APL NEWS - keeping our Community informed
At Atchison Palmer Leslie, we see our clients as a Community within a larger Community. That is whatAPL News is all about. To keep informed about what is happening at the firm, please check this page for
up-dates. You will also find interesting and informative articles that we hope will be of help to you.
CRA Update
Self Review Letter Initiative
We have received the following letter from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding a letter writing initiative by the audit division. Anyone who has received one of these letters and needs assistance dealing with it or has questions can contact the office at (250) 748-1426. This initiative was created to ensure tax payers are not overstating their expenses. Letters will be sent out to individuals whos previous claims are higher than the industries standard/average.
This notice is to inform you that the Canada Revenue Agency will be conducting a letter writing campaign in an effort to provide Canadians with the information they need to understand their tax obligations. The Audit Division in each Tax Services Office will be responsible for initiating the campaign in early 2010.
Two types of letters will be sent to thousands of Canadians. Some will receive a letter providing information about eligibility criteria for certain deductions they have claimed in their recent income tax returns. Other taxpayers will receive a similar type of letter, and will be advised of the possibility that their income tax returns may be selected for audit.
The goal of the campaign is to educate taxpayers as well as promote compliance with the Income Tax Act. We are asking individuals to self-review their claims related to rental income and expenses, employment expenses and business or commission income and expenses.
We also wish to provide taxpayers the opportunity to amend their income tax returns by completing and adjustment request and/or by making a voluntary disclosure in cases where the taxpayer may have claimed deductions in error or provided inaccurate information.
Posted: February 2010
Do you need Bookkeeping HELP onsite?
What is 'GoToAssist'?'GoToAssist' is a Web-based computer screen-sharing solution that downloads in seconds from the Web and enables us to have full remote sharing of your computer screen with your mouse and keyboard control.
How does this service work?
Once you connect to the service, you are prompted to download a small application and enter a one time numerical code which allows one of our support staff to share control of your mouse and keyboard to help you resolve your problem or answer your question. At any time during a session, you can take control of your computer just by moving your mouse. You will be in charge at all times. You are able to SHOW us your problems versus trying to describe them.
The beauty of this service is that you have INSTANT help that resolves your questions CORRECTLY. We recognize that your time is valuable.
Can our staff look through your files without your knowledge?
Absolutely not! Our staff sees only what you see and whatever you permit him or her to see on your computer screen.
How is security maintained?
All support sessions are fully encrypted using 128-bit end-to-end AES encryption. After a session has ended, your support representative can no longer see your screen or access your computer again until you make another explicit request by posting a question on our support site.
How It Works
Step 1: Request our support at http://www.gotoassist.com/ph/atpal.
Step 2: You are prompted to accept a small download, which connects you and our staff.
Step 3: With your permission, staff may view your screen and share control of your mouse and keyboard.
Step 4: Our staff can either solve the problem remotely while you watch OR demonstrate AND TEACH YOU what to do step-by-step.
To learn more about "Go To Assist"... Contact Tammy Leslie at 250-748-1426.
Posted: November 2009
Eligible Home Renovation Tax Credit Expenses
The claiming of
federal tax credits, on qualifying expenditures between $1,000 - $10,000 are
restricted to the following per Canada Revenue Agency.
- Home renovations for a kitchen, bathrooms or basements; including new flooring, window replacement and doors, blinds, shades, shutters, lights and ceiling fans.
- Heating improvements - furnace or wood stoves, insulation, fuel tanks
- Water heaters and water filtration systems.
- Electrical upgrades and improvements.
- Re-roofing, shutters and awnings.
- Wells and septic systems.
- Painting – either the interior or exterior of your home.
- Heat pumps and solar paneling – for homes, pools and hot tubs.
- Air conditioning and ventilation system.
- Building additions including a deck, garage, storage shed or fencing.
- New driveway or re-surfacing a driveway.
- Swimming pools and hot tubs of a permanent nature, including installation costs.
- Home security system equipment and installation.
- Retaining walls.
- Landscaping, sod or rocks, trees, shrubs and flowers of a permanent nature.
- Yard improvements – ponds, garden ornaments or lighting.
- Costs associated with improvements or renovations; such as building plans, permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.
You will not be
required to submit copies of your expenditure invoices, however you will need
to indicate the name of the supplier of the goods and services together with
their GST number [so you can be sure CRA will track the expenses to ensure
the service or material providers are filing their GST and income tax returns.]
Posted: February 2010
