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Home office expenses for employees – What you need to know for the 2022 tax-filing season

Due to ongoing challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians are still working from home. That’s why the Government of Canada is extending the temporary flat rate method so that Canadians will continue to have a simpler way to deduct home office expenses for the 2021 tax year.

With the temporary flat rate method, eligible employees can claim a deduction of $2 for each day worked at home in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The maximum amount employees may claim using this method has been increased to $500 (it was $400 in the 2020 tax year) for the maximum of 250 working days (200 days in the 2020 tax year).

The eligibility criteria for the temporary flat rate and detailed methods remains the same for the 2021 tax year.

Employees who were not required to work from home in 2021, but who worked from home because their employer gave them the choice to do so, are still considered to have worked from home due to COVID-19.

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What you need to know for the 2022 tax-filing season

Last year, Canadians filed almost 31 million income tax and benefit returns. Having the information you need on hand to file your return makes the filing process that much easier. We want to help you get ready, so you are in good shape when it comes time to file your return this year.

Here you will find information on filing options, COVID-19 benefits, and what’s new for this tax-filing season.

The tax-filing deadline for most individuals is April 30, 2022…

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Mining cryptocurrency

Mining is a process that uses computers or specialized hardware to confirm cryptocurrency transactions. A miner will group valid transactions into blocks and if these blocks are accepted by the corresponding cryptocurrency’s network, they become part of a public ledger on the blockchain.

At this point, the miner usually receives two types of payments in cryptocurrency. The first is income for the creation of a new cryptocurrency, and the second is a payment for the successful validation by the miner. Those who perform the mining processes are paid in the cryptocurrency that they are validating.

Mining may have tax implications. The income tax treatment for cryptocurrency miners is different depending on whether your mining activities are a personal activity (a hobby) or a business activity. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.

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Temporary expansion to the eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program (periods 24 & 25)

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has remained committed to ensuring that Canadian businesses are supported financially as our economy recovers.

On December 22, 2021, the government announced a temporary expansion to the eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program to ensure Canadians are protected and businesses continue to receive the support they need as public health restrictions continue to be in place across the country.

These temporary changes will only be in effect from December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022 (Periods 24 and 25). The application portals for Period 24 of the business subsidy programs open on February 7, 2022, at 6:00 am EST.

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Avoid last minute delays at tax time by setting up My Account

If you’re looking to avoid last-minute delays and waiting on the phone at tax time, then try our easy-to-use digital services! Through our digital services, you will be able to view your tax and benefit information, and update your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) information ahead of time. By planning ahead, you will save time during tax season.

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Investing in cryptocurrency.

A cryptocurrency is a type of virtual asset that is protected using cryptography. It typically uses a system called a blockchain to record and keep a history of transactions. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether, are independent, meaning they do not rely on governments, central banks, or other central authorities for backing. You can obtain cryptocurrency in many ways, and new methods are being developed all the time. You can use cryptocurrencies for a wide range of activities, such as buying goods, paying bills, or investing. Transactions involving cryptocurrencies often have tax implications.

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Received a T4A slip from us? Here’s what you need to know.

If you have applied and received COVID-19 benefit payments from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2021, this explains why you have received a T4A Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income slip. These benefits are taxable, and the information on your T4A slip is needed when filing your income tax and benefit return.

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What is cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a type of virtual asset that is protected using cryptography. It typically uses a system called a blockchain to record and keep a history of transactions. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether, are independent, meaning they do not rely on governments, central banks, or other central authorities for backing. You can obtain cryptocurrency in many ways, and new methods are being developed all the time. You can use cryptocurrencies for a wide range of activities, such as buying goods, paying bills, or investing. Transactions involving cryptocurrencies often have tax implications.

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Running a business is difficult; understanding your tax obligations doesn’t need to be

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers free Liaison Officer services to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals to help them understand their tax obligations. A visit from a Liaison Officer is 100% confidential: the information you choose to discuss with them will not be shared with other areas of the CRA, or anyone else.

Did you know that the CRA has helped over 17,000 small business owners and self-employed individuals virtually through the Liaison Officer service since the beginning of the pandemic and over 69,000 small business owners and self-employed individuals since the start of the program in 2014.

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What students need to know this tax season!

As a student, you may have many questions about taxes and might be filing an income tax and benefit return for the first time. We understand that many students have unique personal and financial situations, especially given the last year. Let’s make sure you don’t miss out on benefits and credits to which you may be entitled. Find out what you could get and what you need to know in this tax tip.

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Filing your taxes on paper

Remember to file your income tax and benefit return by April 30, 2022. By doing so, you will avoid interruptions to any credits or benefits you may be entitled to, such as the Canada child benefit, goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax credit, child disability benefit, and guaranteed income supplement.

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The Government of Canada launches applications for the expanded Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

On December 22, 2021, the Government of Canada announced that it would be expanding eligibility for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) to better support Canadian workers. Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the expanded access to CWLB is now in effect and Canadians in designated regions affected by lockdowns or qualifying capacity restrictions can apply for the benefit.

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COVID-19 Recovery Programs continue to provide support to Canadian businesses and organizations

The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadian businesses and organizations in the face of the ongoing pandemic. On Friday, December 17, 2021, the targeted COVID-19 support measures received Royal Assent. These measures will ensure that the hardest-hit sectors and those who are most affected by the pandemic will continue to receive the support they need. The government will remain vigilant to ensure businesses have the tools needed to deal with the impacts of the evolving Omicron variant while also supporting a strong economic recovery.

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How to verify the CRA has contacted you

With the holidays just around the corner, scammers could contact you pretending to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Scammers are trying to trick individuals into making payments, and we’re doing everything we can to put a stop to this. That includes letting you know when and how we might contact you.

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Taxpayer relief deadline is December 31, 2021, for requests related to 2011

Taxpayers that want to ask for penalty or interest relief, must send their request within ten years from the end of the calendar year or fiscal period of concern. The CRA may also cancel interest and penalties that accrued within 10 calendar years of the year the taxpayer relief request is made, regardless of the tax year or reporting period in which the debt originated.

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CRA Updates Jason Smith CRA Updates Jason Smith

Avoid last minute delays at tax time by setting up My Account

If you’re looking to avoid last-minute delays and waiting on the phone at tax time, then try our easy-to-use digital services! Through our digital services, you will be able to view your tax and benefit information, and update your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) information ahead of time. By planning ahead, you will save time during tax season.

Read More
CRA Updates Jason Smith CRA Updates Jason Smith

Understanding the tax-free savings account (TFSA)

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2009 to help Canadians save and invest their money – tax-free – throughout their lifetime. This savings vehicle allows for you to set money aside in a TFSA for any purpose – whether you are saving for your education, retirement, a home, or simply for a rainy day, the earnings made in your TFSA will generally not be taxed. You are in control of your TFSA, so you can make contributions and withdraw funds whenever you want without penalty – contributions, however, can only be made if there is available contribution room.

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