The Tax Chick Podcast

After a short break to rest and recover, I am back!  This episode is a quick catch-up on where I have been, what I have been working on, and what’s coming next on the podcast. In early June, I was in Toronto for the STEP National Conference and Board Meetings... hands down one of the professional highlights of my year.  In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the conference, share why STE...

In this episode, I sit down with tax educator and industry leader John Oakey for a refreshingly non-technical conversation about life inside the tax profession. While John is well known for his deep technical expertise, this episode goes in a different direction.  We explore the real-world challenges tax practitioners face every day: competing demands, client expectations, time pressure, and the c...

What happens when the tax system doesn’t work the way it should?  Who advocates for taxpayers when service breaks down? In this special two-part episode, I sit down with François Boileau, the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson for Canada, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about fairness, service delays, vulnerable populations, and the future of tax administration in Canada. Described by Mr. Boileau...

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation with François Boileau, Canada’s Taxpayer Ombudsperson. In this episode, we continue our candid discussion about fairness in tax administration, CRA service delays, systemic challenges, and what meaningful change could look like for taxpayers and practitioners alike. Together, we explore the realities facing taxpayers today, the pressures on the Ombudsperso...

Season 7 of The Tax Chick Podcast is here! I started this podcast back in 2020 to help people understand the Canadian tax system in plain language. Six years later, I’m still here, still doing my own editing and producing, and still showing up because this podcast has a purpose. In this short kickoff episode, I share why I make this podcast, what I discovered about my role in the tax community, an...

Being audited by the CRA can feel stressful, especially with audit activity on the rise. In this episode I walk through what a CRA audit actually looks like and what to do if you or your client receives an audit request, including:  [2:00] How audits are triggered (including the difference between a full audit and a limited review) [3:00] Limitation periods, and the basics of what to look for in a...

Fall 2025 has been a busy season for tax developments! In the FINAL EPISODE of Season 6 of The Tax Chick Podcast, I share my thoughts on: - The latest Auditor General's Report on CRA call times and accuracy - The new CRA - Voluntary Disclosure Program - The 2025 federal budget While the podcast will be taking a short break, The Tax Chick Podcast will return with brand new episodes in 2026! HERE AR...

In this episode, I am joined by Financial Planner, Aravind, for a deep dive into one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions for incorporated business owners: Should I pay myself a salary or a dividend? We unpack the myths, explore the tax mechanics, and walk through real-life planning considerations that go far beyond the coffee shop advice of “dividends are better.”  Spoiler alert: the...

In this episode of The Tax Chick Podcast , I am joined by my friend and fellow professional, Michelle D. Coleman , to dig into a topic that every executor needs to understand: the tax implications that arise after someone passes away . Michelle shares her expertise on the common questions and pitfalls that executors face when navigating taxes on death. Together, we walk through the fundamentals of...

If you have been listening to my podcast for a while, you will know how much I value my involvement with STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). It is not just about the TEP designation.  What I love most are the connections, the learning, and the high-quality professional development that STEP provides. Honestly, it is some of the best CPD I get all year! So, I am taking a quick det...

This mini-episode is inspired by one of the most common questions I get from clients and advisors alike: “What is estate planning?” We hear about it all the time, but what does it actually mean? Spoiler alert: it’s more than just writing your Will! I break down: - The core documents that make up an estate plan - The "investigation" stage - Understanding the "little" tax and the "big" tax - Death f...

Welcome to a very special celebration episode of The Tax Chick Podcast ! This week marks five whole years since I hit “publish” on my very first podcast episode. That means the podcast is officially in kindergarten!!!!  In this milestone episode, I hit pause on tax talk and reflect on the journey of building the podcast from a simple blog during the early pandemic days, to a globally downloaded sh...

In this special (and slightly chaotic) summer edition of The Tax Chick Podcast , I am joined by summer students Frank, Blake and Tone, and articling student, Nick, for a candid and fun game of tax trivia! From weird historical levies to modern-day deductions, it’s law school meets game show in the most entertaining way possible!  WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUESTS? Nick Kane:  https://www.linkedin...

As a tax lawyer, I spend a large portion of my day discussing difficult topics with clients - including discussions of death and dying.  Often, I am one of the first phone calls after the death of a loved one.   In this episode, we delve into a deeply personal topic: the emotional impact of losing a long-time client.  My special guest, Dr. Brian Chartier, shares valuable insights and strategies fo...

So you finished your estate planning... but do you have a Power of Attorney? Check out this mini-episode for details on: - What is a power of attorney? (2:13) - When should you consider having more than one power of attorney? (4:00) - How do you choose who to appoint as your power of attorney? (6:05) - What are some tips/traps to consider? (7:18) HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My web...

So often when completing our estate planning, we focus on what will happen when the last spouse dies.  But what about after the death of the first spouse?  In this episode, I outline some key planning considerations to keep in mind on the death of the first spouse, including: cash flow planning, access to credit, and practical considerations! HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website...

Switching it up today and chatting about a very specific section of the Income Tax Act ... s. 160.  This section can be used to assess one person for the tax debts of another person... it is typically applied between spouses and/or between parents and children.  However, some recent case law has resurrected a discussion on this topic, including who is really a "spouse" for the purposes of this sec...

A recent LinkedIn post of mine sparked some great informal discussion about responding to CRA "proposal" letters.  So, it seemed like a great topic to chat about on the pod! Do you know what information/documentation you can obtain through informal disclosure with CRA?  Check out this episode to learn more about: What is a "proposal" letter? What are the usual deadlines for response, and why would...

In this episode, I am diving into the must-have documentation you need to gather before tackling tax season. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a professional, this episode will help you organize everything you need to make tax time a breeze. Tune in for tips on what documents to collect, how to stay organized, and avoid common mistakes that could cost you later! RESOURCES DISCUSSED...

You’ve filed your taxes—great job! But the work isn’t quite over yet. In this episode, I'm walking you through the essential steps you need to take after submitting your taxes. From saving and reviewing your Notice of Assessment to paying any taxes owed, and some tips on how to update your financial records and prepare for next year, this episode has what you need to stay ahead of the game! HERE A...

Season 6 is here!!!!   Check out this short episode to learn a little bit about what you can expect on the pod this season and also for a refresher on some great episodes from last season!  I also include a quick update on what I have been up to the last few months. HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website!   Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG)   LinkedIn Be a "Tax C...

In this episode, we’re breaking down all the tax essentials for social media influencers, content creators, and anyone monetizing their online presence. From referral codes and affiliate links to brand collaborations and sponsored trips, we cover what counts as income and what you need to report. We’ll also talk about the tricky area of receiving gifts and how to handle barter transactions—yes, th...

My Christmas gift to you this year is an episode full of tax tidbits that you can share at your holiday party - check out this episode for my rundown of the tax issues that made the news for me in 2024: 10. The Taxpayer's Ombudsman Report 9.  Auditor General's Report - the CEBA Program 8.  CRA New Audit Powers 7.  Digital Services Tax 6.  Where do we stand on Alternative Minimum Tax? 5.  The GST/H...

In this episode, I chat with special guest, Corey DeJean, owner of CJDJ Accounting Services and current Chair of the Association of Tax and Accounting Professionals ("ATAP").  Corey and I get to hang out in January every year at the ATAP Refresh Conference in Toronto - we have had so many great conversations about collaboration, sharing resources and the importance of educating our clients about t...

Are you behind in your tax filings?  I mean REALLY behind... like more than the last year or two? Did you make a mistake in a previous filing?  Canada Revenue Agency's Voluntary Disclosure Program might just be for you!  I have had a couple calls this past week about the "VDP" program, and I thought this might be a great time to dispel some myths. In this episode: 1. I discuss what the program is,...