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 reasses...
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 - 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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: 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: 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: 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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Recov...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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 ...
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: 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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
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 ...
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...
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%.
...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 qualifyin...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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%....
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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....
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 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 - Service animals
Budget 2018: Eligibility of specially trained service animals will be expanded for the purposes of the medical expense tax credit....
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....
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
ON - 2023-24 budget to be announced on March 23
The Ontario Minister of Finance has announced that Ontario’s budget for its 2023-24 fiscal year will be brought down on Thursday March 23, 2023.
Once the budget measures are announced, the full 2023...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2023
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2023:
Basic personal amount ……………………………… $11,865
Spouse or equivalent to spouse amount …...
ON - Interest Rates - 2023
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Payroll deduction formulas for 2023 released
The Canada Revenue Agency has released the payroll deduction formulas to be used by Ontario employers during the 2023 tax year.
The Guide to Payroll Deductions outlines the amounts which Ontario emplo...
ON - Interest Rates - 2022
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Provincial minimum wage to increase
Effective as of October 1, 2022, the general minimum wage payable in Ontario will increase from $15.00 to $15.50 per hour, to reflect changes to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2022.
Different mi...
ON - Interest Rates - 2022
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Interest Rates - 2022
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2022
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2022:
Basic personal amount ……………………………… $11,141
Spouse or equivalent to spouse amount …...
ON - Interest Rates - 2022
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Jobs Training Tax Credit extended to 2022
In its recent Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, the province announced that the existing Jobs Training Tax Credit would be extended to be available throughout 2022. The credit provides eligible Onta...
ON - Interest Rates - 2021
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Interest Rates - 2021
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Province extends post-secondary tuition freeze
The Ontario government has announced that the tuition freeze for universities and colleges which was implemented last year will be extended through the 2021-22 academic year.
The announcement of the e...
ON - Interest Rates - 2021
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Date announced for 2021-22 provincial Budget
The Ontario government has announced that the province’s Budget for the upcoming 2021-22 fiscal year will be brought down on Wednesday March 24, 2021.
When the Budget is released, the budget papers ...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2021
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax amounts for 2021.
Basic personal amount ………………………………… $10,880
Spouse or common law partner amount …… $9,...
ON - Interest Rates - 2021
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Interest Rates - 2020
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each quarter of the calendar year. The rates presc...
ON - Interest and penalty relief program extended
In March 2020, the Ontario government announced that, as part of its pandemic response plan, it would provide an interest and penalty relief period for Ontario taxpayers with respect to specific tax p...
ON - Interest Rates - 2020
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates set for the third quarter...
ON - Interest Rates - 2020
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Province announces date for 2020-21 Budget
The Ontario government has announced that the province’s Budget for the upcoming (2020-21) fiscal year will be brought down on Wednesday March 25, 2020.
Once the Budget is released, the Budget paper...
ON - Interest Rates - 2020
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2020
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2020:
Basic personal amount ……………………………… $10,783
Spouse or common law partner amount ...
ON - Province projects balanced budget by 2023
In the 2019 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review released by the provincial government on November 7, the Minister of Finance confirmed the government’s commitment to balance the budget by 202...
ON - Small business income tax rate to be reduced
In the fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review released on November 6, the Minister of Finance announced that the provincial corporate income tax rate applied to Ontario small businesses will be reduc...
ON - Interest Rates - 2019
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Interest Rates - 2019
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Province to balance Budget in 2023-24
The 2019-20 Ontario Budget released on April 11, 2019 indicates that the province will not achieve a balanced budget until the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The Budget papers show that the province expects the...
ON - Province introduces new child care tax credit
The 2019-20 provincial Budget brought down on April 11 included the announcement of a new refundable child care tax credit, claimable for the 2019 and subsequent taxation years.
The new credit will be...
ON - Interest Rates - 2019
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Date announced for 2019-20 provincial Budget
The Ontario government has announced that the province’s Budget for the upcoming (2019-20) fiscal year will be brought down on Thursday April 11, 2019.
Once the Budget is released, the Budget papers...
ON - Third quarter update shows reduced deficit
The provincial government has issued its fiscal update for the Third Quarter of the 2018-19 year, and that update shows a $1 billion reduction in the province’s deficit. That deficit is now projecte...
ON - Interest Rates - 2019
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2019
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2019:
Basic personal amount ………………………………… $10,582
Spouse or equivalent to spouse amount …...
ON - Province offers property tax deferral program
The province provides a program under which low-income seniors and low-income persons with disabilities can obtain a partial deferral of property tax and education tax. The tax deferral applies to the...
ON - Interest Rates - 2018
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Increases to driver licensing fees cancelled
The government of Ontario has announced that planned fee increases with respect to licensing fees for drivers in the province, which were to have taken effect on September 1, 2018, have been cancelled...
ON - 2018 personal income tax rates
As announced in this year’s provincial Budget, Ontario has altered its personal tax rate structure. The changes announced include the elimination of the provincial surtax and the replacement of the ...
ON - Interest Rates – 2018
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Provincial R&D tax credit enhanced
The Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit (ORDTC) is a 3.5% non-refundable tax credit earned on eligible R&D expenditures. As announced in this year’s provincial Budget, eligible busines...
ON - Interest Rates - 2018
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Province announces date for 2018-19 Budget
The provincial government has announced that Ontario’s 2018-19 Budget will be brought down by the Minister of Finance on Wednesday, March 28 at around 4 p.m.
Once the Budget is announced, the Budget...
ON - Personal tax credit amounts for 2018
The province of Ontario will provide the following personal tax credit amounts for 2018:
Basic personal amount ………………………………… $10,354
Spouse or equivalent to spouse amount ...
ON - Interest Rates – 2018
The province of Ontario charges and pays interest on underpayments and overpayments of tax at rates prescribed by statute and set at the beginning of each calendar quarter. The rates levied and paid f...
ON - Apprenticeship training tax credit eliminated
The province of Ontario provided employers who hired and trained eligible apprentices in designated construction, industrial and motive power, and certain service trades with a refundable tax credit, ...
