Life in the Tax Lane (Canada)

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.

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-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: 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.

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.