Canadian Tax Changes for 2013
Taxpayers who haven't made donations after 2007 may want to contribute to charity and receive an enhanced nonrefundable tax credit for gifts.
New Retirement Savings Option
The Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) is a new retirement savings option for individuals, including those who are self-employed (more info).
Change to Line 130 Other Income
You now report amounts on Line 130 that are paid to you as a result of taking time away from work to cope with the death or disppearance of your child because of an offence or probable offence under the Criminal Code (shown in box 136 of a T4A slip).
Adoption Expenses
The adoption period has been extended for adoptions finalized in 2013 and subsequent years (more info).
Donations and Gifts
You may be able to claim a donation "super credit" (a beefed up nonrefundable tax credit) if considered a first-time donor. (more info).
Mandatory Electronic Filing
Starting in 2013, CRA began requiring tax preparers paid to prepare more than 10 returns in a year to eFile those returns. CRA is now going to allow two tax years to be eFiled, the current year plus the prior year. Returns for newcomers who immigrated to Canada during 2013 will also be eligible for eFile. Transmission of 2013 and 2012 tax returns begins on February 10, 2014.
Other Changes
There are adjustments to the Investment Tax Credit, Overseas Employment Tax Credit, foreign property assessment period, and tax related to the non-purchase of replacement shares in a Quebec labour-sponsored fund (more info).