The Tax Chick Podcast

What happens when your beneficiaries live abroad, your executor resides in another country, or you own assets outside Canada?

In this episode, I explore the increasingly common world of international and non-resident estate planning. From foreign executors and overseas beneficiaries to Section 116 clearance certificates and unexpected tax residency issues, I walk through some of the key traps and planning opportunities that arise when estates cross borders.

If your family, assets, or advisors are located in more than one country, this episode is a great introduction to the issues you should be thinking about now rather...

What happens when your family, assets, or beneficiaries are spread between Canada and the United Kingdom?

In this episode, I sit down with UK private client lawyer (and my STEP friend ;) Claire Weeks to unpack the estate planning and tax issues that arise when estates cross borders. We compare the Canadian and UK approaches to succession law, estate administration, and taxation at death, and explore some of the most common scenarios faced by families with connections to both countries.

We discuss the UK's inheritance tax regime, the recent shift from domicile-based taxation to the new...

Thinking about incorporating your business? You are not alone. It is one of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners.

In this episode, I break down the key differences between operating as a sole proprietor and running your business through a corporation. I discuss the tax concept of integration, when incorporation can create tax deferral opportunities, and some of the practical considerations that often get overlooked, including bookkeeping, banking, legal documentation, professional advisors, and the ongoing costs of maintaining a corporate structure.

Whether you're just starting a business or wondering...

I am joined by firm colleagues and future tax stars Nick Kane, Helia Soleimani, Frank Chou, and Savaria Sargsyan for a friendly battle of tax knowledge (and occasionally wild guesses). Together, we tackle trivia questions covering everything from bagel taxes and British candle taxes to cereal-box toys, beaver pelts, and tax-free jurisdictions.  Along the way, listeners will also learn what everyone wanted to be when they were 10 years old... and discover that not one of us planned on becoming a lawyer!

Want more tax trivia?  Check out last year's episode with Nick, Frank and Blake (Season 6, episode 10).

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 STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) has had such a profound impact on my career, and explain why the TEP desi...

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 constant balancing act between doing great work and staying sane.  

This episode covers: 

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 as one of the federal government’s “best-kept secrets,” the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson plays a critical role in reviewing unresolved service complaints involving the Canada Revenue Agency.  But its mandate goes far beyond co...

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 Ombudsperson’s office, and why this moment may be ripe for a broader national conversation about Canada’s tax system.  

In this episode, we discuss:

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, and how that is shaping Season 7. This season is focused on practical tax education, real conversations with people working in tax, and continuing to ma...

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 an introduction letter
[5:10] what the CRA is entitled to ask for, and how to respond in a way that’s organized and strategic. 
[6:55] Common concerns about electronic reco...

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 ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

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 answer is almost always “it depends"!  

Our conversation included:

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 estate administration, tax filings, and why early planning and communication are so important.

We cover:

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 detour from regular podcast programming to share with you the exciting lineup of events we have planned for our STEP Saskatchewan Branch!

Attendance a...

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 folders

Estate planning is about more than documents.  It is about communication, preparation, and making life easier...

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 show with over 80 episodes and listeners in 75+ countries.

In this episode, I chat about:

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?

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 for:

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:

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:

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 section.

Update (05/07):  The episode did not fully load on some streaming platforms so I have reloaded the audio!   

RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE

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:

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:

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 ON THIS EPISODE:

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 ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

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, those fancy purses and free hotel stays could come with tax implications!

Join me and special guest, Jami Monte as we dive into:

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/HST Holiday
4.  Audits on COVID benefits
3.  Bare trusts...
2.  Capital Gains...
1.  The Fall Economic Statement - stay tuned for December 16th!

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 tax.  It was about time that I got her on the pod!

Corey and I dive deep into the crucial tax information every business owner should know to stay compliant, maximize deductions, an...

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, and when you would choose to apply.
2. Provide some insight into the criteria for a successful application
...

I decided to switch things up a bit for this episode, and invite on 3 people that I have been hanging out with all summer this year - our firm summer students, Blake, Frank and Nick!

Don't worry - the word "tax" does get brought up at some point in this episode :)  But the main purpose of this episode was to share a little bit about what it is like to work in a law firm (Hint: it is not like Suits!) 

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why each of my guests chose to wo...

Check out this episode for information on upcoming conferences where you can find me as a guest speaker, along with some information on the Tax Court of Canada, including the role of "discoveries" in a tax hearing.

RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

Have you heard of the "GAAR"???  GAAR stands for the "general anti-avoidance rule" and it gives the federal government broad powers to prevent transactions they deem to be against the purposes of Canadian tax law.

Why do we care about GAAR?  Well, it should be a factor to consider each and every time that you engage in tax planning, as if it applies, it can "undo" all of the tax benefits of a particular transaction.  The Federal Government also just pushed through amendments to the GAAR rules which broaden the applicability of GAAR, and also impose a pen...

What happens when two tax fanatics who are passionate about tax education get together to talk about draft tax legislation??? Check out this episode to find out!

So excited to have my friend, and fellow tax enthusiast, Henry Shew, on the podcast today to chat about the draft legislation that the Federal Government released on June 10, 2024 relating to the changes to the capital gains rules in Canada.  There are some amazing resources available which "go into the weeds" on the details of the legislation - but Henry and I wanted to go big picture for this episode.  We...

Just got home from a fantastic week in Toronto at the STEP National Conference!  In this mini-episode, I provide an overview of what I learned, give a sneak peek at upcoming episodes, and share my favorite restaurant spots in Toronto.

Oh, and did you hear that the Federal Government plans to release draft legislation on the capital gains inclusion rate changes on Monday, June 10th???... stay tuned!

THINGS I DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:

I want to let you in on a little secret... you do not have to be a billionaire in order to be philanthropic.  There are many ways to give to charity, including gifts of your time!  But in today's episode, I am chatting with my guests about a specific vehicle for charitable giving - the "donor-advised fund" or "DAF".  It is a really neat alternative to setting up a private foundation, and can open up options for families to work together to plan their philanthropy for years to come!  (And yes, there are also some tax benefits!)

In t...

Huge thank you to my listeners as we have now surpassed 30K downloads, and have managed to stay in the top 100 business podcasts on Apple Podcasts over the past 5 - 6 weeks!

In this episode:

Anyone else feel like filing your tax return can be a bit anti-climactic?  In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my tips for what you should do post-tax season including:

- checking your assessment
- making arrangement for payment
- organizing your documents
- getting ready for next year!

RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

The countdown is on... only a few days left to the end of the Canadian personal income tax season!  If you have already filed your return, but not yet received your notice of assessment, have you received a letter from CRA asking for more information?

In the last couple of days, a number of my clients have reached out for help after receiving letters from the "Preassessment Review" section of CRA.  If you receive one of these letters, do not panic!  When your tax return is e-filed, supporting documentation is not included in the tax filing.  As a re...

You asked for it... an episode on the 2024 Federal Budget geared towards non-tax practitioners!  
I fully intended to make this a mini-episode, but there was just SO MUCH to discuss, that I ended up talking for over 30 minutes - I hand-picked a few of the key changes to discuss, but if there are other items you would like me to address in a future episode, please let me know!

In this episode, I cover:

Kicking off SEASON 5 of The Tax Chick Podcast with a special guest episode featuring fellow Saskatoon podcaster and Certified Financial Planner, Evan Neufeld! 

Tax Free Savings Accounts, or "TFSAs" - such a fun acronym!  You likely have this type of investment, and are aware that one of the perks of a TFSA is that the growth accrues tax free... but are you curious to learn a little bit more?  Check out this episode to learn:

- What is a TFSA? (4:00)
- Are there limits to what you can put into a TFSA? (6:13)
- Wha...