Life in the Tax Lane (Canada)

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.

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.

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.