The Tax Advisory at H&R Block is a select group of senior tax professionals. Follow them as they blog regularly on tax topics and provide their insights on how it could impact you.
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Peter Coles

Tax research guru with 25 years of experience

Peter Coles brings more than 25 years of tax knowledge and expertise to his role as Tax Research and Training Specialist. He began his career as a tax professional in Toronto and Ottawa and took up his present position in 1989. He moved to Calgary with the rest of the Canadian National Office in 1992.

He splits his time between research and training. First, he is the resident tax expert and keeps the company informed of tax changes. He also organizes appeals on behalf of H&R Block clients who have been adversely assessed by the Canada Revenue Agency.

His second role is as a training specialist. He produces several of the key Tax Training School textbooks each year as well as all the Tax Information Bulletins and Canada Tax News for H&R Block tax professionals. He also provides analysis of Federal and all Provincial budgets.

Peter graduated from Carleton University (Ottawa) with a BA in Classics and Philosophy and the University of Toronto with a Masters in Philosophy.

Peter currently lives in Calgary and enjoys attending Calgary Flames games when he can score tickets.

Peter Coles's Blog Postings

May-02-2012
What you need to know about the principal residence exemption
The principal residence exemption provides a generous tax break. However, there are some rules you need to be aware of.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Mar-30-2012
Federal Budget 2012
The government is increasing the age limit for receiving Old Age Security benefits and making some technical tax changes which may be of interest.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Feb-16-2012
Opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan should be a priority for the disabled
Recent tax changes make it more advantageous than ever to open a Registered Disability Savings Pan if you or a family member is disabled.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Jan-15-2012
Are You Required to Change Work Locations in Order to Claim Moving Expenses?
A recent Tax Court of Canada decision suggests that you do not necessarily have to change your job location in order to claim moving expenses.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Oct-17-2011
Some relief now possible for old CRA debts
The CRA may now grant a waiver of interest for any taxation year ending in the ten-year period before the taxpayer’s application.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Jul-18-2011
Volunteer Firefighters to get New Tax Credit
Volunteer Firefighters may be eligible for a new tax credit when they file their 2011 tax returns. However, they will not be able to claim both the tax credit and the existing tax exemption on their first $1,000 of honoraria.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Jun-07-2011
Federal Budget Reintroduced
The March 22, 2011 budget was re-introduced in the House of Commons on June 6 with only minor changes.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
May-13-2011
How to Get Your Refund Down to Size
A big refund is not something to be pleased about of if you could have prevented the money from being deducted from your pay cheque in the first place.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Apr-25-2011
Own foreign property? Make sure you file Form T1135
If you are subject to the foreign property reporting requirements, you must file Form T1135 by the tax return deadline even if you have a refund coming.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog
Apr-14-2011
CRA changes its mind on medical travel expenses
The Canada Revenue Agency has changed its position on the type of expenses that may be claimed when traveling for medical reasons.
Author: Peter Coles Category: Blog