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. 4d ago

    November 2026 - Bare Trusts Are Back

    November’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! The Federal Budget is just two days away, and we’re eager to see what’s in store for taxpayers and their accountants! Watch for our discussion after its release, and scroll down for details on our brandable Federal Budget Commentary and Budget updates included with Tax Update 2026. In the meantime, there’s plenty to discuss! This month, the team explores new CRA payment options, medical travel expenses, employee parking, charitable donation reminders and the latest bare trust reporting guidance. Take 10 minutes to get up to date on what is new in the wonderful world of Canadian tax. This month's episode covers: CRA Payment Tools: New CRA payment and balance-management options offer additional ways for clients to manage amounts owing, arrange payments and request assistance.Medical Travel – Affordability: Travelling abroad for less expensive medical care? A recent court case considers whether those savings justify a claim for travel expenses.Taxable Benefit – Reimbursed Parking Costs: Does the reimbursement of parking costs result in a taxable benefit for the employee?Donation Receipts Missing Prescribed Information: Even when a donation was made, missing prescribed information on a receipt can put a client's charitable donation tax credit at risk. Also, speakers consider the donation of appreciated securities to avoid tax on the capital gains. Additional benefit for corporate taxpayers – a bump to the capital dividend account.Trust Reporting Issues: CRA has updated its FAQs and outlined changes to the T3 return. The team discusses what to watch for, including arrangements where legal and beneficial ownership differ and the implications of winding up before year-end.Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-november-2026 Order the Federal Budget Commentary - https://members.videotax.com/products/federal-budget-commentary-2026 Learn more about Tax Update 2026 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/tax-update-2026 Learn more about Personal Tax Update 2027 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/personal-tax-update-2027 View the full personal tax course lineup - https://www.videotax.com/2027-personal-tax-lineup Program Recorded: October 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.

    November 2026 - Bare Trusts Are Back
  2. Oct 1

    October 2026 - The Productivity Mega Deduction

    October’s episode of Life in the Tax Lane is here! Hugh calls it the “Super Deluxe Mega Grandiose Superb” edition. The name is a mouthful, but the proposed Productivity Mega Deduction gives the team plenty to discuss. They also cover disability benefit payments, GST/HST issues on property flips, a US tax decision impacting US foreign tax credit claims and a CRA collection notice worth taking seriously. Take 10 minutes to get up to date on what is new in the wonderful world of Canadian tax. This month's episode covers: Accelerated CCA – Productivity Mega Deduction Proposal: This proposal allows immediate expensing for depreciable capital property acquired on or after September 15, 2026, subject to important exclusions and Royal Assent.Supplemental Canada Disability Benefit: A recent release confirms the additional $150 supplemental payment, and when recipients should expect it.Quick Flips – Definition of Builder: When does building or substantially renovating a property make an individual a “builder” for GST/HST purposes, and what facts does CRA consider?US Tax Credit Against Investment Tax: A US appeals court decision considers whether Canadian tax paid can be credited against the US net investment income tax.Requirement to Pay: What happens when a third-party ignores a CRA requirement to pay and sends money to the taxpayer instead? A recent court case shows the potential cost.Sources: https://www.videotax.com/web-tips-articles/life-in-the-tax-lane-october-2026 Learn more about Tax Update 2026 - https://members.videotax.com/courses/tax-update-2026 Learn more about Newbies to Ninjas: Corporate Tax, 12th Edition - https://members.videotax.com/courses/newbies-to-ninjas-corporate-tax-12th-edition Program Recorded: September 16, 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.

    October 2026 - The Productivity Mega Deduction
  3. Sep 1

    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?
  4. 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
  5. 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?
  6. 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

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.

You Might Also Like