Life in the Tax Lane (Canada)

Video Tax News

These 10-minute podcasts are a rapid-fire discussion of select recent developments in the wonderful world of Canadian tax presented by the Video Tax News Team. For more information go to www.videotax.com.

Episodes

  1. May 2026 - Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – Payment Dates | In-Person Payments at Financial Institutions | Correcting a Past Error – Is It Required? | Voluntary Disclosures Program – Voluntary Application? | Objection Deadlines | US Renun

    MAY 5

    May 2026 - Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – Payment Dates | In-Person Payments at Financial Institutions | Correcting a Past Error – Is It Required? | Voluntary Disclosures Program – Voluntary Application? | Objection Deadlines | US Renun

    May’s episode is now live! What happens if a prior tax return is incorrect? Is the taxpayer required to fix it? And when does CRA contact eliminate access to the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP)? These are practical questions with real client implications. In this month’s episode, Joe, Caitlin and Hugh break down these issues and more, highlighting what tax professionals should be watching right now. Take 10 minutes to get current after a busy season. This fast-paced episode covers: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – Payment Dates: Confirmed timing may prompt client questions on eligibilityIn-Person Payments at Financial Institutions: Teller-based tax payments end December 2026, requiring process changesCorrecting a Past Error – Is It Required?: No clear obligation to amend, but risks remainVoluntary Disclosures Program – Voluntary Application?: Prior CRA contact may disqualify VDP access despite newer guidanceObjection Deadlines: Strict timelines apply, with limited extension relief requiring clear and timely requestsUS Renunciation Fees: Fee reduction may renew interest in relinquishing US citizenshipWhether a Business Exists – Research and Experimentation: Early R&D activity may support business statusDirector Liability – Which Director to Assess: CRA may pursue any director for remittance failures, emphasizing due diligence Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-may-2026 Program Recorded: April 22, 2026 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information, visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2026, All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  2. April 2026 - First-time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate | SimpleFile | Tax Disputes – Use of AI & more

    APR 1

    April 2026 - First-time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate | SimpleFile | Tax Disputes – Use of AI & more

    April’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! As personal tax season accelerates, take a moment to watch this episode highlighting recent legislative changes, CRA administrative updates, and court decisions with direct implications for current files and near-term planning. It is a quick way to stay informed, and you might even win a hoodie. This episode discusses:  First-time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate – Now Open for Application: earlier effective date than originally proposedSimpleFile and More: program returns with availability for eligible taxpayers who were not previously invitedTax Disputes – Use of AI: a recent court decision highlights the risks of undisclosed AI use and unreliable, AI-generated citationsLoan Restructuring for Interest Deduction: planning opportunities remain available, but require robust documentation and strong factual supportGST/HST Paid in Error – Rebate Deadline: court confirms the strict application of the two-year limitation periodPutting Family on Title Exposes Them to Tax Liabilities: legal title transfers can expose individuals to unexpected transferee tax liabilitiesAlso, this month introduces a Mystery Word Contest, with two hoodies up for grabs. Watch the episode to find the word and enter. Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-april-2026 Enter the Mystery Word contest: https://videotax.com/mystery-word-contest-litl-2026 Learn more about available courses: https://members.videotax.com/courses Program Recorded: March 25, 2026 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information, visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  3. March 2026: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Mutual Fund Trailing Fees and Weak Accounting/Oversight

    MAR 3

    March 2026: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Mutual Fund Trailing Fees and Weak Accounting/Oversight

    March’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! As personal tax season intensifies and inboxes fill faster than they can be cleared, take a 10-minute break from T1 triage to review recent legislative action and court decisions with direct implications for compliance, documentation, and reassessment risk.  This episode covers: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: This benefit replacing the GST credit and providing enhancements with increased payments coming soon. Mutual Fund Trailing Commissions – GST/HST: CRA will treat trailing commissions as taxable supplies effective July 1, 2026.Corporate Transfer of Assets to Shareholder’s Child: Below cost sale resulted in a shareholder benefit and denied loss to the corporation.Under-Reported Income – Bookkeeping Errors: Weak oversight supported opening otherwise statute-barred years and gross negligence penalties.Shareholder Benefits – Offsets: The court rejected retroactive loan offsets where there was no clear intent or year end accounting support, underscoring the need to clear personal expenses in the year and document the entries before filing.Labour Mobility Deduction – Temporary Relocation Expenses: Employer allowances reduce but do not eliminate eligible temporary relocation deductions.For firms balancing tight timelines and heightened CRA scrutiny, the episode offers practical reminders on documentation, systems oversight, and resolving issues before they become reassessments. Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-march-2026 Learn more about available courses: https://members.videotax.com/courses Program Recorded: February 20, 2026 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information, visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  4. February 2026 - Crypto-Assets Reviews and Audits | Crypto-Assets – Income or Capital Gains? | COVID-19 Benefits – Collections | Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program | Beneficial Ownership | Shareholder Benefit on Land Realty Transfer

    FEB 3

    February 2026 - Crypto-Assets Reviews and Audits | Crypto-Assets – Income or Capital Gains? | COVID-19 Benefits – Collections | Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program | Beneficial Ownership | Shareholder Benefit on Land Realty Transfer

    February’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Video Tax News team shares a timely roundup of tax issues that may not be especially romantic, but are front of mind as filing season approaches. This fast-paced episode covers: Crypto-Assets Reviews and Audits: CRA is intensifying audit activity, focusing on non-filing, underreporting, and weak documentation around crypto transactions.Crypto-Assets – Income or Capital Gains?: A recent court case reinforces that trading intent and activity drive income versus capital treatment.COVID-19 Benefits – Collections: CRA collections on CERB and CRB overpayments are continuing with a more aggressive tone.Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program: Expanded eligibility may allow certain professionals to access significant loan relief.Beneficial Ownership: Adding children to title discussed in the context of estate planning.Shareholder Benefit on Land Realty Transfer: Non-FMV transfers between corporations and shareholders can trigger taxable benefits.This episode highlights where CRA scrutiny is increasing and where careful structuring and documentation remain important. Watch or listen to stay current as these issues continue to arise in everyday practice. Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-february-2026 Learn more about available courses: https://members.videotax.com/courses Program Recorded: January 20, 2026 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  5. January 2026 - Cancellation of OAS Enrollment | Election to Stop Contributing to CPP | Trust Filing Rules – Bare Trust Arrangements | Trucking Sector – Lifting the T4A Penalty Moratorium | RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Proposal – Abandoned | CRA Service

    JAN 6

    January 2026 - Cancellation of OAS Enrollment | Election to Stop Contributing to CPP | Trust Filing Rules – Bare Trust Arrangements | Trucking Sector – Lifting the T4A Penalty Moratorium | RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Proposal – Abandoned | CRA Service

    January’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Happy New Year! Join the Video Tax News team for a timely roundup of key tax developments as we head into 2026. This fast-paced episode covers: Cancellation of OAS Enrollment: A Federal Court of Appeal decision underscores the strict deadlines for cancelling automatic OAS enrollment.Election to Stop Contributing to CPP: The Tax Court provides welcome clarity where Service Canada processing delays threatened to invalidate the election to cease contributing to CPP when the individual began collecting retirement benefits at age 65.Trust Filing Rules – Bare Trust Arrangements: CRA proactively confirms relief by following Bill C-15 proposals, meaning no T3 filings are required for bare trusts with 2025 year ends.Trucking Sector – Lifting the T4A Penalty Moratorium: CRA begins immediate enforcement of T4A filing requirements for payments to incorporated drivers, with 2025 slips due by March 2, 2026.RRIF Minimum Withdrawal Proposal – Abandoned: The government confirms it will not proceed with the proposed temporary RRIF withdrawal reduction.CRA Service Improvements – Disability Tax Credit: Ongoing delays in processing Disability Tax Credit applications are reviewed, along with recent recommendations from the Taxpayer’s Ombudsperson to better support vulnerable taxpayers.Watch the free 10-minute video now to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead of the curve on issues that matter most to Canadian tax professionals. Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-january-2026 Learn more about available courses: https://members.videotax.com/courses Program Recorded: December 18, 2025 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved.

    10 min
  6. December 2025 - First-time Home Buyers' GST Rebate – Effective Date | Automatic Tax Filing for Individuals – Budget 2025 | Failure to Make Electronic Payments | Tax Payment Grace Period | Delayed Slips Posted Online by CRA | &more

    12/02/2025

    December 2025 - First-time Home Buyers' GST Rebate – Effective Date | Automatic Tax Filing for Individuals – Budget 2025 | Failure to Make Electronic Payments | Tax Payment Grace Period | Delayed Slips Posted Online by CRA | &more

    December’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Join the Video Tax News team for a quick roundup of the latest tax developments.  This fast-paced episode covers: First-time Home Buyers' GST rebate, including a retroactive contract date change that could mean up to $50,000 in savings.Automatic tax filing starting in 2025 for select low-income individuals—who qualifies and how it works.Failure to make electronic payments, CRA providing relief for clients who still rely on cheques.Tax payment grace period clarity: CRA confirms a 20-day interest-free window for taxpayers to pay assessed balances once notified.Delayed slips posted online by CRA during last filing season and what CRA says to expect this year.Repetitive pre- and post-assessment requests for donations, medical expenses, and more—impact of compliance history.Heightened enforcement in the trucking industry targeting misclassification and personal services business concerns, with potential implications for other sectors using incorporated contractors.Watch the free 10-minute video now to stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead of the curve on issues that matter most to Canadian tax professionals. Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-december-2025 Learn more about available courses: https://members.videotax.com/courses Program Recorded: November 21, 2025 Life in the Tax Lane is for general information purposes only and deals with dynamic, time-sensitive and complex matters that may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialized professional advice in connection with any particular matter. For more information visit videotax.com/disclaimer. ©Video Tax News Inc. 2025, All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

These 10-minute podcasts are a rapid-fire discussion of select recent developments in the wonderful world of Canadian tax presented by the Video Tax News Team. For more information go to www.videotax.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Video Tax News
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
     © 1980-2026  Video Tax News Inc, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Life in the Tax Lane (Canada)

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