Life in the Tax Lane (Canada)

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-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: 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.

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-ends
In-Person Payments at Financial Institutions – CRA Update: A recent CRA clarification provides relief, but questions remain
Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses – Adjustments: CRA explains how corrections will occur automatically and when action is required
GST/HST on Mutual Fund Trailing Commissions – Implementation Delay: More time has been granted, but affected businesses should prepare now
Large 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.

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 eligibility
In-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 remain
Voluntary Disclosures Program – Voluntary Application?: Prior CRA contact may disqualify VDP access despite newer guidance
Objection Deadlines: Strict timelines apply, with limited extension relief requiring clear and timely requests
US Renunciation Fees: Fee reduction may renew interest in relinquishing US citizenship
Whether a Business Exists – Research and Experimentation: Early R&D activity may support business status
Director 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.

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 proposed
SimpleFile and More: program returns with availability for eligible taxpayers who were not previously invited
Tax Disputes – Use of AI: a recent court decision highlights the risks of undisclosed AI use and unreliable, AI-generated citations
Loan Restructuring for Interest Deduction: planning opportunities remain available, but require robust documentation and strong factual support
GST/HST Paid in Error – Rebate Deadline: 
court confirms the strict application of the two-year limitation period
Putting Family on Title Exposes Them to Tax Liabilities: legal title transfers can expose individuals to unexpected transferee tax liabilities
Also, 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.

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.