In a January 14, 2021 Federal Court case, the taxpayer sought a judicial review of CRA’s denial to provide interest and penalty relief on a tax debt of nearly $400,000. The taxpayer argued that relief should be granted due to financial hardship and inability to pay. While the taxpayer provided information demonstrating that monthly expenses… Read more »
The eligibility periods for several personal income replacement COVID-19 benefits have been extended: the previous limit of 26 weeks for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) and Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit (CRCB) will be extended by 12 weeks to 38 weeks; the previous limit of two weeks for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will be extended to four weeks; and the… Read more »
In a February 11, 2021 Tax Court of Canada case, the deductibility of rental expenses for a condo unit that underwent major repairs was considered. In 2010, major structural repairs (the exterior repairs) commenced on an entire condo complex. As a result, the taxpayer lost the tenants for his particular unit, and was unable to replace them. As the property was empty, the taxpayer… Read more »
There is a global trend emerging focused on requiring corporations to disclose the identity of their beneficial owners. Beneficial owners are generally individuals that either directly or indirectly exercise ultimate ownership or control over a corporation. The 2021 Federal Budget in Canada provided $2.1 million to support the implementation of a publicly accessible corporate beneficial ownership registry by 2025. Some provinces have also commenced… Read more »
On March 3, 2021, the Department of Finance announced details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for the March 14 – June 5 periods. Later, the Federal Budget (April 19, 2021) announced an extension of these programs to September 25, 2021. Revenue comparison reference periods The reference periods will continue to use either of the two months… Read more »
The 2021 Federal Budget introduced the new CRHP which would provide eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50% of the incremental remuneration paid to eligible employees in respect of June 6, 2021 to November 20, 2021. The higher of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) or CRHP may be claimed for a particular qualifying period, but not both. Eligible employers Employers… Read more »
The 2021 Federal Budget proposed to allow immediate expensing of certain property acquired by a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC) on or after April 19, 2021 (Budget Day) and before 2024. Up to $1.5 million per taxation year is available (shared among associated CCPCs, and prorated for short taxation years), with no carry-forward of excess capacity. Property eligible for this immediate… Read more »
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) application deadline (for either the $20,000 extension, or the full $60,000) has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021. If you missed out on the 2020 COVID-19 enhanced GST credit or Canada child benefit, because no 2018 tax return was filed, you can file it now to get retroactive benefit payments…. Read more »
It has recently been reported that CRA is reviewing social media accounts to see whether video game streamers’ and online influencers’ income is consistent with paid endorsements and other signs of income online. Video game streamers earn money by playing video games online. Influencers are those who have built a reputation online for their expertise in a certain area. CRA has stated they have conducted some initial… Read more »
CRA recently discussed one of their top priorities; identifying those involved in the underground economy and ensuring that they are satisfying their tax obligations. They specifically noted that they are using data analytics to predict industry sectors where tax evasion or non-compliance is more likely. Further, they will send unnamed person requests for information (to sources such as cheque-cashing companies),… Read more »