Tax season in Canada closes fast. The personal income tax filing deadline for most Canadians is April 30, 2026, and as of today, that is eight days away. If you have not filed your return yet, you are not alone. But the clock is running, and the cost of missing Read more
Every year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) selects a portion of filed tax returns for closer review. While some audits are triggered by random selection, the majority are anything but random. The CRA actively concentrates its audit resources on specific areas it has identified as high-risk, and those priorities shift Read more
Filing income taxes in Canada can feel overwhelming, especially for individuals who are new to the tax system or who have limited financial knowledge. To simplify the process for eligible taxpayers, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) introduced SimpleFile, a free service designed for individuals with very basic tax situations. While this Read more
Most Canadians don’t realize that several federal tax credits adjust automatically based on inflation. No application required. No new form to fill out. Each year, the federal government applies an indexation factor to certain non-refundable credits and bracket thresholds, and for the 2026 tax year, that factor is 2.0%. If you’re Read more
Canada’s 2026 Tax Season: Three Important Updates Ontario Taxpayers Should Know Canada’s 2026 tax season officially begins on February 23, 2026. While this year brings relatively few structural tax changes for individuals, it introduces important federal adjustments and a significant expansion of digital services at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Read more
Not everyone needs to make CRA instalment payments, it depends on your situation. If your net tax owing exceeds $3,000, you may be required to make quarterly payments to avoid interest charges. Let’s break down everything you need to know about tax instalments in Ontario so you can stay compliant Read more
A Simple Probate Solution… or a Costly Mistake? Many parents are told that adding an adult child to their home title is a smart way to avoid probate fees. It sounds simple. It sounds safe. But in reality, depending on how it is done, this strategy can create serious tax, legal Read more
Here’s a scenario that plays out far too often: Sarah’s father passed away last year with a $450,000 RRIF. He had named Sarah and her brother David as direct beneficiaries on the RRIF, each receiving $225,000. They were grateful for the inheritance and used it to pay off their mortgages. Read more
In Canada, these two certainties collide in a particularly expensive way when you die. While Canada doesn’t have a formal “estate tax” or “inheritance tax” like the United States, don’t let that fool you, the government assumes all your assets were sold at fair market value immediately before death, potentially triggering Read more
When it comes to estate planning, many Canadians assume that leaving everything to their surviving spouse is always the smartest tax move. After all, Canada’s spousal rollover provisions allow most assets to transfer tax-free to a spouse or common-law partner, deferring taxes until they sell the assets or pass away Read more
96% of Canadian parents with Millennial children are providing financial support well into their 30s. But 61% admit they’re not confident they can keep doing it. If you’ve helped with a down payment, covered tuition, or quietly paid for groceries when times were tight, you’re not alone. What was once Read more
1. Reassessment by the CRA When the CRA identifies discrepancies in your tax return, they may initiate a reassessment. This process involves a thorough review of your tax filings and can lead to: 2. Penalties The CRA imposes various penalties depending on the nature and severity of the error. 3. Read more
As of October 1, 2024, Ontario has implemented a significant increase in the minimum wage, impacting workers and businesses across the province. Understanding these changes is crucial for employees anticipating a boost in their paychecks and for employers adjusting to new payroll requirements. In this article, we’ll delve into the Read more
Understanding the different tax brackets in Canada is essential for effective financial planning and tax management. Canada’s tax system is progressive, meaning that higher income is taxed at higher rates. Here’s a breakdown of the federal and provincial tax brackets for 2024 and how they impact your finances. Federal Tax Read more
The 2024 Canada Federal Budget brings several significant tax changes that will impact both businesses and individuals. Understanding these changes can help you make informed financial decisions for the year ahead. Changes in Corporate Tax Rates The federal government has introduced a lower tax rate for small businesses earning under Read more
The federal government’s recent announcement about the capital gains inclusion rate hike has left many Canadians scrambling to understand the implications. Effective June 25, 2024, the inclusion rate for capital gains will increase from 50% to two-thirds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what this means for you and how you Read more
Managing childcare expenses is not only essential for budgeting but also for maximizing your tax returns. Many Canadian parents are unaware of the potential tax savings available through childcare expense claims. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the rules and benefits surrounding childcare expenses to make the most of Read more
Steve Levack is here explaining Capital Gains Changes in Canada. Recent changes to Canada’s tax laws could significantly impact your investments. Understanding these changes is crucial for making informed financial decisions. What are Capital Gains? Capital gains are the profits you earn from selling assets such as stocks, real estate, Read more
Each year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) launches special projects targeting specific aspects of tax returns based on trends, errors, or fraud identified in previous years. Understanding these targeted review areas can help you prepare your taxes more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. This article explores these areas, explains the Read more
RRSP Overcontributions: How to Handle and Avoid Them What Happens If You Overcontribute? Contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a key method many Canadians use to prepare for retirement. However, it’s surprisingly easy to contribute too much, which can lead to unexpected penalties. Each year, you can Read more