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About Personal Tax Advisors

Sunny Widerman has been preparing income tax returns for entrepreneurial Canadians and their friends since 2002. Her friendly, non-judgemental approach to tax services and advice and lively public speaking style have made her a favourite among audiences and clients alike. She has been featured by Advisor's Edge, the Canadian Media Guild, the Professional Writer's Association of Canada, the Editor's Association of Canada, CARFAC Dispatch and others.

Going back to school? Use this trick for tax savings.

Plan ahead to get a tax bonus using the money you've saved for tuition The Canada Revenue Agency encourages continuing your education via the Lifelong Learning Plan, or LLP. Under this program you may make a tax­-free withdrawal from your RRSPs when you are entering an educational program as a full-­time student for at least [...]

Falling Behind In Your Taxes Doesn’t Make You A Bad Person | Filing Back Taxes

Here at Personal Tax Advisors, we serve a lot of new clients who come to us having fallen several years behind on their income tax filing. Helping people clear away years of unfiled taxes is incredibly rewarding because we’re able to not only help with taxes (as always), but alleviate a lot of emotional distress. [...]

What to do when you receive a Demand to File letter from the CRA

What does a Demand to File letter look like? A Demand to File letter, usually referred to simply as a Demand letter, is a request for a tax return from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). CRA sends out demand letters for returns that Have not been filed Are likely to have tax owing CRA [...]

Psychotherapists now exempt from GST-HST in Canada

Changes to Canadian tax law As of June 20, 2024, psychotherapy/counselling therapy services rendered by psychotherapists and counselling therapists are exempt from the GST/HST. Medical services have always been exempt from GST/HST, and the scope of what falls under the umbrella of exempt health-related services has been expanding. The latest inductee: psychotherapy. What does the [...]

Can a joint tenant use the home buyer’s plan or the first home savings account?

Can a joint-tenant qualify as a first-time homebuyer? Q: I'm a joint tenant in my current home, and I'm ready to buy my own place. Can I use the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) or the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) as a first-time homebuyer? A: To take advantage of the HBP and/or FHSA, [...]

Dealing with a notice from CRA that says you owe money you already paid

Understanding Your CRA Notice of Assessment Receiving a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be an anxiety-inducing moment, especially if it states that you owe tax you believe you've already paid. However, before succumbing to panic, it's crucial to understand the nuances of the assessment process and how to effectively [...]

Can a paid companion qualify as Attendant Care?

Q:  My 87-year-old mom lives in a long term care home in Ottawa. I hired a wonderful woman as a companion to her, to supplement my weekly visits. Would her fees be tax deductible as Attendant Care? A: Possibly, if a few other factors are in play. Definition of Attendant Care The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) [...]

Basics of Canadian Taxes for Immigrants (Updated 2024)

As an immigrant to Canada, it's important to understand the Canadian income tax system and your tax obligations. Whether you're a permanent resident, a temporary worker, or a student, you'll probably need to file a tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) each year. Do you need to file a Canadian income tax return? [...]

Real Estate – New reporting rules for bare trusts as of 2023

Bare trusts no longer exempt from filing Real estate investors who own properties under a Bare Trust arrangement need to be aware of CRA's new reporting rules. In prior years bare trusts were exempt from filing returns with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Going forward, any trust with a fiscal year end of December 31, 2023 [...]

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