Miscellaneous Tax Articles and Answers
Canadian Tax Highlights and Changes
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Jan. 18, 2010
Highlights of current tax-related events from Canada Revenue Agency, along with major tax changes for the 2009 tax year.
United States Tax Highlights and Changes
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Jan. 18, 2010
Highlights of current tax-related events from the Internal Revenue Service, along with major tax changes for the 2009 tax year.
Notable Canadian Tax Law Changes
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Jan. 19, 2009
Major tax changes include the introduction of the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and an expanded list of eligible medical expenses.
Notable United States Tax Law Changes
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Jan. 19, 2009
Highlights of recent tax changes for individuals include a new Recovery Rebate Credit, an increased AMT exemption amount, and an increase in the allowable Foreign Earned Income Exclusion amount to $87,600.
Should You Sell Your Stocks for the Tax Refund?
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Dec. 1, 2008
The recent bear market has spawned a number of articles on the web debating whether it's a good idea or not to sell stocks before Dec. 31, realize the capital losses, and use them to reduce income tax for the year. I feel that it's a bad plan for most of us.
A Huge Tax Break for Canadians
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Oct. 25, 2008
In 2009 the new Tax-Free Investment Savings Account will come into force in Canada, and what a great tax break it is! Here's the scoop from the Department of Finance.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) – How It Affects Filing Season 2008
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Jan. 8, 2008
The IRS posted on its website that the upcoming tax season is expected to start on time for everyone except certain taxpayers affected by changes to Alternative Minimum Tax.
Use Receipts, Not Statements
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Oct. 22, 2007
Credit card or bank statements are generally not adequate documentation of your expenses. You will do better in an income tax audit if you back up your expenses with receipts.
Bookkeeping Methods for the Self-Employed
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: July 20, 2007
My tax clients often ask me: "What's the best way to keep our books and records?" Of course, everybody is different, and the same method won't work for people with different skills. After thinking about it for a while I realized that a little overview of various bookkeeping methods might be useful for many people!
Deducting Travel Expenses From Rental Income
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: Oct. 3, 2005
Question: "I live in Edmonton and just purchased a rental property on Vancouver Island. Can I deduct my travel costs to and from the property? What else can I deduct?"
Do I Need to File Form 1099-S?
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: March 12, 2005
Question: "I Sold my House for less than $500,000. Do I Need to File Form 1099-S?"
Be Nice To Your Accountant
Author: Frances McGuckin
First Posted: June, 2003
There seems to be a serious misconception that accountants can survive on no sleep for four months, work eight days a week, 30 hours a day, and not make mistakes–all for a small and reasonable fee. Get your taxes in early and make your accountant's life a lot easier!
Income Tax Note for Canadians
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: April, 2002
If your capital equipment goes up in value over time, don't throw away your 1994 income tax return!
Why buy a Condo?
Author: Robert Thomson
First Posted: April, 2002
Robert Thomson discusses how his daughter-in-law, with a good, steady job paying $20/hour, $2,000 in savings, and monthly rent payments of $600, was able to buy a nice one bedroom condo in Victoria for $100,000.
Retirement Savings Plans: Are They Really a Good Investment?
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: March, 2002
RRSP's and IRA's are hyped endlessly by the financial services industry. Who do they benefit the most, the people contributing to the plans or those who have a vested interest in selling them?
The First Step to Financial Freedom: Balance Your Checkbook!
Author: Brad Howland
First Posted: September, 2001
Balancing your checkbook every month allows you to track exactly how much money you have at any given time. If you don't have this information, you can slide into debt without being aware of it.