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. 5d ago

    September 2026 - When Can CRA Reopen a Statute-Barred Year?

    September’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Back-to-school season comes with a few lessons for tax practitioners too. This month, the Video Tax News team looks at cautionary court cases, practical CRA guidance on voluntary disclosures, and one heroic accountant whose recordkeeping made all the difference. Take 10 minutes to get up to date on what is new in the wonderful world of Canadian tax. This month's episode covers: Life Insurance – Return of Premiums: Could a client getting their term life insurance premiums back result in an unexpected tax bill?Taxpayer Due Diligence: Recent court cases offer cautionary examples of clients failing to demonstrate taxpayer due diligence.Voluntary Disclosures – CRA Q&A: CRA provides guidance on pre-disclosure discussions, VDP eligibility and non-compliance extending beyond the minimum reporting period.Aggressive Tax Claims – Statute-Barred Period and Penalties: Recent court cases highlight why CRA may be able to reopen otherwise statute-barred years, including unsupported tax claims and credibility issues.Supporting Documentation: A positive court outcome shows the value of an accountant’s working papers when a client’s original invoices are no longer available.Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-september-2026 Learn more about Tax Update 2026 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/tax-update-2026 Learn more about Bare Trust T3 Reporting: Practical Guide & Examples - https://members.videotax.com/courses/bare-trust-t3-reporting-practical-guide-examples Program Recorded: August 26, 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.

    September 2026 - When Can CRA Reopen a Statute-Barred Year?

  2. Jul 30

    August 2026 - Court Decision Raises Questions for Executors Accessing Digital Assets

    August’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! What does a recent Alberta court decision mean for executors seeking access to digital assets? How could CRA's response to privacy breaches affect tax practitioners? And what should you know about trust reporting, overlooked GST input tax credits and dispute resolution? These developments have practical implications for estate administration, taxpayer privacy, GST compliance, trust reporting and tax disputes. In this month's episode, Cait and Hugh review recent CRA guidance and court decisions, highlighting what tax professionals should be watching. Despite the summer recess, there was no shortage of tax developments. Take 10 minutes to get up to date on the latest CRA guidance and court decisions. This month's episode covers: Digital Assets: Alberta court considers whether technology companies can require executors to obtain court orders before releasing digital assets.Taxpayer Information – Privacy Commissioner Report: New recommendations could affect e-filer screening and CRA's approach to protecting taxpayer information.Trust Reporting – Schedule 15 Penalties: Could earlier trust filings trigger unexpected Schedule 15 penalties?Judicial Review – Extension for Application: Missing a legislated deadline can permanently close off dispute resolution options.Overlooked Input Tax Credits (ITCs): CRA discusses whether overlooked ITCs should be added to an earlier GST return or claimed on a later return.Travel From Home To Work – Long Commute: A recent court decision considers whether an exceptionally long commute changes the tax treatment of travel costs. Spoiler alert, it doesn't.Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-august-2026 Learn more about Tax Update 2026 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/tax-update-2026Learn more about Bare Trust T3 Reporting: Practical Guide & Examples - https://members.videotax.com/courses/bare-trust-t3-reporting-practical-guide-examples Program Recorded: July 23, 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.

    August 2026 - Court Decision Raises Questions for Executors Accessing Digital Assets

  3. Jul 2

    July 2026 - Could a Missed CRA Online Notice Cost Your Client?

    July’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Could a missed CRA online notice cost your client the right to object? When do repeated missing T-slips trigger penalties? And what do the latest CRA guidance on the Voluntary Disclosures Program and recent court decisions mean for your practice? These are practical developments with real implications for compliance, dispute resolution and tax planning. In this month's episode, Cait and Hugh discuss these issues and more, including recent legislative developments, highlighting what tax professionals should be watching for as the summer unfolds. Take 10 minutes to get current on the latest legislative, administrative and court developments. This month's episode covers: Legislative Update: Bill C-30 has received Royal Assent, but significant measures in Bill C-31 remain outstanding, including the proposed automatic filing regime for certain low-income taxpayers.Late Objection – Online Communication Issues: Could a missed CRA notification cost your client their objection rights?Voluntary Disclosure Program – Concerns? CRA provides further clarity on the revised VDP and addresses common questions from taxpayers and practitioners.Taxpayer Relief – Missing Slips: Can a simple oversight lead to a penalty for repeated failure to report income?Fees Paid for Investment Counsel – Tax Planning? What types of planning fees qualify for a deduction? A recent court decision explores the distinction.Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-july-2026 Learn more about Tax Update 2026 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/tax-update-2026Learn more about Bare Trust T3 Reporting: Practical Guide & Examples - https://members.videotax.com/courses/bare-trust-t3-reporting-practical-guide-examples Program Recorded: June 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. 2026, All Rights Reserved.

    July 2026 - Could a Missed CRA Online Notice Cost Your Client?

  4. Jun 2

    June 2026 - Bill C-31 – Second Budget Bill Introduced | Tiered Corporations – Suspended Dividend Refunds | In-Person Payments at Financial Institutions | CRA Update Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses – Adjustments | & more

    June’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Are you prepared for the new tiered corporation dividend refund rules? What about the recent CRA guidance affecting carbon rebate adjustments and GST/HST on mutual fund trailing commissions? These are practical developments with real implications for compliance, planning and client service. In this month’s episode, Cait and Hugh discuss these issues and more, highlighting what tax professionals should be watching for as several significant changes continue to unfold. Take 10 minutes to get current on the latest legislative, administrative and court developments. This fast-paced episode covers: Bill C-31 – Second Budget Bill Introduced: How will the latest legislative proposals affect owner-managed businesses and their advisors?Tiered Corporations – Suspended Dividend Refunds: New rules may defer or even prevent dividend refunds for corporations with staggered year-endsIn-Person Payments at Financial Institutions – CRA Update: A recent CRA clarification provides relief, but questions remainCarbon Rebate for Small Businesses – Adjustments: CRA explains how corrections will occur automatically and when action is requiredGST/HST on Mutual Fund Trailing Commissions – Implementation Delay: More time has been granted, but affected businesses should prepare nowLarge Corporations – Notices of Objection: A recent court decision highlights how procedural missteps can eliminate appeal rightsSources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-june-2026 Learn more about Monthly Tax Update - https://members.videotax.com/products/monthly-tax-update-newsletter Program Recorded: May 28, 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.

    June 2026 - Bill C-31 – Second Budget Bill Introduced | Tiered Corporations – Suspended Dividend Refunds | In-Person Payments at Financial Institutions | CRA Update Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses – Adjustments | & more

  5. 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

    Note: Late-Breaking Update - May 13, 2026. See full show notes. 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 changesLate-Breaking News: On a May 13, 2026 post on CPA Canada's Tax360 portal, Ryan Minor stated that CRA had advised CPA Canada that payments to them are an exception from this change. We will include any relevant additional updates in June’s Life in the Tax Lane. Correcting 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.

    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

  6. 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.

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

You Might Also Like