a pandemic-related revenue loss has been extended to be available until June 2021. Th...
Date announced for 2020 Fall Economic Statement
The federal government has announced that its Fall Economic Statement for the 2020-21 fiscal year will be released on Monday November 30, 2020. The press release announcing the date and time of the St...
Inflation rate for October up slightly
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate of inflation for the month of October rose by 0.7%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable inc...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2021 announced
The federal government has released the premium rates and amounts which will apply in 2021 for purposes of the Employment Insurance (EI) program. For 2021, the EI premium rate will be 1.58% and maximu...
CRA announces increases in retirement savings contribution limits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced upcoming changes in the allowable contribution limits for a range of retirement savings programs. For registered pension plans, the 2021 money purchase l...
Unemployment rate for October at 8.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall rate of unemployment stood at 8.9% for the month of October. While the unemployment rate for the month was l...
CRA issues updated Employer’s Guide to Taxable Benefits
The tax treatment of non-monetary benefits provided by employers to their employees can vary widely. Some such benefits must be included in the employee’s taxable income for the year, while others a...
CRA announces Canada Pension Plan contribution rates and amounts for 2021
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution rates and amounts which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan during 2021. For 2021, the employer and employee contribution ...
Prescribed interest leasing rate for November
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates at current levels
In its October 28 announcement, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. The press release announcing...
Bank of Canada releases interest rate announcement schedule for 2021
The Bank of Canada has released its schedule for policy interest rate announcements to be made during the 2021 calendar year, and that schedule is as follows: Wednesday, January 20 Wednesday, March 1...
Inflation rate up slightly in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation rose 0.5% on a year-over-year basis in September, up from a 0.1% increase in August. While pric...
Application process for Canada Recovery Benefit now open
In September, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program came to an end, and three new programs to provide financial assistance to individuals impacted by the pandemic were launched. One of those p...
Unemployment rate down to 9% in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that Canada’s overall unemployment rate declined by 1.2% during the month of September. For the month, that rate stood at 9...
Application process now open for two new individual COVID-19 benefits
The federal government has created three separate benefits which can be claimed by qualifying Canadians, following the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. Applications for two...
CRA issues warning of tax scam involving debt write-offs
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers with respect to a tax scam currently operating, which involves claims for bad debt write-offs. While bad debts can be written off for ...
Application process now open for two new individual COVID-19 benefits
The federal government has created three separate benefits which can be claimed by qualifying Canadians, following the end of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. Applications for two...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating employ...
Old Age Security benefit increase for fourth quarter of 2020
The Old Age Security benefit received by Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that the basic OAS benefit of $6...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for October
The prescribed leasing interest rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the pr...
September 30, 2020 final application deadline for Canada Emergency Student Benefit
As part of its pandemic relief plan, the federal government provided eligible post-secondary students and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who were unable to find work for pandemic-rela...
June and September individual income tax instalment payments due by September 30, 2020
Canadian taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment usually make four instalment payments each year, by the 15th day of March, June, September, and December. Earlier this year, the federal government ...
Individual tax balances for 2019 tax year due by September 30
Earlier this year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that the deadline for payment of individual income tax balances for the 2019 tax year, which is usually April 30, was being extended to Wed...
Unemployment rate decreases to 10.2% for August
The September release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the overall unemployment rate for the month of August stood at 10.2%. That rate represented a decrease of 0.7% from the ra...
Increase announced to non-taxable meal allowance rate
The federal government has announced an increase in the amount of any overtime meal allowance, or meal portion of a travel allowance, that employers can provide to employees on a non-taxable basis. Th...
Filing of 2019 tax return necessary to ensure continued payment of tax credits
Eligibility for a number of refundable tax credits and benefits, including the harmonized sales tax/goods and services tax credit and the child tax benefit is based in part on a taxpayer’s income fo...
September 29 deadline for all applications for Canada Student Benefit Program
The pandemic emergency benefit program provided by the federal government for post-secondary students and recent secondary and post-secondary graduates ended on August 29, 2020. Those eligible for suc...
Federal government announces transition measures for end of CERB program
Since March 15 of this year, Canadians who have lost income as a result of the pandemic have been able to receive $500 per week from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB program will...
CRA to contact taxpayers affected by cyberattack
Earlier this month, a cyberattack on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other agencies of the federal government compromised the personal tax and financial information of approximately 5500 taxpayers...
Application forms available for expanded Canada Employer Wage Subsidy program
On July 17, the federal government announced that the existing Canada Employer Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program would be extended to be available until November 21, 2020, and that eligibility criteria for ...
Inflation rate for July drops to 0.1%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 0.1%. The comparable rate ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for September 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Unemployment rate for July down to 10.9%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for July was 10.9%. The change means that the unemployment rate has fallen by 1.4 percentage poi...
Extension announced for September individual instalment payments
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalment are required to make four such instalment payments each year. The usual deadlines for such payments are the 15th day of March, June, September, an...
Online filing option where paper return not yet assessed by CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a notice on its website indicating that it is experiencing delays in the processing of paper-filed individual income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year. ...
CRA provides interest waiver period on tax amounts owed
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that an interest waiver period will be provided to individual taxpayers with respect to income taxes owed. That waiver period will run from April 1 to Sep...
Individual income tax payment deadline extended to September 30, 2020
Earlier this year, the deadline for payment of individual income tax amounts owed for the 2019 taxation year was extended from April 30 to September 1, 2020. The federal government has now indicated t...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 15, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rema...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for August 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Federal emergency wage subsidy to be available until December
Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by the pandemic may be eligible for a federal government wage subsidy – the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). The CEWS, which pays the empl...
Unemployment rate down slightly in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight decline in the rate of unemployment during the month of June. The unemployment rate for June stood at 12.3%, a decli...
Federal government projects $343 billion current-year deficit
On July 8, the federal government provided an update of its fiscal position for the current (2020-21) fiscal year, taking in account expenditures made in connection with the pandemic. That “Economic...
Supplemental OAS payment issued during first week of July
Earlier this year, the federal government announced that, as part of its pandemic relief measures, recipients of Old Age Security would receive an additional one-time payment. Such payment is intended...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns still available
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip reminding Canadians that its online filing services for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 tax year are still open. Such indi...
No change to basic Old Age Security benefit for third quarter 2020
The Old Age Security benefit received by Canadians over the age of 65 is indexed quarterly to changes in the Consumer Price Index. The federal government has announced that, as the rate of inflation d...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for July 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first three quarters of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the p...
Canada Emergency Response Benefit program extended
The federal government has announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program has been extended to be available for a further eight weeks in some circumstances. As originally designed...
Inflation rate down by 0.4% for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows that the rate of inflation fell by 0.4% during the month of May, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Prices were up in f...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for June 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Unemployment rate up slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate rose slightly during the month of May, from 13% to 13.7%. The StatsCan analysis indicates that une...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on June 3 the Bank of Canada, as anticipated. made no change to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 0.5%. In its announcemen...
June 15 return filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
Self-employed Canadians and their spouses must file an individual income tax return for the 2019 tax year on or before June 15, 2020. As part of the federal government’s pandemic response plan, howe...
June 15 individual income tax instalment due date deferred
Individual Canadians who pay income tax by instalments would normally be required to make the second instalment payment for this year on June 15, 2020. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has indicated, h...
CRA extends filing and payment deadlines for corporations and trusts
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the deadline for filing of T2 returns by corporations and T3 returns by trusts has been extended. That announcement provides that all businesses and ...
Free tax return preparation clinics go online
Each year community organizations across Canada operate a number of tax clinics at which individual income tax returns are prepared and filed free of charge to the taxpayer. Due to concerns surroundin...
CRA extends federal benefit eligibility period
The benefit year for many federal benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax Credit runs from July 1 to June 30. Eligibility for and the amount of such benefits are based, ...
Repaying the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a reminder to Canadians that there are circumstances in which the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) must be repaid. In particular, individuals who return to...
Federal government to provide one time increase in Old Age Security payments
The federal government has announced that, in order to help seniors with additional costs resulting from the pandemic, a one-time supplement will be provided to Canadians who already receive Old Age S...
CRA issues warning of Canada Emergency Response Benefit scam
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an alert on its website warning Canadians of a scam operating with respect to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). That Benefit, for which more than...
Online applications available for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
As part of its pandemic response, the federal government is providing eligible employers with a partial wage subsidy through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. The CEWS program provides...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for May 2020
The prescribed leasing rate mandated by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be calculated using bond yield information found on the Bank of Canada website. That calculation shows that the prescribed ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Inflation rate down sharply for March
The April release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a sharp decline in the rate of inflation for the month of March. That rate stood at 0.9%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. T...
Significant increase in unemployment rate during March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a significant increase in the rate of unemployment during the month of March. The April release of the Labour Force Survey, w...
Canada Student Loan repayments suspended until September 30, 2020
The federal government has announced that required repayments of Canada Student Loans will be suspended until September 30th, 2020. Where payments are usually made by pre-authorized debit, such paymen...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 15, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Wage subsidy program to be provided to Canadian employers
The federal government will be providing a wage subsidy program to eligible employers who have experienced a recent reduction in revenues of 30% or more. That program—the Canada Emergency Wage Subsi...
Application process for Canada Emergency Response Benefit now open
As of April 6, 2020, Canadians can apply for the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provides eligible individuals with $500 per week for a maximum of 16 weeks. The benefit is gene...
Federal government defers remittance of HST/GST payments
The federal government will be providing businesses with an extension with respect to remittance deadlines related to goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST). The deferral will app...
Bank of Canada announces further reduction in interest rates
In an unscheduled announcement made on March 27, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates for the third time this month. In that announcement, the Bank reduced current rates by one-half percentage po...
One-time increase in Canada Child Benefit to be provided
The federal government has announced that, for the current benefit year only, the amount of Canada Child Benefit will be increased by a one-time payment of $300 per child. The $300 additional benefit ...
Individual tax filing and payment deadlines extended
The deadline for filing of most 2019 individual income tax returns, as well as payment of any balance of tax owed for the 2019 taxation year by individual taxpayers would usually be April 30, 2020. Th...
Bank of Canada reduces interest rates
Citing the negative shocks to Canada’s economy arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent drop in oil prices, the Bank of Canada has announced a further reduction in interest rates. The unsch...
Federal government postpones individual tax filing deadline for 2019 returns
The federal government has announced that the filing deadline for individual Canadian tax filers who would usually be required to file by April 30 has been extended to June 1, 2020. (Returns for 2019 ...
CRA issues Tax Tip for property buyers and sellers
Canadian taxpayers who buy or sell a property during the year may be subject to requirements to report that transaction on their annual return and, in some cases, to pay tax on sale proceeds. The CRA ...
Little change in unemployment rate for February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in the overall unemployment rate during the month of February. That rate rose by 0.1%, to 5.6%. During the mont...
Extended hours for CRA individual tax enquiries line
The Canada Revenue Agency’s individual income tax enquiries telephone service will be available for extended hours during tax filing season. That enquiries service, which can be reached at 1-800-959...
Bank of Canada cuts interest rates
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 4 the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, a reduction to current interest rates was required. Accordingly, the bank rate was...
CRA releases 2019 Guide to Self-Employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming and Fishing Income
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released its 2019 Guide to Self-Employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming and Fishing Income for 2019. That Guide is used by taxpayers who are reporting ...
NETFILE service for filing of individual returns for 2019 now available
The Canada Revenue Agency’s NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year is now available. The current NETFILE service, which can be found on the CRA we...
Upcoming deadline for 2019 RRSP contributions
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that contributions to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), in order to be deducted on the return for 2019, must be made on or before Monday March ...
Increase in inflation rate for January 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows an increase in the rate of inflation for the month of January. That rate stood at 2.4%, as measured on a year-over-year basi...
Unemployment rate down slightly for January 2020
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that that unemployment rate dropped slightly during the month of January, from 5.6% to 5.5%. During that month, employment in...
Canada Revenue Agency issues meal and travel expense deduction rates and limits for 2019
The rates and limits for deduction and credit claims for meal and travel expenses are now posted on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website. Such rates and limits apply to meal and travel expense clai...
Digital news subscription tax credit now available
In the 2019 Budget, the federal government introduced a new tax credit for digital news subscription costs incurred by individuals. That tax credit is available starting in the 2020 tax year. Individu...
Digital news subscription tax credit now available
In the 2019 Budget, the federal government introduced a new tax credit for digital news subscription costs incurred by individuals. That tax credit is available starting in the 2020 tax year. Individu...
CRA issues updated guide to students and income tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) publishes a guide for post-secondary students which outlines the rules governing typical tax situations for such students. Those rules include the tax treatment of tuit...
NETFILE service for 2019 returns available February 24, 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that the NETFILE service for online filing of individual income tax returns for the 2019 tax year will be available beginning Monday, February 24, 2020. M...
CRA issues 2019 Individual Income Tax Return and Guide
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the Individual Income Tax Return and Guide for all provinces and territories for the 2019 tax year, and those forms and guides are posted on its website at...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rate unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 22, 2020, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remain...
CRA announces automobile expense deduction limits for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the rates and limits which will apply for purposes of automobile-related benefits and deductions in 2020. Most such rates and limits are unchanged, as follows: ...
OAS payment rates for first quarter of 2020
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the first quarter (January 1 to March 31) of 2020. OAS payments are indexed quarterly to c...
Unemployment rate down for December 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that employment increased by 35,000 jobs during the month of December and that the overall unemployment rate fell by 0.3%, to...
Personal tax credit amounts increased
The federal government has announced that the basic personal tax credit, the spousal credit, and the eligible dependant credit amounts will increase, in four stages, from $12,298 to $15,000. The first...
Prescribed interest rates for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the first quarter of 2020, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose ...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Climate action incentive payment amounts for 2020
The federal government has announced the amounts which will be paid under the climate action incentive program during 2020. Such amounts are claimed when filing the individual income tax return for 20...
NETFILE service for prior years available until January 24, 2020
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their individual income tax returns for 2018 (or the three prior years) can file those returns on NETFILE until Friday, January 24, 2020. Until that date, the Canada R...
Economic and Fiscal Update projects increased current year deficit
The 2019 Economic and Fiscal Update released on December 16 by the Minister of Finance shows a significant increase in the projected deficit for the current fiscal year. In the 2019-20 Budget announce...
December 16 deadline for final instalment payment for 2019
Canadians who pay income tax by instalments are required to pay the fourth and final instalment payment of 2019 on or before Monday December 16, 2019. Taxpayers subject to the instalment payment requi...
December 31 deadline for taxpayer relief applications for 2009
Under the federal government’s Taxpayer Relief Program, the Minister of National Revenue can provide relief to taxpayers from interest or penalty charges which have been assessed. Such taxpayer reli...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 4, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 2...
Indexing adjustment for 2020 released by CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that personal income tax brackets and credit amounts for the 2020 taxation year will increase by 1.9%.  Each year, such individual income tax brackets and cred...
Inflation rate for October 2019 unchanged
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that there was no change in the rate of inflation recorded for the month of October. That rate stood at 1.9%, as measure...
CRA issues Payroll Deduction Formula guide for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the 2020 version of Guide T4127, Payroll Deduction Formulas, which is intended for use by payroll software providers or companies which develop their own in-house ...
Upcoming CRA webinar on payroll
On Wednesday November 27, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be hosting a webinar on payroll requirements for Canadian employers. The webinar, which will start at 1:00 p.m. EST, is free of charge fo...
CRA issues 2019 guide to students and income tax
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its tax guide for post-secondary students. That guide (P105, Students and Income Tax) reviews the tax treatment of common deductions and credi...
Employment Insurance contribution rates for 2020
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance (EI) premium rates which will be levied during 2020. For 2020, maximum insurable earnings for the year will be $54,200. The premium rate f...
No change in unemployment rate for October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that there was no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of October 2019, with that rate remaining at 5.5%. Am...
CRA issues employer guide to payroll deductions for 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued its Employer’s Guide: Payroll Deductions and Remittances for 2020 (T4001(E)). That guide provides employers with information on the deductions which must be made...
Canada Pension Plan contribution rates for 2020 released
The federal government has announced the contribution rates and amounts and maximum pensionable earnings which will apply for purposes of the Canada Pension Plan in 2020. Employee and employer contrib...
CRA issues 2019 employer guide to taxable benefits
Employers are required, by the end of February 2020, to issue T4 slips for their employees for the 2019 taxation year. Those T4s will summarize the amount of remuneration received by the employee duri...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 30, 2019, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate will r...
CPP contribution rate to increase January 1, 2020
As previously announced, changes are to be made to the Canada Pension Plan over the next 5 years, with the goal of increasing the amount of CPP retirement benefits available to contributors. The next ...
Online retirement income calculator available
The federal government provides a detailed online retirement income calculator which can be used by taxpayers planning retirement. The online calculator allows users to input income amounts from vario...
No change in inflation rate for September
The overall inflation rate was unchanged for the month of September, with that rate matching the 1.9% year-over-year increase posted for the month of August 2019. The greatest contributor to the infla...
Unemployment rate down in September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a sharp increase in job creation for the month of September. During that month employment rose by 54,000, mainly in full-time...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
2020 Employment Insurance premium rates announced
The federal government has announced the Employment Insurance premium rates and amounts which will be levied during the 2020 calendar year. For 2020, the Employment Insurance premium rate is decreased...
OAS payment rates for fourth quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the fourth quarter (October 1 to December 31) of 2019. OAS payments are indexed quarterly ...
Prescribed interest rates for 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of calculating emp...
CRA updates and re-issues publication on tax audits
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication on the conduct of tax audits. The updated publication (RC4188E)) outlines the process by which the CRA chooses a file for audi...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Rate of inflation at 1.9% for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of August stood at 1.9%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The inflation rate ...
Federal government releases financial results for 2018-19
Finance Canada has released the Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada for 2018-19, which provides an overview of the federal government’s financial results for the 2018-19 fiscal year ...
CRA issues tax guidance for international students
Each September thousands of international students move to (or return to) Canada to attend Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational institutions. Depending on their residency status, those stu...
Unemployment rate unchanged in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that employment increased by 81,000 positions during the month of August 2019. Notwithstanding that increase, the unemploymen...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 4, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at ...
Individual income tax instalment payment due September 16
Individual taxpayers who make quarterly instalment payments of tax must make the third such instalment payment for the year on or before September 15. As that date falls on a Sunday this year, payment...
Bank of Canada announces 2020 interest rate announcement schedule
The Bank of Canada has released a listing of the eight dates on which it will make regularly scheduled interest rate announcements during 2020. That listing is as follows: Wednesday, January 22 Wedne...
CRA issues warning on self-directed RRSP withdrawal schemes
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a Tax Tip warning owners of self-directed RRSPs about a current tax scheme which they may encounter. Promoters of such schemes falsely promise owners of self-direc...
CRA issues updated guide to electronic record keeping by taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its Information Circular outlining the rules and requirements which apply to taxpayers who keep business and tax books and records in electronic for...
Inflation rate unchanged in July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation recorded for the month of July was unchanged from the previous month. For both June and July, tha...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for September
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, which includes the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as the rates in ...
Unemployment rate up slightly for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight increase in the unemployment rate for the month of July, as measured on a year-over-year basis. For that month, the ...
CRA enhances telephone security procedures
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip reminding taxpayers of the procedures which it utilizes to protect their personal information, particularly with respect to contacts between taxpay...
Third quarterly income tax instalment due September 15
Individuals who are required to pay income tax by instalments must make their third quarterly instalment for 2019 on or before September 15, 2019. As that date is a Sunday, such payments are considere...
Federal government issues initial listing of prescribed livestock tax deferral areas for 2019
The federal government provides tax relief to livestock producers who are experiencing severe weather or climate conditions during the year. Such relief is provided through the livestock tax deferral ...
Bank of Canada releases 2020 interest rate announcement dates
The Bank of Canada has released the listing of dates on which it will make scheduled interest rate announcements during calendar year 2020. There will be 8 such scheduled interest rate announcements d...
Mortgage stress test interest rate lowered to 5.19%
Prospective mortgage borrowers in Canada are subject to a “stress test” as part of the assessment of their credit-worthiness. Under that test, such borrowers are required to qualify for a mortgage...
Inflation rate up by 2% in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation during the month of June 2019 stood at 2%. The comparable rate for May was 2.4%. The decr...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for August
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) formerly provided taxpayers with a listing of prescribed interest rates for leasing, with such listing including the applicable rate for the upcoming month, as well as ...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that, although the unemployment rate for the month of June rose by 0.1%, employment increased by 132,000 positions during the...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 10, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at 2%. ...
Prescribed interest rates for the first three quarters of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first three quarters of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for th...
Increases to GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit payment rates
July 1, 2019 is the start of the 2019-20 benefit year for many provincial and federal child and tax benefits, including the federal GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit. As of that date, the pa...
OAS payment rates for third quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security (OAS) and related amounts which will be paid during the third quarter (July 1 to September 30) of 2019. OAS payments are indexed quarterly to ...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of July 2019. The prescribed rate for July is 2.75%. A chart showi...
Inflation rate for May at 2.4%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of May 2019, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.4%. Inflation during...
Finance holding consultations on upcoming changes to stock option rules
Under the Canadian tax system, employee stock options receive preferential tax treatment. In this year’s Budget the federal government indicated that, in its view, the existing rules on stock option...
First-time home buyer’s incentive to launch September 2, 2019
In this year’s federal Budget, a new program was announced to benefit first-time home buyers. Under that program, the First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation...
Increases to Canada child benefit effective July 1, 2019
Effective as of July 2019, the amount of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payable to eligible Canadian families will be increased to account for inflation. Starting with the July payment (which will be made...
Unemployment rate down slightly in May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in the overall unemployment rate recorded for the month of May. The unemployment rate for that month stood at...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for June 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of June 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be increase...
Individual income tax instalment payment due June 17
Individual taxpayers who pay income tax by instalments must make their second instalment payment for 2019 on or before June 17, 2019. Such taxpayers will have received an instalment notice setting out...
2018 returns for self-employed taxpayers due June 17, 2019
Self-employed taxpayers (and their spouses) have until Monday June 17, 2019 to file their income tax returns for the 2018 tax year. Returns filed after that date will be subject to late-filing penalti...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current levels
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on May 29, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Consequently, the Bank Rate remain...
Filing of 2018 tax return required to receive federal tax benefits
The federal government and many of the provinces provide benefit programs for which both entitlement and benefit amount are based, at least in part, on the income of the recipient taxpayer. Those bene...
Overall inflation rate for April 2019 at 2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of April stood at 2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. Seven of the eight maj...
CRA confirms June 17 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip confirming that the filing deadline for individual income tax returns filed for the 2018 tax year by self-employed individuals and their spouses is...
Good employment news for the month of April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows growth in employment during the month of April for nearly all demographic groups. The overall unemployment rate for the month...
CRA issues warning on Health Spending Account tax schemes
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning about a current tax scheme involving Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) which are being marketed to small businesses. HSAs are self-insured health pla...
Canada Child Benefit rates to increase in July
The federal government has announced that, effective with the July 2019 payment, Canada Child Benefit rates will increase.As of July, the maximum benefit for a child under the age of 6 will increase t...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for May 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of May 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be reduced t...
CRA reminds flood-affected taxpayers of available relief
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a press release reminding taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s floods of the availability of relief with respect to their obligation to file a...
Increase in rate of inflation for March 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a significant increase in the rate of inflation recorded for the month of March 2019. During that month, the CPI rose 1.9%, ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
The Bank of Canada, in its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 24, determined that no change was needed to current rates. The Bank Rate therefore remains at 2%. The press rele...
OAS rates unchanged for the second quarter of 2019
The federal government has announced the Old Age Security payment rates which will be in effect for the second quarter (April 1 to June 30) of 2019. OAS payment rates are indexed quarterly to inflatio...
April 30 deadline for payment of 2018 individual income taxes
All payments of individual income tax owed for the 2018 taxation year must be received by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on or before Tuesday April 30, 2019. There are a number of means by which paym...
CRA issues guide to medical expense claims for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued an updated guide to be used by taxpayers who are claiming medical expenses on their income tax returns for 2018. Individual taxpayers are entitled to claim a...
Unemployment rate unchanged in March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that there was no change in the overall unemployment rate for the month of March. That rate remained at 5.8%. Employment ...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for April
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month April 2019. The prescribed rate for the upcoming month is 3.1%. A chart...
Prescribed interest rates for the first half of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first half of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose of cal...
CRA posts Tax Tips for students and seniors
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a number of Tax Tips for seniors and students on its website. Those Tax Tips list and explain particular credits, deductions, or benefits which are most like...
Inflation increases by 1.5% in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey indicates that the rate of inflation for the month of February, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 1.5%. The compara...
Budget 2019: Adjusting the Rules for Cannabis Taxation
Budget 2019 is proposing that the excise duty framework for cannabis products be amended to more effectively apply the excise duty on new classes of cannabis products, as well as to cannabis oils, whi...
Budget 2019: Expanding Health-Related Tax Relief
Budget 2019 proposes to expand health-related tax relief under the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) system to better meet the health care needs of Canadians by: providing GST/HST...
Budget 2019: Employee Stock Options
Budget 2019 announces the Government’s intent to limit the use of the current employee stock option tax regime and move toward aligning the tax treatment with the United States for employees of larg...
Budget 2019: Electronic Delivery of Requirements for Information
Budget 2019 proposes that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be allowed to send requirements for information electronically to a bank or credit union only if the bank or credit union notifies the CR...
Budget 2019: Carrying on Business in a Tax-Free Savings Account
Budget 2019 proposes that the joint and several liability for tax owing on income from carrying on a business in a TFSA be extended to the TFSA holder. The joint and several liability of a trustee of ...
Budget 2019: Mutual Funds: Allocation to Redeemers Methodology
Budget 2019 proposes to introduce a new rule that would deny a mutual fund trust a deduction in respect of the portion of an allocation made to a unitholder on a redemption of a unit of the mutual fun...
Budget 2019: Pensionable Service Under an Individual Pension Plan (IPP)
Budget 2019 proposes to prohibit Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) from providing retirement benefits in respect of past years of employment that were pensionable service under a defined benefit plan of...
Budget 2019: Contributions to a Specified Multi-Employer Plan (SMEP) for Older Members
To bring the Specified Multi-Employer Plan (SMEP) rules in line with the pension tax provisions that apply to other defined benefit RPPs, Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to prohibit contri...
Budget 2019: Medical Expense Tax Credit
Amounts paid for cannabis products may be eligible for the medical expense tax credit where such products are purchased for a patient for medical purposes in accordance with the Access to Cannabis for...
Budget 2019: Supporting Donations of Cultural Property
A recent court decision related to the interpretation of “national importance” has created uncertainty about the availability of these tax incentives. Budget 2019 proposes to introduce legislative...
Budget 2019: Tax Measures for Kinship Care Providers, Tax Treatment of Financial Assistance Payments
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to clarify that financial assistance payments received by care providers under a kinship care program are neither taxable nor included in income for th...
Budget 2019: Tax Measures for Kinship Care Providers, Canada Workers Benefit
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the Income Tax Act to clarify that an individual may be considered to be the parent of a child in their care for the purpose of the Canada Workers Benefit, regardless of ...
Budget 2019: Improvements to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
To ensure that the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) continues to respond to the needs of Canadians with disabilities, Budget 2019 proposes two changes that will better protect the long-term s...
Budget 2019: Variable Payment Life Annuities
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to permit PRPPs and defined contribution RPPs to provide a variable payment life annuity (VPLA) to members directly from the plan. A VPLA will provide payme...
Budget 2019: Advanced Life Deferred Annuities
Budget 2019 proposes to amend the tax rules to permit an advanced life deferred annuity (ALDA) to be a qualifying annuity purchase, or a qualified investment, under certain registered plans. An ALDA w...
Budget 2019: Change in Use Rules for Multi-Unit Residential Properties
To improve the consistency of the tax treatment of owners of multi-unit residential properties in comparison to owners of single-unit residential properties, Budget 2019 proposes to allow a taxpayer t...
Budget 2019: Modernizing the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Budget 2019 proposes to increase the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit to $35,000. This would be available for withdrawals made after March 19, 2019. Budget 2019 also proposes to extend acces...
Budget 2019: Canada Training Credit
Budget 2019 proposes this new, non-taxable credit that would help Canadians pay for training fees. Every year, eligible workers between the ages of 25 and 64 would accumulate a credit balance of $250 ...
Budget 2019: Strengthening Canada’s International Tax Rules
Budget 2019 proposes to: extend the foreign affiliate dumping rules in the Income Tax Act to prevent a corporation resident in Canada that is controlled by a non-resident individual or trust from red...
Budget 2019: Strengthening Beneficial Ownership Transparency
In Budget 2019, the Government proposes further amendments to the Income Tax Act to make the beneficial ownership information maintained by federally incorporated corporations more readily available t...
Budget 2019: Character Conversion Transactions
Budget 2019 proposes an amendment that introduces an additional qualification for the commercial transaction exception in the definition “derivative forward agreement” as the exception applies to ...
Budget 2019: Canadian-Belgian Co-productions - Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit
Budget 2019 proposes to add The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Respective Governments of the Flemish, French and German-speaking Communities of the Kingdom of Bel...
Budget 2019: Improving Support for Small, Growing Companies
Budget 2019 proposes to repeal the use of taxable income as a factor in determining a CCPC’s annual expenditure limit for the purpose of the enhanced SR&ED tax credit. As a result, small CCPCs w...
Budget 2019: Small Business Deduction - Farmers and Fishers
Budget 2019 proposes to eliminate the requirement that sales be to a farming or fishing cooperative corporation in order to be excluded from specified corporate income. As such, this exclusion will ap...
Budget 2019: Supporting Business Investment in Zero-Emission Vehicles
Budget 2019 proposes that these vehicles be eligible for a full tax write-off in the year they are put in use. Qualifying vehicles will include electric battery, plug-in hybrid (with a battery capacit...
Budget 2019: Support for Canadian Journalism
Budget 2019 proposes to introduce three new tax measures to support Canadian journalism: allowing journalism organizations to register as qualified donees; a refundable labour tax credit for qualifyi...
Unemployment rate unchanged in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force survey shows that, while the rate of unemployment for the month of February was unchanged, employment grew by 56,000 positions. The unempl...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 2% I...
Inflation down to 1.4% for January 2019
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a drop in the rate of inflation for the month of January. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, was 1.4%. ...
First instalment payment of 2019 due March 15
The first instalment payment of individual income taxes for the 2019 tax year is due on or before Friday March 15, 2019. Individuals who have previously paid tax by instalments will have received an i...
CRA providing extended hours for individual tax help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its Individual Income Tax Enquiries line (1-800-959-8281) is now available for extended hours. Until April 30, 2019, telephone agents will be availab...
Date announced for 2019-20 federal Budget
The Minister of Finance has announced that the 2019-20 federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Once the Budget is released, at around 4 p.m., the Budget Papers will be posted o...
Obtaining a 2018 tax return form and guide
The 2018 T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Guide package is now available on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packag...
NETFILE available for filing of 2018 individual income tax returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns is available as of Monday, February 18, 2019. The current NETFILE service (which ...
CRA issues tax filing tips for students
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a Tax Tip for post-secondary students and graduates who will be filing an income tax return for the 2018 tax year. That Tax Tip, which can be found on the CR...
Small increase in unemployment rate for January
During the month of January, the number of people employed in Canada rose by 67,000, with that figure attributable for most part to increased employment of those aged 15 to 24 and those working in the...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of March 2019. That prescribed rate for the month of March will be...
CRA issues tax filing tips for seniors
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a Tax Tip which lists the tax deductions and credits which are most relevant to seniors, and which can be claimed by eligible seniors when preparing and fili...
NETFILE service for 2018 returns available February 18
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that its NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2018 tax year will be available online on Monday February 18, 2019. The N...
Upcoming changes to the CRA’s e-mail service
Effective as of February 11, 2019, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be merging its online mail and account alerts services. Notification of the change is being sent to users of those services, and...
Pre-Budget consultations ending on January 29
Finance Canada has issued a reminder that the current consultation process with respect to the upcoming 2019-20 federal Budget will end on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Interested stakeholders can make t...
Inflation rate increases to 2% in December
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2% during the month of December 2018. The equiva...
Finance announces automobile allowance limits and rates for 2019
Finance Canada has announced the automobile deduction limits and expense benefit rates which will apply to businesses and their employees during the 2019 taxation year. Most of the limits which applie...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 9, 2019, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. The Bank Rate therefore remains at 2...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing for January and February
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the months of January and February 2019.The prescribed rate for January is ...
Prescribed interest rates for the first quarter of 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2019, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Canada Pension Plan changes to take effect January 1, 2019
Over the next seven years, significant changes will be made to the Canada Pension Plan. Those changes will result, overall, in an increase of about 50% in the maximum retirement benefit. The first suc...
Inflation for November down to 1.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of November, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 1.7%. The comparable r...
NETFILE service for prior years available until January 25, 2019
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their individual income tax returns for 2017 (or the three prior years) can file those returns on NETFILE until Friday, January 25, 2019. Until that date, the Canada R...
Prescribed leasing interest rate for January 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of January 2019. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.39%....
December 31, 2018 deadline for 2008 tax fairness applications
Where taxpayers fail to meet their tax filing or payment obligations, penalties and interest are usually levied for that failure. However, the Minister of National Revenue has the authority to forgive...
Unemployment rate for November at 42-year low
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate for the month of November was the lowest recorded since 1976. The unemployment rate for the month,...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 5, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change to current interest rates was needed. Accordingly, the Bank Rate rem...
Personal tax credit amounts for 2019
The federal government will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2019: Basic personal amount ………………………………    $12,069 Spouse or common law partner amount …...
Inflation rate up slightly in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a slight increase in the rate of inflation rate for the month of October. That rate rose 2.4%, following a 2.2% increase for...
Finance announces start of 2019-20 federal Budget consultation process
Finance Canada has announced details of the consultation process leading up the release of the 2019-20 Federal Budget next spring. The budget consultation process will include both in-person and digit...
New tax credits to support news organizations
In the 2018-19 Fall Economic Statement, the Minister of Finance announced that three new tax initiatives would be introduced to support both traditional and digital news organizations. Those changes w...
Federal government announces new business tax incentives
In the Fall Economic Statement issued on November 21, the Minister of Finance announced new tax measures that would: allow businesses to immediately write off the cost of machinery and equipment used...
CRA issues 2018 employer’s guide to taxable benefits
Some of the non-monetary benefits which employers provide to their employees must be included in the employee’s income and taxed as such. Each year, employers must include the amount of any such tax...
CRA announces enhancements to BizApp
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a mobile web app for small business owners and sole proprietors which enables them to manage their business tax accounts on any browser-enabled mobile device. ...
Unemployment rate down slightly for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in unemployment during the month of September. That rate stood at 5.8%, down 0.1% from the rate posted for Au...
Canada Pension Plan contribution rates for 2019
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the contribution rates and amounts for the Canada Pension Plan which will apply during the 2019 calendar year, and that announcement can be found at https://www...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for November
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of November. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.43%. A c...
CRA announces contingency plans for postal disruption
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (as well as other federal government departments and agencies) has issued information indicating how government payments will be handled during the current postal disru...
Inflation rate at 2.2% for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the inflation rate for the month of September stood at 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable rate...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates again
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on October 24, the Bank of Canada once again increased the bank rate, which now stands at 2%.In the press release announcing the increase, wh...
OAS payment rates for the fourth quarter of 2018
The federal government has announced the maximum Old Age Security (OAS) benefit amount which will be paid to eligible recipients in the last quarter — October, November, and December — of 2018. Th...
CRA issues updated forms for reduced source deductions
In some circumstances, taxpayers are entitled to request a reduction in the amount of tax being deducted at source from their income. An employee can request that the amount of income tax being deduct...
CRA to hold webinar on CPP changes for the self-employed
A number of changes have been made over the past few years to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), with those changes generally providing greater flexibility to CPP contributors. Some of those changes parti...
Slight decline in unemployment rate for September
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decrease in the overall unemployment rate for the month of September. That rate decreased from the 6% rate recorded f...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for October
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of October. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.33%. A ch...
Prescribed interest rates for the fourth quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the fourth quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purp...
NETFILE still available for filing of 2017 returns
While the deadline for filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017 tax year (for both employees and the self-employed) has passed, the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA’s) NETFILE service thro...
Inflation rate down slightly in August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the rate of inflation for the month of August 2018 stood at 2.8%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The comparable...
CRA updates fact sheet for temporary Canadian workers
Canada’s tax system is one based on residency, and individuals who are considered to be residents of Canada are subject to federal and provincial tax. The federal government has issued a fact sheet ...
Employment insurance premium rate for 2019
The Minister of Finance has announced that the employment insurance premium rate payable by employees and the self-employed for the 2019 tax year will be reduced. The premium rate for that year will b...
CRA issues updated guide to federal and provincial child benefits
The federal government has updated and re-issued its guide to child benefits paid by the federal and several provincial governments. The updated guide (T4114), which is available on the Canada Revenue...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for August
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small increase in the unemployment rate posted for the month of August. That rate rose by 0.2%, from 5.8% to 6%. Most of th...
Relief available to taxpayers affected by wildfires
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can provide interest and penalty relief to taxpayers who are unable to meet their tax filing or payment obligations due to circumstances beyond their control, including...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its scheduled interest rate announcement made on September 5, the Bank indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains at 1.75%. The Bank acknow...
CRA issues Tax Tip on benefit review process
Each year the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends a letter and questionnaire to approximately 350,000 taxpayers, seeking to determine whether such taxpayers are receiving the correct tax credits and ben...
Upcoming tax instalment due date for individuals
The due date for the third instalment payment of 2018 income taxes by individuals falls on September 15, 2018. As that date is a Saturday, instalment payments will be considered to be made on time if ...
Amendments to be made to rules on political activities of charities
The federal government has announced that changes will be made to the administrative rules governing the extent to which charities can engage in non-partisan political activities. The intended amendme...
Rate of inflation at 3% for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Survey shows a significant increase in inflation for the month of July. That rate, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 3%. T...
Unemployment rate down slightly for July
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that the overall rate of unemployment was down slightly for the month of July. That rate stood at 5.8%, down by 0.2% from...
Finance announces lower payment card fees for small businesses
The Minister of Finance has announced that two major payment card networks have agreed to lower costs charged to small and medium-sized businesses. Both VISA and Mastercard have agreed to reduce domes...
CRA podcasts and webinars for small businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prepares and posts on its website a number of podcasts and webinars covering tax and tax-related issues of particular interest to small businesses. There are currently ...
Bank of Canada 2019 interest rate announcement dates
The Bank of Canada has issued a listing of the dates on which it will make announcements during the 2019 calendar year with respect to current interest rates. There are eight such interest rate announ...
Upcoming changes to mortgage lending assessments for self-employed taxpayers
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has announced that, effective as of October 1, 2018, changes will be made to the process by which self-employed taxpayers are assessed for mortgage f...
CRA issues new direct deposit form for businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its Form RC366, which allows businesses to have amounts owed to them deposited directly to a bank account. The updated form can be used to eit...
CRA issues updated guide to RESPs
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has updated and re-issued its publication RC4092(E) on Registered Education Savings Plans. The updated publication incorporates changes, originally announced as part of...
Inflation rate up by 2.5% in June
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of June, as measured on a year-over-year basis, stood at 2.5%. That change ...
Prescribed interest rates for leasing rules
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will apply during the months of July and August 2018. Those prescribed rates will be 3.28% for July ...
CRA issues updated guide to taxation of RRIF on death
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its publication outlining the tax treatment of funds held in a RRIF on the death of the RRIF annuitant. The updated publication (RC4178(E)) also rev...
Slight increase in unemployment rate for June
While employment rose by 32,000 during the month of June, the unemployment rate was also up, by 0.2%, a result attributed by Statistics Canada an increase in the number of individuals seeking to enter...
Bank of Canada increases benchmark interest rate
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on July 11, the Bank of Canada indicated that it was increasing its benchmark interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point. Accordingly...
CRA issues Tax Tip on return review process
Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency reviews approximately 3 million returns which have already been filed and assessed. Generally, such reviews are carried out to confirm income amounts reported, and...
Old Age Security benefits to increase by 1.2% in third quarter
Old Age Security (“OAS”) benefits received by Canadians are indexed to changes in the overall Consumer Price Index, and are adjusted each quarter to reflect increases in that Index.The federal gov...
No change to inflation rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates the rate of inflation for the month of May stood at 2.2%. The same rate was recorded for the month of April, and both ra...
CRA issues updated source deductions online calculator
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has re-issued the payroll deductions online calculator to be used by employers in calculating employee source deductions as of July 1, 2018. The updated version of that...
Prescribed interest rate for leasing for July
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the prescribed interest rate for leasing rules which will be in effect during the month of July. The prescribed rate for that month will be 3.28%. A chart...
Prescribed interest rates for the third quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the third quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
CRA updates and re-issues Notice of Objection form
The Canada Revenue Agency has updated and re-issued its standard form for filing an objection to a Notice of Assessment or Reassessment. The 2018 T-400A E, Notice of Objection, can be found on the CRA...
No change in unemployment rate for May
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows little change in unemployment during the month of May. For the fourth consecutive month, that rate stood at 5.8%. There was s...
June 15 filing deadline for self-employed taxpayers
The filing deadline for individual income tax returns for the 2017 year for self-employed individuals and their spouses is midnight Friday June 15, 2018. Returns can be filed using the Canada Revenue ...
Individual income tax instalment payment due June 15
For Canadians who make quarterly instalment payments of personal income tax, the next due date for such payment is Friday June 15, 2018. The Canada Revenue Agency has posted a notice on its website in...
Taxpayer relief available for Canadians affected by spring floods
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder to taxpayers who have been affected by this spring’s floods of the availability of administrative tax relief. Under the federal government’s T...
Bank of Canada maintains interest rates at current level
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on May 30, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change was needed to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate remains...
CRA issues updated payroll deduction formulas for July 1, 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued updated payroll deduction formulas for use by employers for payroll periods beginning after July 1, 2018. The updated formulas reflect changes in provincial ...
Inflation rate for April at 2.2%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows that the overall rate of inflation for the month of April stood at 2.2%, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The rate for...
Changes to distribution of GST/HST reporting/remittance forms for small businesses
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be making changes to its distribution method for GST/HST reporting and remittance forms for small businesses, with those changes generally directed toward reducing...
Unemployment rate unchanged in April
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that there was no change during the month of April to either employment figures or the overall unemployment rate. That un...
CRA tax topic podcasts available for download
The Canada Revenue Agency prepares and posts podcasts on a number of different tax topics, both individual and corporate. Those podcasts are available for download from the CRA website. The current se...
Prescribed interest rates for May and June
The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the prescribed interest rates for leasing rules which will be in effect during the months of May and June 2018. Those prescribed rates will be 3.22% during the ...
Getting information about your tax refund
Taxpayers who have filed their return for the 2017 tax year and are expecting to receive a refund can track the status of that refund payment through a toll-free telephone line. That line, the CRA’s...
CRA issues warning on filing season tax scams
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a warning to taxpayers of the need to be particularly vigilant with respect to fraudulent text, telephone, and e-mail communications, which increase during t...
Inflation rate for March reaches 2.3%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation stood at 2.3% during the month of March 2018, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The year...
April 30 due date for all 2017 individual taxes owed
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder that all individual income tax balances owed for the 2017 tax year must be paid on or before Monday April 30, 2018. April 30 is also the deadline ...
Unemployment rate unchanged in March
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows that the rate of unemployment for the month of March 2018 stood at 5.8%. The same rate was recorded for February 2018. Employ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on April 18, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change was required to current interest rates. Accordingly, the Bank Rate will remain at 1....
ReFILE service for changing individual income tax returns
It is not uncommon for taxpayers to discover an error or omission in an already-filed return, and the usual means by which such error can be corrected is the filing of a T1-Adjustment form. While a co...
CRA issues reminder of taxability of income from “sharing economy”
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued a reminder to taxpayers who receive income from the “sharing economy” that such income is taxable and must be reported on the annual tax return. Although...
Bank of Canada interest rate announcement dates for 2018
The Bank of Canada’s regularly scheduled interest rate announcement dates for the remainder of calendar year 2018 are as follows: April 18, 2018; May 30, 2018; July 11, 2018; September 5, 201...
CRA issues update on home sale reporting requirements
Proceeds received from the sale of one’s principal residence are, in most circumstances, not taxable, as such sales are eligible for the principal residence exemption. However, as of the 2016 tax ye...
Significant increase in inflation rate for February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index shows a sharp increase in inflation for the month of February. That rate stood at 2.2%, while the rate for January 2018 was 1.7%. ...
Prescribed interest rates for second quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the CRA for the second quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpose...
CRA issues warning on tax scams
While taxpayers fall victim to tax scams year-round, such scams are more prevalent during and just following tax filing season. During that time, taxpayers  expect to hear from the tax authorities, a...
CRA publication on changes to Voluntary Disclosure Program available online
In December 2017, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that substantive changes would be made to the Agency’s Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP). That program enables taxpayers who are in defau...
CRA issues e-filers manual for 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued its Guide RC4018, Electronic Filers Manual for 2017 Income Tax and Benefit Returns. That guide is for use by certified e-filers in filing individual income tax ret...
Unemployment rate down slightly in February
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a small decline in the overall unemployment rate for the month of February 2018. That rate declined from 5.9% in the month of...
Increase in Consumer Price Index for January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index indicates that the rate of inflation for the month of January 2018 stood at 1.7%. The rate for the previous month was 1.9%. Inflat...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on March 7, the Bank of Canada indicated that no change would be made to current interest rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at 1.5%. ...
Budget 2018 - Personal tax credits
Budget 2018: No personal tax credits have been repealed, and there are no new personal tax rate changes....
Budget 2018 - Foreign-born Status Indians
Budget 2018: Foreign-born Status Indians may now be eligible for child benefits, retroactive to 2005....
Budget 2018 - Service animals
Budget 2018: Eligibility of specially trained service animals will be expanded for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit....
Budget 2018 - Canada Workers Benefit
Budget 2018: Taxpayers will no longer need to apply when filing their return in order to receive the Canada Workers Benefit....
Budget 2018 - Working Income Tax Benefit amounts
Budget 2018: The Working Income Tax Benefit amounts are enhanced as of 2019, and the credit is renamed the Canada Workers Benefit...
Budget 2018 - Non-resident surplus stripping rules
Budget 2018: The non-resident surplus stripping rules are tightened to address the use of partnerships and trusts....
Budget 2018 - CRA compliance orders
Budget 2018: Where a CRA compliance order or information requirement is contested, a new rule will “stop the clock” to prevent the tax year from being statute barred....
Budget 2018 - RDTOH
Budget 2018: A corporation will have two RDTOH accounts going forward: eligible and non-eligible RDTOH....
Budget 2018 - Investment income
Budget 2018: A corporation with $100,000 of investment income will have its small business limit reduced to $250,000....
Budget 2018 - Corporations' small business limit
Budget 2018: A corporation’s small business limit will be reduced where the corporation earns investment income exceeding $50,000....
Extended hours for CRA telephone help line
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a 1-800 telephone service to provide tax information to Canadian taxpayers. Such information can be general in nature, or can involve the specific tax affairs ...
CRA issues list of approved software for NETFILING of 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency’s NETFILE service for filing of individual income tax returns will be available starting Monday February 26, 2018. Taxpayers do not need to obtain an access code to file th...
Unemployment rate up slightly in January
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labor Force Survey shows a slight increase in the overall unemployment rate for the month of January. That rate rose by 0.1%, from 5.8% to 5.9%. That c...
2018-19 Federal Budget date announced
The Federal Minister of Finance has announced that the 2018-19 federal Budget will be brought down on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. The Budget will be released at around 4 p.m. and the full Budget Paper...
Obtaining hard copy of a 2017 income tax return package
This year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be providing taxpayers with hard copies of the 2017 Income Tax and Benefit package through a variety of means, and at various dates. Individuals who pap...
CRA announces NETFILE service availability dates for 2017 returns
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the date on which NETFILE service for the filing of individual income tax returns for the 2017 tax year will be available. NETFILE service will be availab...
CRA to mail tax return packages to selected taxpayers
While the majority of Canadians now file their individual income tax returns electronically, there is still a significant minority of tax filers who file using a printed return. The Canada Revenue Age...
CRA announces change to 2017 individual tax return forms
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has posted a notice on its website that an “update” has been made to individual 2017 tax forms. Those forms are to be used by individual Canadians to file their ret...
CRA reinstates telephone tax return filing service
For a number of years, taxpayers whose tax situation was relatively straightforward were able to file their return by telephone. That service, which was called TELEFILE, was withdrawn a few years ago....
Prescribed interest rates for first quarter of 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the interest rates which will apply to amounts owed to and by the Agency for the first quarter of 2018, as well as the rates that will apply for the purpo...
Bank of Canada raises interest rates
As widely expected, the Bank of Canada indicated, in its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on January 17, that an increase in the bank rate was required. The Bank’s announcement, w...
Federal Budget 2018-19 consultations to end January 26
Finance Canada has announced that the consultation process leading to the release of the 2018-19 federal Budget will conclude on Friday January 26, 2018. Canadians can provide input by submitting thei...
CRA issues individual T1 Tax Return Form and Guide for 2017
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Benefit form to be used by individual Canadian taxpayers in filing their return for the 2017 tax year. The T1 form is ava...
Unemployment rate for December 2017 down to 5.7%
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey indicates that the unemployment rate for the month of December 2017 stood at 5.7%. The last period for which that rate was recorded...
Small business tax rate reduced effective January 1
As previously announced, the federal small business tax rate is reduced to 10.0%, effective as of January 1, 2018. There is no change in the federal small business limit, which remains at $500,000. Th...
Automobile deduction and benefit limits for 2018
Finance Canada has announced the limits and thresholds which will apply for purposes of determining automobile benefits and deductions during 2018. Most such deduction limits and thresholds are unchan...
CRA issues guidance on upcoming changes to small business tax rules
Planned changes to the federal income tax rules governing the taxation of small incorporated Canadian businesses are to take effect for 2018. One of those changes will include greater restrictions on ...
Changes to be made to Voluntary Disclosure Program
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides an administrative program under which taxpayers who have failed to file returns or pay taxes on a timely basis can bring their tax affairs into compliance, usu...
Age 71 final RRSP contribution to be made by December 31
Taxpayers who are turning age 71 during the year and who have available contribution room are entitled to make a final RRSP contribution for that year. Such contributions must be made by the end of th...
NETFILE service for 2016 returns available until January 19
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their return for the 2016 tax year will have until January 19, 2018 to file that return using NETFILE. Until that date, returns for the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 tax ...
Bank of Canada leaves interest rates unchanged
In its regularly scheduled interest rate announcement made on December 6, the Bank of Canada indicated that, in its view, no change is required to current rates. Accordingly, the bank rate remains at ...
Unemployment rate down in November
The most recent release of Statistic’s Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows a slight decline in the overall unemployment for the month of November. That rate declined by 0.4%, to 5.9%. The November ...
T4127 for 2018 payroll deduction amounts released
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the 2018 version of its publication T4127(E), Payroll Deductions Formulas. The guide is intended for use by payroll software providers and by employers which manag...
CRA issues federal TD1 Form and TD1 Worksheet for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued the federal TD1 Form and Worksheet which will be used by taxpayers and their employers to determine required federal income tax source deductions for the upcoming ...
Inflation rate up by 1.4% in October
The most recent release of Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows an inflation rate of 1.4% for the month of October, as measured on a year-over-year basis. The equivalent rate for the...
Finance launches pre-budget consultations
Finance Canada has begun the consultation process leading to the release of the 2018-19 federal Budget. As part of that budget consultation process, the Minister of Finance is holding in-person public...
CRA to provide online filing for trust tax and information returns
Effective as of January 8, 2018, administrators and representatives of qualifying Canadian trusts will be able to file trust income tax and information returns online, through the Canada Revenue Agenc...
Employment Insurance premium rates for 2018
The federal government has announced the premium rates and maximum insurable earnings amount which will be in place for the 2018 calendar year. The premium rate for the year for employees has been set...
CRA announces CPP contribution rates and amounts for 2018
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced the contribution rates and amounts for both employers and employees which will apply for 2018. Maximum pensionable earnings for the year will be $55,900 (...
NS - Two-month HST holiday to begin December 14, 2024
As announced by the federal government last month, a two-month holiday from the imposition of the federal goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) will be provided on sales of specified t...
NS - Changes to provide expanded access to locked-in pension amounts
Where an individual who is a member of a registered pension plan (RPP) leaves their employer, funds which have accrued to their credit in that RPP are in most cases transferred to a “locked-in” ac...
NS - Province issues fiscal update for first quarter of 2024-25
The Nova Scotia government recently issued its first budget update for the province’s 2024-25 fiscal year; that update indicates that the province will run a higher-than-anticipated deficit. The upd...
NS - Heating Assistance Rebate Program opens October 1
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia residents with a rebate of $600 to help offset the cost of home heating under the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP). That rebate is generally availabl...
NS - Province extends current rent cap through 2027
The Nova Scotia government has announced that the current rent cap of 5% has been extended to apply until the end of 2027. The cap had been scheduled to end as of December 31, 2025. The rent cap provi...
NS - New registration and fee requirements to be required for specified short-term rentals
The provincial government has announced that, effective as of September 30, 2024, new registration requirements and registration fees and penalties will be imposed with respect to specified types of s...
NS - Changes made to Down Payment Assistance Program
The province provides assistance to first-time home buyers who have an annual household income of below $145,000 through its Down Payment Assistance Program. That Program helps provincial residents wh...
NS - Province to provide tax rebate on purpose-built rental housing projects
Nova Scotia provides a temporary program under which taxpayers can receive a rebate of the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax (HST) applicable to new purpose-built rental housing projects....
NS - Increase in provincial minimum wage effective April 1, 2024
Effective as of April 1, 2024, the Nova Scotia general minimum wage increased to $15.20 per hour. That change in the minimum wage follows the recommendation made by the province’s Minimum Wage Revie...
NS - Province to begin indexing of individual income tax brackets and credits
In its 2024-25 budget, the provincial government announced that indexing of individual income tax brackets and some non-refundable individual income tax credits would be introduced, effective as of th...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2024
During the 2024 taxation year the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate      Taxable Income Brackets 8.79%        �...
NS - Personal tax credit amounts for 2024
The province of Nova Scotia will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2024: Basic personal amount ………………………………… $11,481 Spouse or equivalent-to-spouse amount...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase April 1, 2024
The Nova Scotia government has announced that, following a recommendation of the province’s Minimum Wage Review Committee, the provincial general minimum wage will increase effective April 1, 2024. ...
NS - Province launches consultation process for 2024-25 budget
The Nova Scotia government has launched the consultation process for the 2024-25 provincial budget to be brought down in the spring of 2024. Residents of the province can send suggestions or comments ...
NS - New forgivable loan program for intergenerational housing builds
The provincial government has announced that residents of the province who build a secondary or backyard suite in their home or on their property may be eligible for up to $25,000 in forgivable loans....
NS - Skilled trades workers eligible for refund of provincial income tax paid
Nova Scotia residents who were under the age of 31 at the end of 2022 and who are registered as an apprentice or certified as a journeyperson in an eligible trade may receive a refund of provincial t...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase effective October 1, 2023
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced that the Nova Scotia general hourly minimum wage would increase twice during 2023. The first such increase took place on April 1, 2023, when the ...
NS - Applications for seniors’ property tax rebate available July 1, 2023
This year, Nova Scotia will provide eligible lower-income seniors in the province with a rebate of up to one-half of the amount which was paid for property taxes in 2022, with the maximum rebate being...
NS - Province expands small business wildfire relief program
Earlier this month, the Nova Scotia government announced that small businesses located within the mandatory wildfire evacuation zone would be eligible to receive a one-time, $2,500 grant to help offse...
NS - Provincial income tax refund available to under-30 workers in skilled trades
The province provides a refundable tax credit (the “More Opportunity for Skilled Trades and Occupations” tax refund) for individuals who are under the age of 30 and work in the province in specifi...
NS - Financial support for households and small businesses affected by wildfires
The Nova Scotia government has announced that financial assistance will be provided to households and small businesses in the province which have been affected by the recent wildfires. The Small Busin...
NS - Nova Scotia residents to receive climate action incentive payments in 2023-24
Eligible residents of Nova Scotia will begin receiving federal climate action incentive (CAI) payments, effective as of July 1, 2023.The quarterly payment amounts for Nova Scotia residents are as foll...
NS - Date announced for 2023-24 fiscal year budget
The Nova Scotia Minister of Finance has announced that the province’s budget for the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year will be released on Thursday March 23. Once the budget measures are announced, the f...
NS - Province accelerates planned increases to minimum wage
The Nova Scotia government had announced a five-stage increase in the provincial minimum wage which would see that minimum wage increase to $15.00 by April of 2024. Earlier this month, however, the go...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2023
During the 2023 taxation year the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate                     Taxable Income Brac...
NS - Payroll deduction formulas for 2023 released
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the payroll deduction formulas to be used by Nova Scotia employers during the 2023 tax year. The Guide to Payroll Deductions outlines the amounts which Nova Scot...
NS - Application process open for small business hurricane relief grant program
The Nova Scotia government has announced that it will be providing a grant to eligible small businesses which were affected by hurricane Fiona, and that the application process for that grant is now o...
NS - Province announces disaster financial relief for small businesses and households
The government of Nova Scotia has announced details of a disaster financial relief program for small businesses and households in the province. The Disaster Financial Assistance Program helps small bu...
NS - Minimum wage increase to take effect October 1, 2022
Effective as of October 1, 2022, the Nova Scotia general minimum wage will increase by 25 cents per hour, from $13.35 to $13.60 per hour. The change is the second in a planned five-stage increase in t...
NS - Applications now available for 2022 property tax rebate for seniors
Nova Scotia provides eligible seniors living in the province with a rebate of 50% of the previous year’s property taxes, to a maximum of $800. To qualify for the rebate, seniors must meet the follow...
NS - Children’s sports and arts tax credit available for 2022
In the 2022-23 budget, the government of Nova Scotia announced the creation of a new refundable tax credit to help offset the cost of enrolling children in athletic or arts programs. The maximum credi...
NS - Province introduces new sports and arts activities tax credit for children
Effective for the 2022 and subsequent taxation years, Nova Scotia is providing a new tax credit to help offset the cost of enrolling children (under age 19) in artistic, cultural, and physical activit...
NS - Province cancels plans for non-resident property tax
In its budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Nova Scotia government had announced that it would be imposing a special property tax on non-resident owners of residential property in the province. The...
NS - Multi-stage increase to provincial minimum wage announced
The Nova Scotia government has accepted the recommendation of its Minimum Wage Review Committee that the provincial minimum wage should increase to $15.00 per hour by 2024. That increase will take pla...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase effective April 1, 2022
The Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Review Committee recently submitted a report recommending increases to the provincial minimum wage. The provincial government has announced that the recommendation for an ...
NS - Province launches Budget consultation process for 2022-23
Nova Scotia has announced the start of the consultation process leading to the release of the province’s 2022-23 Budget in the spring of this year. Provincial residents can submit ideas, comments, o...
NS - CRA issues TD1 form for Nova Scotia residents for 2022
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued the TD1 form to be used by residents of Nova Scotia for the 2022 tax year. On the TD1 form, an employee indicates the provincial personal tax credit amounts ...
NS - Province releases public accounts for 2020-21
The province has issued its Public Accounts for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, summarizing Nova Scotia’s revenue, expenditure, and deficit picture for 2020-21. The province reported a deficit...
NS - Province approves financial hardship withdrawals from locked-in retirement accounts
Individuals who hold retirement savings in locked-in accounts cannot generally access those funds prior to reaching a specified age. The Nova Scotia government recently changed the existing rules to p...
NS - Application deadline for small business property tax rebate program extended
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced that it would be providing eligible Nova Scotia businesses with a partial rebate of their 2020-21 property taxes. The Small Business Real Propert...
NS - Application process for seniors’ property tax rebate starts July 1
The province provides a program for eligible seniors which reduces their property taxes by a maximum of $800. To be eligible for the 2021 program, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, must qualif...
NS - Application process open for Small Business Property Tax Rebate
The province provides a property tax rebate program for eligible Nova Scotia small businesses, with that program giving eligible businesses a one-time rebate of a portion of their paid property taxes....
NS - Provincial minimum wage increased as of April 1, 2021
Effective as of April 1, 2021, the general minimum wage payable in the province of Nova Scotia increased to $12.95 per hour. The general minimum wage rate does not apply to specified types of employee...
NS - Province brings down 2021-22 fiscal year Budget
The 2021-22 provincial Budget brought down on March 25, 2021 contained no new personal or corporate taxes or tax increases. The Budget did include an announcement of an extension to the Nova Scotia Eq...
NS - Property tax relief to be provided for small businesses in the service sector
The Nova Scotia government has announced that property tax relief will be provided to qualifying small businesses in the service sector, through a one-time rebate program. Under the Small Business Pro...
NS - Individual income tax rates and brackets for 2021
During the 2021 taxation year, the province of Nova Scotia will levy individual income tax using the following income tax brackets and tax rates. Tax Rate                              �...
NS - Province issues second Budget update for 2020-21
On December 17, the provincial Minister of Finance issued the province’s second Budget update for the current (2020-21) fiscal year. That update showed that the government is now forecasting a defic...
NS - Property tax rebate provided for qualifying tourism accommodation owners
The provincial government has announced that a partial rebate of 25% of commercial property tax paid for 2020-21 may be claimed by qualified owners of tourism accommodation in the province. To obtain ...
NS - Applications available for 2020-21 heating rebate program
Eligible Nova Scotia residents can receive an annual rebate of up to $200, intended to help offset the costs of home heating. To qualify for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, provincial residents...
NS - Province issues first fiscal update for 2020-21
The first fiscal update issued by the provincial government for the current (2020-21) fiscal year reflects the financial impact of the current pandemic. The government is forecasting a deficit of $852...
NS - Tax on vaping products to be implemented September 15
As announced in this year’s provincial Budget, the province will be introducing a new tax on all vaping products, effective as of September 15, 2020. Vaping substances, including those that do not c...
NS - Budget update projects current year deficit
On July 29, the Nova Scotia Finance and Treasury Board Minister brought down a budget update for the province’s 2020-21 fiscal year, which indicated that the province will run a deficit of $852.9 mi...
NS - Provincial digital animation tax credit extended
Nova Scotia provides eligible corporations with a refundable digital animation tax credit, with the amount of the credit based on a specified percentage of qualifying production-related expenditures. ...
NS - Province to provide small business grant and loan program
The government of Nova Scotia has announced that it will be providing financial support to small businesses in the province which have experienced recent revenue losses. That support will be provided ...
NS - Provincial minimum wage increased April 1, 2020
Nova Scotia’s general minimum wage was increased, effective as of April 1, 2020. As of that date, the general minimum wage payable in the province increased from $11.55 to $12.55 per hour. As well, ...
NS - Innovation Equity Tax Credit extended to corporate investors
Since January 2019, the province has provided an Innovation Equity Tax Credit to individual investors. That credit has now been extended to be available to corporate investors, effective for corporate...
NS - Province to reduce general corporate income tax rate
In its 2020-21 fiscal year Budget, which was release on February 28, the provincial Minister of Finance announced that the province would be cutting the general corporate income tax rate. That rate wi...
NS - 2019 tax return package for Nova Scotia residents now available online
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released the Individual Income Tax Return and Guide to be used by individuals who were residents of Nova Scotia as of December 31, 2019. That return and guide can b...
NS - Province launches 2020-21 Budget consultation process
The provincial government has announced the start of the consultation process for Nova Scotia’s 2020-21 Budget, which will run from November 28 to December 31, 2019. Provincial residents can partici...
NS - Applications now available for 2019-20 Heating Assistance Rebate
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia residents, through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) with a rebate of up to $200 to help offset home heating costs. A recent press release indicat...
NS - Province issues update on first quarter finances
The first-quarter fiscal update issued recently by the provincial government shows that Nova Scotia is on track to post a balanced budget for the current (2019-20) fiscal year. That fiscal update show...
NS - Province eliminates extra-provincial registration and renewal fees
Businesses which are incorporated in one province and expand their operations into a second province are generally required to pay extra-provincial registration and renewal fees in that second provinc...
NS - Province releases 2018-19 financial results
The province has released its Public Accounts for 2018-19, including audited financial statements for the year. Those statements show that Nova Scotia recorded a final surplus for the year of $120 mil...
NS - Student loan forgiveness available to post-July 2019 graduates
Changes are being made to the Nova Scotia Loan Forgiveness Program, effective as of August 1, 2019. Post-secondary students who complete their first undergraduate degree within an 8-year period and wh...
NS - Seniors’ 2019 property tax rebate applications available now
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia seniors with a rebate of 50% of property taxes paid during the previous year, to a maximum rebate of $800. The application process for the 2019 rebate is now...
NS - Province provides guidelines for Innovation Equity Tax Credit
As of January 1, 2019, the province provides an Innovation Equity Tax Credit which allows individual investors in qualifying Nova Scotia companies to earn a personal income tax credit. The maximum inv...
NS - Province creates new corporation innovation equity tax credit
In its Budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, the province announced that a corporate innovation equity tax credit would be made available, effective as of April 1, 2019. The new credit, which is similar...
NS - Province tables fourth consecutive balanced Budget
On March 26, the provincial Minister of Finance delivered a balanced Budget for the upcoming (2019-20) fiscal year. Projections included in the Budget also called for balanced budgets in each of the n...
NS - Provincial minimum wage to increase April 1, 2019
Effective April 1, 2019, the general minimum wage for experienced workers in the province will increase to $11.55 per hour. As of the same date, the minimum hourly wage for inexperienced workers incre...
NS - Province announces 2019-20 Budget date
The 2019-20 provincial Budget will be brought down by the Nova Scotia Minister of Finance on Tuesday March 26, 2019. Once the Budget is released, the budget papers will be posted on the provincial  g...
NS - Province creates Innovation Equity Tax Credit
The provincial government has announced that, effective immediately, it will be providing a new Innovation Equity Tax Credit. That new tax credit applies to investments up to $250,000 in eligible busi...
NS - 2019-20 Budget consultation process launched
The provincial government has announced that the consultation process for the 2019-20 Nova Scotia Budget commenced on November 30 and will end on December 31, 2018. Provincial residents can participat...
NS - Applications for 2018-19 home heating rebate program now available
The province government has announced that applications under the 2018-19 Heating Assistance Rebate Program are now available to be filed. That program provides eligible residents of the province with...
NS - Province releases first update of 2018-19 Budget
The first update since the release of the province’s Budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year shows an increase in the forecast surplus. The projected surplus is now $34.5 million, up $5.1 million from th...
NS - Seniors’ property tax rebate program expanded
The province provides eligible Nova Scotia seniors with a rebate of municipal property taxes paid for the previous year. That rebate is set at 50% of such property taxes paid, to a maximum rebate of $...
NS - Province receives highest-ever credit rating
The Nova Scotia government has announced that its credit rating from the ratings agency Standard and Poor’s was recently increased from A+ to AA-, which is the province’s highest rating to date fr...
NS - Province releases 2017-18 fiscal year results
Nova Scotia Finance has announced that the province ended its 2017-18 fiscal year in a surplus position. The gross surplus for the year ending March 31, 2018 was $230 million. That surplus figure was ...
NS - Applications available for interest-free down payment loans
The provincial government has announced that applications are now available for interest-free down payment loans for first-time homeowners. Under the Down Payment Assistance Program, the province will...
NS - Increase to provincial personal tax credits for 2018
Earlier this year, the province announced that a number of personal tax credit amounts have been increased for low and middle income taxpayers, effective as of the 2018 tax year. Each of the basic per...
NS - 2018-19 provincial Budget projects current year surplus
The 2018-19 Nova Scotia Budget brought down on March 20, 2018 indicates that the province will record a surplus of $29.4 million for the current (2018-19) fiscal year, and includes projections of bala...
NS - Personal income tax rates and brackets for 2018
For the 2018 tax year, the province of Nova Scotia will levy personal income tax at the following tax rates and brackets: 79% on the first $29,590 of taxable income; 95% on taxable income between $29...
NS - Minimum wage increase effective April 1
As of April 1, 2018, the provincial minimum wage will be increased, with that increase based on the 2017 national Consumer Price Index. That inflationary change will mean that the general minimum wage...
NS - CRA releases 2017 T1 tax return form for Nova Scotia residents
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the 2017 T1 Individual Income Tax Return and Benefit form to be used by individuals who were residents of Nova Scotia at the end of that year. The T1 form packag...
NS - Increased surplus projected in 2017-18 budget update
In the 2017-18 budget update presented on December 21, the province’s Minister of Finance was able to project an improvement in Nova Scotia’s net financial position for the current fiscal year. Th...

Two quarterly newsletters have been added – one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


While almost everyone looks forward to retirement and an end to the day-to-day demands of working life, there’s also no question but that the decision to give up a regular paycheque is a stressful one. Particularly when the cost of life’s necessities – especially food and housing – seem to be continually increasing, individuals wanting to retire have to wonder whether they can actually afford to do so, or whether it would be foolhardy, in the current economic realities, to walk away from a reliable regular paycheque.


It seems incongruous, in the season of holiday gifts and celebrations, to consider the possible tax implications and consequences of those traditions. But, in some circumstances, the unwelcome spectre of an income tax bill arising from such activities does intrude.


December 31 , 2024 marks not just the end of the calendar year, but the end of the 2024 tax year for every individual Canadian taxpayer. And while the thoughts of most Canadians during the holiday season are focused on anything but their 2024 income taxes, the reality is that December 31 can be a critical date when it comes to determining how much income tax one will pay for 2024.


On November 21, the federal government announced two new measures intended to relieve some of the financial stress currently being experienced by most Canadian families and households. That financial stress arises, in large measure, from the steady increase in the cost of goods and service over the past two years – and, while inflation has decreased significantly over the past several months, price increases for non-discretionary expenditures like food and housing continue to outpace the general rate of inflation.


It has been nearly five years since the start of the pandemic, and the work-from-home arrangements which became a necessity during that time have now become a choice for employers and employees.


For most Canadians, the subject of making RRSP or TFSA contributions, or making RRIF withdrawals, isn’t usually top of mind at year-end. Most Canadians know that the deadline for making contributions to one’s registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) comes 60 days after the end of the calendar year, around the end of February, but relatively few are aware that in some circumstances an RRSP contribution must be (or should be) made by December 31, in order to achieve the best tax result. As well, while a contribution or withdrawal from a TFSA can be done at any time, additional flexibility can be gained where withdrawals, in particular, are timed to take best advantage of the rules governing TFSAs. Finally, most Canadians who have opened a registered retirement fund (RRIF) are aware that they are required to make a withdrawal of a specified amount from that RRIF each year, with the percentage withdrawal amount based on the RRIF holder’s age – although few are aware of when and how that required withdrawal is calculated.


For most Canadians, tax planning for a year that hasn’t even started yet may seem premature or even unnecessary. However, most Canadians will start paying their taxes for 2025 in less than two months, starting with the first paycheque they receive in January.


Canada’s income tax system is a self-assessing one, in which residents of Canada are expected (and in most cases, required) to file an annual tax return in which all sources of worldwide income are reported, and the amount of tax owed on that income calculated and paid.


While the need for charitable donations for any number of causes is a year-round reality, appeals for such donations tend to increase as the holiday season and the end of the calendar year approach. And generally, those appeals are met, as Canadians have a well-deserved reputation for supporting charitable causes, through donations of both money and goods. Our tax system supports that generosity by providing both federal and provincial tax credits for qualifying donations made. In all cases, in order to claim a credit for a donation in a particular tax year, that donation must be made by the end of that calendar year.


Residents of the eight Canadian provinces in which the federal fuel charge (more commonly known as the federal carbon tax) is levied are entitled to claim and receive the federal Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR). That rebate (formerly known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment) is a non-taxable payment made four times a year (in April, July, and October of 2024 and January 2025) to help offset the cost of that federal carbon tax.


The Old Age Security (OAS) program is one of the two major federal benefit programs available to older Canadians – the other being the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). While both programs provide taxable monthly payments to Canadians, there are significant differences between the two. The Canada Pension Plan is a contributory system, with Canadians contributing a percentage of income earned during their working years, and with the amount of benefits receivable based on the amount of contributions made. By contrast, OAS benefits are paid out of general government revenues, with no requirement that recipients pay into the plan. The amount of the monthly OAS benefit is a fixed amount which is payable to anyone who has been resident in Canada for at least 40 years after the age of 18. (Reduced benefits are payable to those whose period of Canadian residence after the age of 18 is between 10 and 40 years.) For the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December), that maximum monthly benefit for recipients under the age of 75 is $728., while benefit recipients aged 75 and older can receive up to $800. per month.


In the 2024-25 Federal Budget released earlier this year, the federal government announced changes to the rules which govern mortgage lending in Canada. Those changes had two goals: making it easier for first-time home buyers to qualify for a mortgage, and providing an incentive to encourage the building of new residential properties in Canada. Finance Canada recently announced two additional changes to mortgage lending rules; the first of those changes builds on one of the Budget announcements, while the second reduces the amount of the down payment which some home purchasers are required to make.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added – one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


While the current state of the Canadian health care system is far from perfect, Canadians are nonetheless fortunate to have a publicly funded health care system, in which most major medical expenses are covered by provincial health care plans. Notwithstanding, there is a large (and growing) number of medical and para-medical costs – including dental care, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, ambulance trips, and many others – which must be paid for on an out-of-pocket basis by the individual. In some cases, such costs are covered by private insurance, usually provided by an employer, but not everyone benefits from private health care coverage. Self-employed individuals, those working on contract, or those whose income comes from several part-time jobs do not usually have access to such private insurance coverage. Fortunately for those individuals, our tax system acts to help cushion the blow by providing a 15% federal non-refundable medical expense tax credit (METC) to help offset out-of-pocket medical and para-medical costs which must be incurred.


The federal government provides a number of non-refundable tax credits and benefits to Canadians under the umbrella term “child and family benefits”, but likely the most widely available and most generous of those programs is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).


Canada’s tax system is a self-assessing one, meaning that the onus rests on individual taxpayers to file their annual return each spring and to pay any amounts owed. The compliance rate in Canada is high – most Canadian taxpayers comply with those tax obligations, filing returns and making any required payments on a consistent basis. Where such tax obligations aren’t met, however, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has the authority to impose both penalties and interest charges.


The past five years have been a tough financial slog for most Canadian families, as they struggled to cope with the pandemic, followed by inflation which tripled from under 2% in mid-2020 to over 6% by the end of 2022, and, finally, interest rate increases which saw the Bank Rate go from less than 1% in April of 2020 to over 5% in April of 2024.


Members of the baby boom generation who were born between 1946 and 1965 are now between 59 and 78 years of age, and make up about a quarter of the Canadian population. Many, if not most, are now retired, and the older members of that generation are likely experiencing the changes to physical health, strength, and agility that come with age. The process of aging is an extremely variable one – some individuals are healthier and more active at age 80 than others are at 60, but the physical changes that accompany aging come, inevitably, to everyone. And when those changes take place, it’s necessary to make some hard decisions about a number of things.


In most cases, the need to seek out and obtain legal services (and to pay for them) is associated with life’s more unwelcome occurrences and experiences – a divorce, a dispute over a family estate, or a job loss. About the only thing that mitigates the pain of paying legal fees (apart, hopefully, from a successful resolution of the problem that created the need for legal advice) would be being able to claim a tax credit or deduction for the fees paid.


By the middle of August, most students who are beginning post-secondary education this fall have hopefully received an offer of admission from their college or university of choice and are in the final stages of planning the move away from the family home for the first time. While deciding where to live and choosing courses for the upcoming fall semester is undoubtedly exciting, the hard reality is that all such choices come with a price tag – sometimes a very steep one. Regardless of geographic location, housing arrangements, or program choices, post-secondary learning is expensive. There will be tuition bills, of course, but also the need to find housing and pay rent in what is, in most college or university locations, a very tight and very expensive rental market. Those who choose to live in a university residence and are able to secure a place will also face bills for accommodation and, usually, a meal plan.


During the 2024 calendar year, hundreds of thousands of Canadians will reach their 71st birthday, and a significant percentage of that group are likely to have saved money for retirement through a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). Every one of those individuals, whether they are retired, partly retired, or still in the work force, and regardless of the amount of savings accumulated in their RRSPs, will be required, by the end of the calendar year, to make a decision on how to structure and invest their retirement income for the remainder of their lives.


Most Canadians contemplate retirement with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. While the benefits of an end to the day-to-day grind of work and commuting (while also having more free time to spend with family and friends) are undeniable, giving up a regular paycheque also means experiencing a degree of financial anxiety. For the majority of Canadians who are not members of a defined benefit pension plan, the overriding concern is how to manage retirement savings in a way that will generate sufficient income to provide a comfortable retirement, while still ensuring that accrued savings will last the remainder of one’s life. How, in other words, to avoid the dismal prospect of outliving one’s savings, or spending too much early in retirement and being left with insufficient income to meet one’s expenses late in life? And, of course, it’s impossible to find a definitive answer to that question, since none of us knows what the future holds, in terms of either health or longevity.


By the time summer arrives, nearly all Canadians have filed their income tax returns for the previous year, have received a Notice of Assessment from the tax authorities with respect to that return, and have either received their tax refund or, more grudgingly, paid any balance of tax owing.


By this time of the year, virtually all Canadian residents have filed their income tax return for 2023 and have received the Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with respect to that tax filing. Most taxpayers, therefore, would consider that their annual filing and payment obligations are done and behind them for another year.


Most Canadians, understandably, think of our income tax system as a government “program” that takes money out of their paycheques and out of their pockets. And, while it’s certainly true that virtually every Canadian who earns an income must allocate a portion of that income to paying federal and provincial personal income taxes, that’s not the whole picture. Our tax system does, in fact, provide Canadians with a number of direct benefits, through a variety of tax credit and benefit programs which actually put money into the hands of Canadians. And when that money can be obtained with minimal effort (and be received tax-free) it’s a win-win for the recipient.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added – one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


The Canadian tax system is a “self-assessing” one, in which taxpayers are expected (and, in most cases, required) to file an individual income tax return each spring. On that return the taxpayer provides a summary of income earned during the previous calendar year and claims available deductions and credits. Those calculations determine the amount of tax owed for the year and any amount owed must then, of course, be paid on or before April 30.


As the school year draws to a close, the thoughts of millions of Canadian parents turn to the question of how to find – and pay for – child care throughout the summer months. While many Canadians are still able to work from home for some portion of the work week, few (if any) have the kind of work arrangement which allows them to dispense entirely with child care arrangements during the summer months.


Each spring and summer, tens of thousands of Canadian families sell their homes and move – sometimes to a bigger and better property in the same town or city, and sometimes to a new city or even another province. At the same time, university students make the annual move from their university residences or apartments back to the family home for the summer. And, whatever the reason for the move or the distance to the new location, all moves have two things in common – stress and cost. Even where the move is a desired one, moving inevitably means upheaval of one’s life and the costs involved can be very significant. There is not much that can diminish the stress of moving, but the associated costs can be offset somewhat by a tax deduction which may be claimed for many of those costs.


Many (if not most) taxpayers think of tax planning as a year-end exercise, one to be carried out in the last few weeks of the year, in order to take the steps needed to minimize the tax bill for that year. And it’s true that almost all strategies needed to both minimize the tax hit for the current year and to ensure that there won’t be a big tax bill come next April must be put in place by December 31 (the making of registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions being the notable exception). Nonetheless, there’s a lot to recommend carrying out a mid-year review of one’s tax situation for the current year. Doing that review mid-year, instead of waiting until December, gives the taxpayer the chance to make sure that everything is on track and, especially, to put into place any adjustments needed to help ensure that there are no unpleasant tax surprises when the return for 2024 is filed next spring. And, while the deadline for implementing most tax saving strategies may be December 31, it’s also the case that opportunities to make a significant difference to one’s current-year tax situation diminish as the calendar year progresses.


Most retired Canadians receive income from two government-sponsored retirement income programs – the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Old Age Security (OAS) program. While benefits from both are paid to recipients by the federal government on a monthly basis, there are significant differences in how the two plans are funded, the amounts which can be received, and, most significantly for retirees, in how entitlement to benefits is determined each year.


This year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will receive and process more than 30 million individual income tax returns for the 2023 tax year. No two of those returns will be identical, as each such return will have its own particular combination of amounts and sources of income reported, and deductions and credits claimed. There is, however, one thing which every one of those returns has in common: for each and every one, the CRA will review the return filed, determine whether it is in agreement with the information contained therein, and, finally, issue a Notice of Assessment (NOA) to the taxpayer summarizing the Agency’s conclusions with respect to the taxpayer’s tax situation for the 2023 tax year.


For the majority of Canadians, the due date for filing of an individual tax return for the 2023 tax year was Tuesday April 30, 2024. (Self-employed Canadians and their spouses have until Monday June 17, 2024 to get that return filed.) When things go entirely as planned and hoped, the taxpayer will have prepared a return that is complete and correct, and filed it on time, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue a Notice of Assessment indicating that the return is “assessed as filed”, meaning that the CRA agrees with the information filed and the amount of tax payable determined by the taxpayer. While that’s the outcome everyone is hoping for, it’s a result which can be derailed in any number of ways.


As everyone knows, buying one’s first home – achieving that elusive first step on to the “property ladder” – has always presented a challenge, and that challenge has rarely been greater than it is now. The two unavoidable hurdles which must be cleared by first time home buyers are putting together sufficient funds for a down payment, and qualifying for mortgage financing under mortgage lending requirements which have become increasingly stringent in recent years. Soaring house prices and mortgage interest rates which have steadily increased over the past two years combine to make it difficult to clear either or both of those hurdles.


Most Canadians rarely have reason to interact with the tax authorities, and for most people, that’s the way they like it. In the vast majority of cases, Canadians file their tax returns each spring, receive their refund or pay any balance of taxes owing, and forget about taxes until filing season rolls around the following year.


Most taxpayers sit down to do their annual tax return, or wait to hear from their tax return preparer, with some degree of trepidation. In most cases taxpayers don’t know, until their return is completed, what the “bottom line” will be, and it’s usually a case of hoping for the best and fearing the worst.


Our tax system is, for the most part, a mystery to individual Canadians. The rules surrounding income tax are complicated and it can seem that for each and every rule there is an equal number of exceptions or qualifications. There is, however, one rule which applies to every individual taxpayer in Canada, regardless of location, income, or circumstances, and of which most Canadians are aware. That rule is that income tax owed for a year must be paid, in full, on or before April 30 of the following year. This year, that means that individual income taxes owed for 2023 must be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on or before Tuesday April 30, 2024. No exceptions and, absent extraordinary circumstances, no extensions.


No one likes paying taxes, but for taxpayers who live on a fixed income having to pay a a large tax bill can mean real financial hardship – and the majority of Canadians who live on fixed incomes are, of course, those who are over 65 and retired. Adding to their financial stress is the reality that such individuals have been coping, for the past two years, with inflationary increases in the cost of just about all goods and services, especially food and shelter.


For the past two years, Canadians have had to continually adjust their household budgets to accommodate price increases for nearly all goods and services. The impact of rising prices is felt most by those who are living on a fixed income and who, of necessity, spend a larger than average share of their income on non-discretionary expenditures like housing and food. And, while such individuals and families can be found in all age groups, retirees make up the largest Canadian demographic who live on such fixed incomes.


Most Canadians don’t turn their attention to their taxes until sometime around the end of March or the beginning of April, in time to complete the return for 2023 ahead of the April 30, 2024 filing deadline.


While owning one’s own home brings with it many intangible benefits, home ownership also provides some very significant financial advantages. Specifically, it provides the opportunity to accumulate wealth through increases in home equity, and to realize that wealth on a truly tax-free basis.


While our tax laws require Canadian residents to complete and file a T1 tax return form each spring, that return form is never exactly the same from year to year. Some of the changes found in each year’s T1 are the result of the indexing of many aspects of our tax system, as income brackets and tax credit amounts are increased to reflect the rate of inflation during the previous year. Other changes, however, arise from the introduction by the federal government of new deductions or credits, changes to the existing rules which govern the availability, amount, or delivery of such deductions or credits, and, inevitably, the end of some tax credit programs.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added – one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency publishes a statistical summary of the tax filing patterns of Canadians during the previous filing season. The final statistics for 2023 show that the vast majority of Canadian individual income tax returns – just over 92%, or just under 30 million returns – were filed by electronic means, using one or the other of the CRA’s web-based filing methods. About 2.5 million returns – or just under 8% – were paper-filed.


Income tax is a big-ticket item for most retired Canadians. Especially for those who are no longer paying a mortgage, the annual tax bill may be the single biggest expenditure they are required to make each year. Fortunately, the Canadian tax system provides a number of tax deductions and credits available only to those over the age of 65 (like the age credit) or only to those receiving the kinds of income usually received by retirees (like the pension income credit), in order to help minimize that tax burden. And in most cases, the availability of those credits is flagged, either on the income tax form which must be completed each spring or on the accompanying income tax guide.


If there is one invariable “rule” of financial and retirement planning of which most Canadians are aware, it is the unquestioned wisdom of making regular contributions to one’s registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). And it is true that for several decades the RRSP was the only tax-sheltered savings and investment vehicle available to most individual Canadians.


Sometime during the month of February, millions of Canadians will receive some unexpected mail from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). That mail, entitled simply “Instalment Reminder”, will set out the amount of instalment payments of income tax to be paid by the recipient taxpayer by March 15 and June 15 of this year.


The Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate for 2024 is set at 1.66%.


Changes made to the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) beginning in the 2024 calendar year will create a two-tier contribution structure.


Changes made to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) beginning in the 2024 calendar year will create a two-tier contribution structure.


Dollar amounts on which individual non-refundable federal tax credits for 2024 are based, and the actual tax credit claimable, will be as follows:


The indexing factor for federal tax credits and brackets for 2024 is 4.7%. The following federal tax rates and brackets will be in effect for individuals for the 2024 tax year.


Each new tax year brings with it a schedule of tax payment and filing deadlines, as well as some changes with respect to tax saving and planning opportunities. Some of the more significant dates and changes for individual taxpayers for 2024 are listed below.


While most taxpayers pay their annual income tax bill in full and by the tax payment deadline of April 30, there are many circumstances that could result in an individual’s being unable to meet their tax payment obligations in full or on time. Individuals who earn income from employment pay their taxes through deductions from their paycheques, but can still be faced with a tax balance owing when the annual return is filed. Newly retired Canadians who are receiving income from a variety of sources may not realize that sufficient tax is not being withheld from all of those sources to cover the tax bill for the year. And, in a time when many Canadians and their families are living paycheque to paycheque, most taxpayers are unlikely to have additional funds readily available to pay a large, unexpected tax bill.


While almost everyone looks forward to retirement and an end to the day-to-day demands of working life, there’s also no question but that the decision to give up a regular paycheque is a stressful one. Particularly when the cost of life’s necessities – groceries, rent, mortgage interest payments – seems to be continually increasing, individuals wanting to retire have to wonder whether they can actually afford to do so, or whether it would be foolhardy, in the current economic realities, to walk away from a reliable, regular paycheque.


During the month of December, it’s customary for employers to provide something “extra” for their employees, whether it’s a compensation bonus, a gift, or an employer-sponsored social event – or all three. And, given the current labour shortages in many sectors, employers may be particularly motivated this year to provide such extras in order to retain current employees, or attract new ones. What employers definitely aren’t trying to do is create a tax headache or liability for their employees: unfortunately, it’s also the case that a failure to properly structure employee gifts or even employee social events can result in unintended and unwelcome tax consequences to those employees.


Everyone in Canada who earns a salary or wages is familiar with the deduction taken from each paycheque for contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The CPP is one of the two major government-sponsored retirement income programs in Canada – the other being the Old Age Security program.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added – one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


When the pandemic struck in March of 2020 and public health lockdowns were imposed, virtually all Canadian employees were required to work from home, most for the first time.


The day-to-day financial impact of increases in interest rates over the past 18 months, together with higher costs for nearly all goods and services, means that for most Canadians maximizing take-home income isn’t just desirable, it’s a necessity. And the best way to make sure that take-home pay is maximized is to ensure that deductions taken from that paycheque – especially deductions for income tax – are no greater than required.


Canadians have a well-deserved reputation for supporting charitable causes, through donations of both money and goods. Our tax system supports that generosity by providing a tax credit for qualifying donations made and, in all cases, in order to claim a credit for a donation in a particular tax year, that donation must be made by the end of that calendar year.


The 10-fold increase in interest rates since March of 2022 has affected Canadians in almost every area of their financial lives, as individuals and families struggle to cope with the every-increasing bite that interest costs take out of their budgets.


While our health care system is currently struggling with a number of significant problems, Canadians are nonetheless fortunate to have a publicly funded health care system, in which most major medical expenses are covered by government health care plans. Notwithstanding, there is a large (and growing) number of medical and para-medical costs – including dental care, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, ambulance trips, and many others – which must be paid for on an out-of-pocket basis by the individual. In some cases, such costs are covered by private insurance, usually provided by an employer, but not everyone benefits from private health care coverage. Self-employed individuals, those working on contract, or those whose income comes from several part-time jobs do not usually have access to such private insurance coverage. Fortunately for those individuals, our tax system acts to help cushion the blow by providing a medical expense tax credit to help offset out-of-pocket medical and para-medical costs which must be incurred.


One or two generations ago, retirement was an event. Typically, an individual would leave the work force completely at age 65 and begin collecting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits along with, in many cases, a pension from an employer-sponsored registered pension plan.


Most Canadians know that the deadline for making contributions to one’s registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) comes 60 days after the end of the calendar year, around the end of February. There are, however, some circumstances in which an RRSP contribution must be (or should be) made by December 31 in order to achieve the desired tax result.


During the pandemic, temporary financial assistance was provided to Canadian small businesses through a number of grant and loan programs initiated by the federal government. One of the largest of those programs was the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program, which ran from April 2020 to June 2021, and provided a total of approximately $50 billion in loan financing to just under a million small businesses.


By anyone’s measure, obtaining a post-secondary education is an expensive undertaking. Tuition and other school-related costs are just the start of the bills which must be paid. Whether the student obtains a place in a university residence or finds a place to live off campus, students (and their parents) must also budget for the cost of residence and meal plan fees, or rent and groceries. The total cost of a single year of university or college attendance away from home can easily reach $30,000 – and can significantly exceed that amount where the student is enrolled in a specialized academic program leading to a professional designation.


The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the only aspect of Canada’s retirement income system which does not require a direct contribution from recipients of program benefits. Rather, the OAS program is funded through general tax revenues, and eligibility to receive OAS is based solely on Canadian residency. Anyone who is 65 years of age or older and has lived in Canada for at least 40 years after the age of 18 is eligible to receive the maximum benefit. For the third quarter of 2023 (July to September), that maximum monthly benefit for recipients under the age of 75 is $698.60, while benefit recipients aged 75 and older can receive up to $768.46 per month. The monthly benefit for all recipients will increase by 1.3% during the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2023.


When the pandemic began in the spring of 2020, it wasn’t long before it became apparent that the increasing threat was to both public health and to the economy. In response to the economic threat, the federal government launched a wide range of support programs for both individuals and businesses. Some of those programs were structured as outright grants to replace income lost when workplaces and businesses shut down, while others were structured as loans, to be repaid when the pandemic ended and the economic fortunes of recipients had (hopefully) improved.


The Canadian tax system is a “self-assessing system” which relies heavily on the voluntary co-operation of taxpayers. Canadians are expected (in fact, in most cases, required) to complete and file a tax return each spring, reporting income from all sources, calculating the amount of tax owed, and remitting that amount to the federal government on or before April 30. And while it’s doubtful that anyone does so with any great degree of enthusiasm, each spring tens of millions of Canadians do sit down to complete that return (or, more often, they pay someone else to do it for them).


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


While the way in which post-secondary learning is delivered may have changed and changed again over the past three and a half years, as the pandemic waxed and waned and finally ended, the financial realities of post-secondary education have not. Regardless of how post-secondary learning is structured and delivered, it is expensive. There will be tuition bills, of course, but also the need to find housing and pay rent in what is, in most college or university locations, a very tight and very expensive rental market. Those who choose to live in residence and are able to secure a place will also face bills for accommodation and, usually, a meal plan.


The scarcity of affordable housing in just about every Canadian community can’t be news to anyone anymore. Whether it’s in relation to rental housing or the purchase of a first home, the opportunity to secure affordable, long-term housing has become more and more elusive, especially for younger Canadians.


By mid to late summer, almost every Canadian has filed his or her income tax return for the previous year and has received the Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with respect to that tax filing. Most taxpayers, therefore, would consider that their annual filing and payment obligations are done and behind them for another year.


Between 2009 and early 2022, Canadians lived (and borrowed) in an ultra-low interest rate environment. Between January 2009 and March 2022, the bank rate (from which commercial interest rates are determined) was (except, briefly, in the fall of 2018) never higher than 1.50% – and was almost always lower than that. Effectively, adult Canadians who are now under the age of 35 have had no experience of managing their finances in high – or even, by historical standards, ordinary – interest rate environments.


The age at which Canadians retire and begin deriving income from government and private pensions and private retirement savings has become something of a moving target. At one time, reaching one’s 65th birthday marked the transition from working life to full retirement, and, usually, receipt of a monthly employee pension, along with government-sponsored retirement benefits. That is no longer the unvarying reality. The age at which Canadians retire can now span a decade or more, and retirement is more likely to be a gradual transition than a single event.


By the time summer arrives, nearly all Canadians have filed their income tax returns for the previous year, have received a Notice of Assessment from the tax authorities with respect to that return and have either spent their tax refund or, more grudgingly, paid any balance of tax owing.


At a time when Canadian households are coping simultaneously with ongoing inflation, especially food inflation, as well as interest rates which are at their highest point in decades, every dollar of income counts. And where that income can be obtained with minimal effort, and received tax-free, then it’s a win-win for the recipient.


With the worst days of the pandemic behind us, more and more Canadian families have returned to their usual schedule, with kids back in attendance at school and parents back at work at the office, on either a full-time or a part-time basis. While a return to the normal routine is likely welcome, the need to go to the office for at least part of the week means that parents must make arrangements for summer child care.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


The purchase of a first home is a milestone in anyone’s life, for many reasons. A home purchase is likely the largest single financial transaction most Canadians will enter into in their lives, and having the ability to buy one’s own home has traditionally been perceived as a marker of financial success and stability.


Many, if not most, taxpayers think of tax planning as a year-end exercise to be carried out in the last few weeks of the year, with a view to taking the steps needed to minimize the tax bill for the current year. And it’s true that almost all strategies needed to both minimize the tax hit for the year and to ensure that there won’t be a big tax bill come next April must be taken by December 31 of the current calendar year (the making of registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions being the notable exception). Nonetheless, there’s a lot to recommend carrying out a mid-year review of one’s tax situation for the current year. Doing that review mid-year, instead of waiting until December, gives the taxpayer the chance to make sure that everything is on track and to put into place any adjustments needed to help ensure that there are no tax surprises when the income tax return for 2023 is filed next spring. As well, while the deadline for implementing most tax saving strategies may be December 31, the window of opportunity to make a significant difference to one’s current-year tax situation does narrow as the calendar year progresses.


Canada’s retirement income system is made up of two public retirement income programs – the Old Age Security program and the Canada Pension Plan – as well as the opportunity to accumulate private retirement savings on a tax-assisted basis, through registered pension plans or registered retirement savings plans.


Sales of residential real estate across Canada are, after a slowdown in 2022, once again on the rise. Back-to-back increases in sales figures during February and March 2023 were followed by a double digit increase in such sales during the month of April. Those figures mean that tens of thousands of Canadians will be closing home sales transactions and moving this spring and summer. And, whatever the reason for the move or the distance to the new location, all moves have two things in common – stress and cost. Even where the move is a desired one – from an apartment to a first home, or moving to take one’s dream job, any move inevitably means upheaval of one’s life, and the costs (especially for a long-distance move) can be very significant. There is not much that can diminish the stress of moving, but the associated costs can be offset somewhat by a tax deduction which may be claimed for many of those costs.


Of the 17 million individual income tax returns for the 2022 tax year filed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by the middle of April 2023, no two were identical. Each return contained its own particular combination of types and amounts of income reported and deductions and credits claimed. There is, however, one thing which every one of those returns has in common: For each and every one, the CRA will review the return filed, determine whether it is in agreement with the information contained therein, and, finally, issue a Notice of Assessment (NOA) to the taxpayer summarizing the Agency’s conclusions with respect to the taxpayer’s tax situation for the 2022 tax year.


The fact that Canadian households and families have been living with a significant amount of financial stress for the past year or so isn’t really news. Eight interest rate hikes in the past 14 months, together with double digit inflationary increases in the price of food and energy, have combined to squeeze family finances from all directions.


The vast majority of Canadians view completing and filing their annual tax return as an unwelcome chore, and generally breathe a sigh of relief when it’s done for another year. When things go entirely as planned and hoped, the taxpayer will have prepared a return that is complete and correct, and filed it on time, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will issue a Notice of Assessment indicating that the return is “assessed as filed”, meaning that the CRA agrees with the information filed and tax result obtained by the taxpayer. While that’s the outcome everyone is hoping for, it’s a result which can be derailed in any number of ways.


There are a number of income sources available to Canadians in retirement. Those who participated in the work force during their adult life will have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan and will be able to receive CPP retirement benefits as early as age 60. Earning employment or self-employment income will also have entitled those individuals to contribute to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). A shrinking minority of Canadians will be able to look forward to receiving benefits from an employer-sponsored pension plan.


Fortunately for the Canadian taxpayer, most individual income tax returns filed result in the payment of a tax refund to the tax filer. Notwithstanding, a significant number of taxpayers find, on completing the annual tax return, that money is owed to the Canada Revenue Agency. Of the returns for the 2022 tax year that were filed between mid-February and mid-March this year, over half a million taxpayers found themselves in that position. It’s likely, as well, that those who owe money on filing aren’t eager to file early, and so the number of taxpayers who must pay a tax balance for 2022 will almost certainly increase significantly between now and the payment deadline of May 1, 2023.


Most Canadians live their lives with only very infrequent contact with the tax authorities and are generally happy to keep it that way. Sometime between mid-February and the end of April (or June 15 for self-employed taxpayers and their spouses) a return must be filed by the taxpayer and a Notice of Assessment is then issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In most cases, the taxpayer will receive a tax refund by direct deposit to his or her bank account, while in a minority of cases the taxpayer will have to pay a tax amount owing on or before May 1, 2023.


It is an axiom of tax planning that the best year-end tax planning begins on January 1. And while it’s true that opportunities to make a significant dent in one’s tax payable for the year diminish as the calendar year winds down, it’s not the case that the time frame for taking advantage of such opportunities has passed.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


Most Canadians deal with our tax system only once a year, when it’s time to complete and file the annual tax return. That return form – the T1 Individual Income Tax Return – is eight single-spaced pages long, and includes dozens of possible income inclusions, deductions, and credits, any one of which may or may not be relevant to a particular taxpayer’s situation. In addition, the tax return package includes numerous additional schedules, and one or more of those schedules must often be completed in order to make a claim for a particular deduction or credit on the T1 return itself.


For many years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been encouraging Canadian taxpayers to file their returns online, through the CRA’s website. And that message has clearly been heard, as the most recent statistics show that just under 92% of returns filed in 2022 were filed using one or the other of the CRA’s web-based filing methods. Those filing statistics also show that, even with the availability of tax software which greatly simplifies tax return preparation, most Canadians still don’t want to undertake that return preparation on their own. Of all returns filed, by any method, nearly 60% were filed using EFILE – meaning that the taxpayer paid someone else to prepare their return and file it electronically.


The obligation to complete and file a tax return – and to pay any balance of taxes owed – recurs each spring with what probably seems to many taxpayers to be annoying regularity. That said, however, the T1 General tax return form which must be completed and filed each year by individual Canadian taxpayers is never exactly the same from one year to the next.


As the pandemic dragged on into 2022, many employees continued to work from home for pandemic-related reasons. And probably at least as many employees reached an agreement with their employer that they would be able to continue to work from home for least some part of each work week, on a permanent basis. And, as was the case in 2020 and 2021, all of those workers may be entitled to claim a deduction on their 2022 tax return for expenses incurred to work from home.


Just about a year ago, in the 2022-23 budget, the federal government announced a number of measures to help Canadians who are trying to put together a down payment for the purchase a first home. The most significant of those measures was the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) which, as the name implies, allows first time home buyers to save on a tax-assisted basis (within prescribed limits) toward such a purchase.


For most taxpayers, the first few months of the year are a seemingly unending series of bills and payment deadlines. During January and February, many Canadians are still trying to pay off the bills from holiday spending. The first income tax instalment payment of 2023 is due on March 15 and the need to pay any tax balance for the 2022 tax year comes just six weeks after that, on May 1. Added to all of that, the deadline for making an RRSP contribution for 2022 falls on March 1, 2023.


Sometime during the month of February, millions of Canadians will receive mail from the Canada Revenue Agency. That mail, a “Tax Instalment Reminder”, will set out the amount of instalment payments of income tax to be paid by the recipient taxpayer by March 15 and June 15 of this year.


2022 was a year of almost unrelenting bad financial news for Canadians, but perhaps no group was more affected by those changes than retirees who rely on income from unindexed pensions and from returns on invested savings. Most such retirees saw the value of their investments decline, as the S&P/TSX Composite Index dropped by over 8% during 2022. At the same time retirees had to cope with inflationary increases in the cost of most goods, including double digit percentage increases in the cost of food. Those who owned their own homes saw the value of those homes drop, on average, by 12% between December 2021 and December 2022. And, finally, retirees who carried debt were likely to be paying significantly more interest on that debt by the end of 2022 than they were at the beginning of the year.


The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2023 is set at 1.63%.


The Québec Pension Plan contribution rate for 2023 is set at 6.40% of pensionable earnings for the year.


The Canada Pension Plan contribution rate for 2023 is set at 5.95% of pensionable earnings for the year.


Dollar amounts on which individual non-refundable federal tax credits for 2023 are based, and the actual tax credit claimable, will be as follows:


The indexing factor for federal tax credits and brackets for 2023 is 6.3%. The following federal tax rates and brackets will be in effect for individuals for the 2023 tax year.


Each new tax year brings with it a listing of tax payment and filing deadlines, as well as some changes with respect to tax saving and planning strategies. Some of the more significant dates and changes for individual taxpayers for 2023 are listed below.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


Canada’s retirement income system is often referred to as a three-part system. Individuals earning income from employment or self-employment can contribute to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and withdraw funds from that plan in retirement. A much smaller (and shrinking) group of Canadians will receive income in retirement from an employer-sponsored pension plan. Finally, there are two government sponsored retirement income programs. Under the first, Canadian retirees who participated in the paid work force during their adult life will have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and will be able to receive CPP retirement benefits as early as age 60.


As the pandemic continues to wane, traditional employer-sponsored holiday social events have once again become a reality – although, as in all aspects of pandemic life, such events will likely be a hybrid of “virtual” and in-person functions.


The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic which began almost three years ago is now (hopefully) behind us. That doesn’t mean, however, that Canadians aren’t still dealing with the unwelcome consequences of the pandemic, in a number of ways.


For individual Canadian taxpayers, the tax year ends at the same time as the calendar year. And what that means for individual Canadians is that any steps taken to reduce their tax payable for 2022 must be completed by December 31, 2022. (For individual taxpayers, the only significant exception to that rule is registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions. With some exceptions, such contributions can be made any time up to and including March 1, 2023, and claimed on the return for 2022.)


For most Canadians, tax planning for a year that hasn’t even started yet may seem too remote to even be considered. However, most Canadians will start paying their taxes for 2023 with the first paycheque they receive in January of 2023, less than two months from now. And, of course, with inflation running at over 7% and interest rates having nearly doubled in the last eight months, managing cash flow and maximizing take-home (after tax) income is a priority for everyone right now.


Over the past three years, the structure of work-from-home arrangements for employees has been a constantly changing landscape. In 2020, almost all employees who could work from home were required to do so, as most workplaces were closed under pandemic public health lockdown rules. As the pandemic eased (slightly) in 2021, employees began, in some cases, to return to the workplace on a part-time or full-time basis. That trend has continued in 2022, although in most cases employees are now working from home by agreement with their employer, rather than because of the requirements of a public health mandate.


The majority of Canadians who are not members of an employer-sponsored defined benefit registered pension plan save for retirement through a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). For those Canadians who have accumulated retirement savings in an RRSP, the year in which they turn 71 is decision time. By the end of that year, all RRSPs must be closed, and the RRSP holder must decide whether to transfer his or her accrued savings into a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), or purchase an annuity, or both. (It’s also possible to collapse the RRSP and include all RRSP amounts in income for that year, but such a course of action is rarely advisable from a tax perspective).


While the current state of the Canadian health care system is not without its problems, Canadians are nonetheless fortunate to have a publicly-funded health care system, in which most major medical expenses are covered by provincial health care plans. Notwithstanding, there is a large (and growing) number of medical and para-medical costs – including dental care, prescription drugs, physiotherapy, ambulance trips, and many others - which must be paid for on an out-of-pocket basis by the individual. In some cases, such costs are covered by private insurance, usually provided by an employer, but not everyone benefits from private health care coverage. Self-employed individuals, those working on contract, or those whose income comes from several part-time jobs do not usually have access to such private insurance coverage. Fortunately for those individuals, our tax system acts to help cushion the blow by providing a medical expense tax credit to help offset out-of-pocket medical and para-medical costs which must be incurred.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


The fact that Canada is in the middle of a housing crisis isn’t really news to anyone. Whether it’s having difficulty finding an affordable apartment or putting together enough money for a down payment, or coping with ever increasing mortgage interest rates and mortgage payments, housing availability and affordability is a concern for Canadians across all age groups.


The Canadian tax system is a “self-assessing system” which relies heavily on the voluntary co-operation of taxpayers. Canadians are expected (in fact, in most cases, required) to complete and file a tax return each spring, reporting income from all sources, calculating the amount of tax owed, and remitting that amount to the federal government by a specified deadline. And, although the rate of compliance among Canadian taxpayers is very high – more than 30 million individual income tax returns for the 2021 tax year were filed with the Canada Revenue Agency between early February and mid-September of 2022 – there are, inevitably, those who do not either file or pay on time.


Most Canadians know that the deadline for making contributions to one’s registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) comes 60 days after the end of the calendar year, around the end of February. There are, however, some circumstances in which an RRSP contribution must (or should) be made by December 31, in order to achieve the desired tax result.


Since early 2022, the finances of Canadian households have been hit with what Statistics Canada has called a “trifecta of market challenges”, which increasingly stretched and squeezed the efforts of Canadians to maintain their financial stability during the second quarter (April 1 to June 30) of this year.


One of the most valuable tax and investment strategies available to Canadians is home ownership. While the real estate market can (and does) go and up down, home ownership has proven to be, over the long term, a reliable way of building net worth.


Transitioning into retirement is a complex process, one which involves decisions around finances (present and future) as well as one’s way of life. While it was once typical for an individual to work full time until retiring (usually at age 65), the word “retirement” no longer has a single meaning – in fact, it’s now the case that almost every individual’s retirement plans look at little different than anyone else’s. Some will take a traditional retirement of moving from a full-time job into not working at all, while others may stay working full-time past the traditional retirement age of 65. Still others will leave full-time employment, but continue to work part-time, either out of financial need or simply from a desire to stay active and engaged in the work force.


This year, for the first time since 2019, most (if not all) post-secondary students will be preparing to go to (or return to) university or college for in-person learning. While that’s an exciting prospect after two years of pandemic restrictions, starting or returning to post-secondary education is also an expensive undertaking.  There will be tuition bills, of course, but also the need to find housing and pay rent in what is, in most college or university locations, a very tight and expensive rental market. Those who choose to live in residence and are able to secure a place will also face bills for accommodation and, usually, a meal plan.


In this year’s budget, the federal government announced a number of measures to help Canadians who are trying to put together a down payment for the purchase of a first home. The most significant of those measures was the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) which, as the name implies, allows first time home buyers to save on a tax-assisted basis (within prescribed limits) toward such a purchase.


By the beginning of August almost every Canadian has filed his or her income tax return for the previous year and has received the Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with respect to that filing. Most taxpayers, therefore, would consider that their annual filing and payment obligations for the year are now in the past.


Canadian businesses should be aware that, while many programs which provided payroll or expense supports for businesses during the pandemic ended on May 7, 2022, there is still a program in place to help employers with payroll costs. As well, even for programs which ended on May 7, applications can still be made for relief for claim periods prior to that date.


Since 2009, Canadians have been living (and borrowing) in an ultra-low-interest-rate environment. Between January 2009 and January 2022, the bank rate (from which commercial interest rates are determined) was (except for a brief period in 2018) never higher than 1.50% – and was almost always lower than that.  Effectively, adult Canadians who are now under the age of 35 have had no experience of managing their finances in high – or even, by historical standards, ordinary – interest rate environments.


By the time August 2022 arrives, virtually all individual Canadians have filed their income tax return for the 2021 tax year, have received a Notice of Assessment from the tax authorities with respect to that return, and have either received their refund or reluctantly paid any balance of tax owing.


As pandemic restrictions ease, the option of sending kids to summer camp is once again a realistic one and, for both kids and parents, the possibility of doing so must be particularly welcome this year.


At a time when Canadian households are coping simultaneously with rising interest rates and an inflation rate which recently hit its highest point in nearly four decades, every dollar of income counts. And where that income can be obtained with minimal effort, and received tax-free, then it’s a win-win for the recipient.


When a public health emergency was declared in March of 2020, the focus for the federal government was getting pandemic benefits into the hands of eligible recipients as quickly as possible, to help mitigate the sudden financial crisis faced by so many Canadians. To that end, three decisions were made with respect to program administration. First, eligibility for benefits would be determined by “self-attestation” – in other words, applicants would certify, based on the information provided to them online, that they met the eligibility criteria for a particular benefit. Such self-attestations were accepted at face value, without documentation or other verification methods. Second, application for the same benefit – the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or CERB – could be made to either the Canada Revenue Agency or Employment Insurance/Service Canada, depending on the circumstances of the applicant. Finally, in at least in the initial round of CERB payments (which were received by over 8 million Canadians), no income tax was withheld from payments issued, although the CERB itself was taxable income.


If Canadians have the feeling that they are being squeezed from all sides when it comes to household finances, it’s because they are. In 2022 Canadian consumers have been hit by a double whammy of three successive interest rate hikes since March (with more increases almost certainly on the horizon) while dealing at the same time with increases in the cost of everyday goods to an extent that has not been seen, in some cases, for as much as forty years.


Many, if not most, taxpayers think of tax planning as a year-end exercise to be carried out in the last few weeks of the year, with a view to taking the steps needed to minimize the tax bill for the current year. And it’s true that almost all strategies needed to both minimize the tax hit for the year and to ensure that there won’t be big tax bill come next April must be taken by December 31 (the making of registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions being the notable exception). Notwithstanding, there’s a lot to recommend carrying out a mid-year review of one’s tax situation for the current year. Doing that review mid-year, instead of waiting until December, gives the taxpayer the chance to make sure that everything is on track, and especially to put into place any adjustments needed to help ensure that there are no tax surprises when filing one’s tax return for 2022 next spring. As well, while the deadline for implementing tax saving strategies may be December 31, the window of opportunity to make a significant difference to one’s current year tax situation does narrow as the calendar year progresses.


While recent increases in interest rates have put something of a damper on home sales, the Canadian real estate market was booming in the first quarter of 2022. According to Canadian Real Estate Association statistics, there were over 650,000 residential sales transactions in the first quarter (January to March) of this year.


Of the 27 million individual income tax returns already filed with the Canada Revenue Agency for the 2021 tax year, no two were identical. Each return contained its own particular combination of types and amounts of income reported and deductions and credits claimed. There is, however, one thing which every one of those returns has in common. For each and every one, the CRA will review the return filed, determine whether it is in agreement with the information contained therein, and, finally, issue a Notice of Assessment (NOA) to the taxpayer summarizing the Agency’s conclusions with respect to the taxpayer’s tax situation for the 2021 tax year.


Over the past several years, would-be buyers in the Canadian residential real estate market have been faced with two realities. First, the cost of homes continued to increase significantly in virtually every market across Canada. At the same time, however, the cost of borrowing to finance a home purchase had almost never been lower.


Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the federal government has provided a wide range of pandemic benefit programs for individuals. In the main, those programs have acted to replace income lost where employment income was no longer available as businesses closed during lockdowns, or individuals were unable to work because of illness or because they were at home with young children when schools closed to in-person learning.


Canada’s retirement income system has three major components – private savings through registered retirement savings plans or registered pension plans, and two public retirement income plans – the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security program. The last of those – the Old Age Security program – is the only aspect of Canada’s retirement income system which does not require a direct contribution from recipients of program benefits. Rather, the OAS program is funded through general tax revenues, and eligibility to receive OAS is based solely on Canadian residency. Anyone who is 65 years of age or older and has lived in Canada for at least 40 years after the age of 18 is eligible to receive the maximum benefit. For the second quarter of 2022 (April to June 2022), that maximum monthly benefit is $648.67.


The difficulties faced by younger Canadians in buying a first home almost anywhere in Canada, owing to both the spiraling cost of real estate and, more recently, increases in interest rates, is a major concern for those individuals and their families. Not surprisingly, then, the issue of housing affordability was a major focus of the recent federal budget, and the following measures to address that problem were announced.


For the majority of Canadians, the due date for filing of an individual tax return for the 2021 tax year was Monday May 2, 2022. (Self-employed Canadians and their spouses have until Wednesday June 15, 2022 to get that return filed.) When things go entirely as planned and hoped, the taxpayer will have prepared a return that is complete and correct, and filed it on time, and the Canada Revenue Agency will issue a Notice of Assessment indicating that the return is “assessed as filed”, meaning that the CRA agrees with the information filed and tax result obtained by the taxpayer. While that’s the outcome everyone is hoping for, it’s a result which can be derailed in any number of ways.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


It is a sad fact that, every year, thousands of Canadians become the victims of scams in which fraud artists claim to be representatives of the federal government. Equally sadly, in most cases the money lost is never recovered.


Most taxpayers sit down to do their annual tax return, or wait to hear from their tax return preparer, with some degree of trepidation. In most cases taxpayers don’t know, until their return is completed, what the “bottom line” will be, and it’s usually a case of hoping for the best and fearing the worst.


Our tax system is complex and, understandably, its myriad rules and exceptions are a mystery to most Canadian taxpayers – and most are happy to leave it that way. There is however, one rule in the Canadian tax system which doesn’t really have any exceptions and of which most Canadian taxpayers are all too well aware. That is the rule that says individual income tax amounts owed for any tax year must be paid – in full – on or before April 30 of the following calendar year. This year, that means April 30, 2022 – although, since April 30, 2022 falls on a Saturday, the Canada Revenue Agency is providing an administrative concession by allowing taxpayers until Monday May 2 to pay their taxes without incurring any interest charges.


Most Canadians don’t turn their attention to their taxes until sometime around the end of March or the beginning of April, in time to complete the return for 2021 ahead of the May 2, 2022 filing deadline.


Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) publishes a statistical summary of the tax filing patterns of Canadians during the previous filing season. Those statistics for last year show that the vast majority of Canadian individual income tax returns — just over 90%, or just over 28 million returns — were filed online, using one or the other of the CRA’s web-based filing methods. About 2.8 million returns — or just over 9% — were paper-filed.


The Canadian tax system provides individual taxpayers with a tax credit for out-of-pocket medical and para-medical expenses incurred during the year. Given that such expenses must be incurred at some time by virtually every Canadian, that credit is among the most frequently claimed on the annual return. Unfortunately, however, the rules governing such claims are detailed, somewhat complex, and frequently confusing.


While the requirement that Canadians file an income tax return each year never changes, the actual content of that return is never the same year to year. While many of the changes — like inflation-related increases to income tax brackets and credit amounts — happen automatically and don’t require any particular awareness or action on the part of the taxpayer, this is not the case with all tax changes. In some cases, taxpayers who aren’t aware of the changes can miss out on newly available or expanded tax deductions or credits, even if they are using tax preparation software to prepare their return. While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will usually catch arithmetic errors made on a return, the Agency does not (and cannot) ensure that a taxpayer has made all of the claims which are available to him or her. And perhaps the only thing worse than having to pay a tax bill is paying one that is higher than it needs to be because available deductions or credits were missed.


The list of financial assistance programs that have been provided by the federal government to support individual Canadians through two years of the pandemic is lengthy, detailed, and sometimes confusing. Unfortunately for the Canadian taxpayer, however, every one of those programs has one thing in common — benefits received are taxable income which must be reported on the return for the year in which they were received, and on which tax must be paid.


Sometime during the month of February, millions of Canadians will receive mail from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). That mail, a “Tax Instalment Reminder”, will set out the amount of instalment payments of income tax to be paid by the recipient taxpayer by March 15 and June 15 of this year.


Income tax is a big-ticket item for most retired Canadians. Especially for those who are no longer paying a mortgage, the annual tax bill may be the single biggest expenditure they are required to make each year. Fortunately, the Canadian tax system provides a number of tax deductions and credits available only to those over the age of 65 (like the age credit) or only to those receiving the kinds of income usually received by retirees (like the pension income credit), in order to help minimize that tax burden. And, in most cases, the availability of those credits is flagged, either on the income tax form which must be completed each spring or on the accompanying income tax guide.


If there is one invariable “rule” of financial and retirement planning of which most Canadians are aware, it is the unquestioned wisdom of making regular contributions to one’s registered retirement savings plan (RRSP). And it is true that for several decades the RRSP was only tax-sheltered savings and investment vehicle available to most individual Canadians.


As the pandemic continued past 2020 and through 2021, it is likely that employees who were able to work from home spent at least part of the 2021 tax year doing just that. And, as was the case in 2020, those workers may be entitled to claim a deduction on their 2021 tax return for home office expenses incurred.


The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2022 is unchanged at 1.58%.


The Quebec Pension Plan contribution rate for 2022 is set at 6.15% of pensionable earnings for the year.


The Canada Pension Plan contribution rate for 2022 is set at 5.7% of pensionable earnings for the year.


Dollar amounts on which individual non-refundable federal tax credits for 2022 are based, and the actual tax credit claimable, will be as follows:


The indexing factor for federal tax credits and brackets for 2022 is 2.4%. The following federal tax rates and brackets will be in effect for individuals for the 2022 tax year.


Two quarterly newsletters have been added—one dealing with personal issues, and one dealing with corporate issues.


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