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Senior tax pro and community supporter
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Tax research guru with 25 years of experience
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Senior tax pro and national spokesperson
View Their Posts - Doug Morgan
Master tax pro and franchise owner
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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.
Apr-11-2012
Ontario government focuses on balancing the budget
The Ontario Finance Minister had warned of budget restraints and potential cuts, with the goal to balance the budget by 2017-2018. The government delivered no changes to provincial tax rates but there were a few items that could be of interest to taxpayers.
Apr-09-2012
Saskatchewan budget delivers details of new programs
There may have been no new personal tax measures introduced, but the Saskatchewan budget did provide details on some new initiatives that will mean tax savings. Those who benefit may include students, homebuyers and graduates.
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.
Mar-23-2012
Where else can I go for help?
The Canada Revenue Agency is bound by the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. If you think you are being treating unfairly, the Tax Ombudsman’s Office may be able to help you be heard.
Mar-17-2012
Changes to Ontario credits reduce tax refund
As more people in Ontario file their tax returns, they are discovering there were changes made to the provincial credits that could reduce or even eliminate refunds. The Ontario Energy & Property Tax Credit, Ontario Sales Tax Credit, and Northern Ontario Energy Credit will be paid in monthly instalments starting in July 2012, instead of being part of the tax refund.
Mar-05-2012
B.C. Budget brings bonanza of tax changes
The B.C. government introduced a new budget on February 21, 2012 which brought a number of new tax credits that could mean some savings. The document also re-introduced the B.C. Sales Tax Credit as the province prepares to go back to PST in April 2013.
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.
Feb-08-2012
Students studying outside of Canada get a tax break
The last federal budget made it easier for students studying outside of Canada to claim their tuition as well as qualify for the education and textbook amounts.
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.
Nov-28-2011
What is a Pooled Registered Pension Plan?
The federal government introduced legislation to create Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs) In November as a way to help Canadians save for retirement. It will take some time before they are available but here are some basics on the plan.
Nov-12-2011
Are you running a business or pursuing a hobby?
The CRA has to feel your business can actually generate revenue. If it does not, your efforts may be determined to be only a hobby.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apr-01-2011
Political Contribution Tax Credit provides a big incentive to make political donations
Some points you should be aware of if you are thinking of donating to a political party during the election campaign
Mar-23-2011
2011 Federal Budget Report
Although no changes were announced to the personal tax rates, there were some technical changes which may be of interest.
Mar-07-2011
Tax change means many single parents will keep more of their child benefits
If you are a single parent with a child under six years old, make sure you take advantage of the new UCCB designation.
Feb-10-2011
Don’t miss the pension income splitting deadline
You only have until April 30, 2011, to adjust your 2007 returns to make a claim for pension income splitting.
Jan-20-2011
Special write-off for computer equipment expires January 31
Self-employed taxpayers have until the end of the month to buy computer equipment if they want to take advantage of the special write-off provisions.
Nov-03-2010
Ontario Tax Credit Changes Should Result in Bigger Refunds
The new Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit should result in bigger refunds for lower and middle income taxpayers in Ontario, especially those who are 65 or over.
Oct-28-2010
B.C. tax reductions cancelled
B.C. residents looking forward to the 15 per cent tax cut in 2011 that was announced just three weeks ago are going to be disappointed: the B.C. government has scrapped the plan.
Jun-16-2010
Small and medium businesses can now use simplified logbook rules
The CRA has announced simplified logbook rules for small- and medium-sized businesses, so how do they work?
Jun-16-2010
CRA Reassessing Claims for Medical Travel
The Canada Revenue Agency is reassessing claims for medical travel based to only allow en route expenses.
Jun-16-2010
