CRA Delayed the Tax Deadline: Did You Miss These 2 Tax Deductions?

If you have not yet filed your taxes, consider these tax deductions and invest in Fortis with your savings.

| More on:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people’s lives in every way. There is a massive concern for personal safety and for our loved ones due to the global health crisis. Additionally, measures taken to curb the spread of disease are also resulting in changes to the very way we live our lives.

Social-distancing measures, mounting job losses, and a faltering economy are all pertinent issues that left Canadians little to no time to think about filing their taxes. However, two things in life are certain: death and taxes. No matter how bad the situation becomes, every Canadian has to play their part by paying their dues.

The government typically applies heavy penalties for filing taxes late or not paying them on time. However, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) moved the tax filing and payment deadlines to later dates this year, as a one-time exception courtesy of the pandemic.

CRA update

Individual taxpayers had until June 1, 2020, to file their income tax returns, and the deadline for payment of owed taxes has been extended to September 1, 2020. Corporations also have the same deadline.

Have you missed the deadline? You may yet have time to make amends and work out your income tax filing affairs. An additional update the CRA announced means that no late-filing penalties would be charged for taxpayers as long as they meet the September 1st deadline to file and pay their taxes.

I would strongly urge using this time to work in the following tax deductions before you file ahead of the September 1st deadline.

Childcare expenses

One of the latest problems Canadians face right now is childcare when they are working from home. Childcare services are no longer operational to provide help to parents who desperately need it. With you staying at home with your children and taking care of them, make sure you take the opportunity to claim all childcare costs.

When you had the luxury of hiring childcare service providers in the past, you might have missed several costs. If you have to pay for something related to childcare, you can claim it on your tax deduction for childcare costs.

Digital news tax credit

The CRA also introduced a completely new tax credit for Canadians. The current tax system offers several deductions and credits that cover most expenses that the government feels essential to lower your taxes.

Last year, the government announced the digital news tax credit. It is a 15% non-refundable tax credit on qualifying digital media subscriptions. The tax can be applied to up to $500 worth of subscription fees to digital news sources. While the most it can save you is $75, every penny helps when it comes to getting tax deductions.

Investing for tax-free income

While you are working out your tax deductions to reduce the money you owe the CRA, you should also focus on creating tax-free income. An ideal method to do this is through a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) holding a portfolio of dividend-paying stocks like Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS).

The St. John’s-based power and gas utility company has diversified assets, regulated revenue, and the kind of liquidity that can help it overcome a prolonged economic recession. The essential nature of its services can help Fortis continue earning and support its juicy 3.72% dividend yield.

At writing, the stock is trading for $51.40 per share, and it is up almost 22% from its March 2020 low. While the stock has not been entirely shielded from the market volatility, it continues to display substantial numbers that can ease investors who hold its shares in their portfolios.

The company has no reason to cut down dividends. Its stable cash flow allows Fortis to keep hiking its dividends, when most other companies continue to slash or suspend dividends.

Foolish takeaway

Leveraging the tax deductions can help you make meager savings. Creating a tax-free income source can help you earn passive income that continues to grow with each passing year. If you plan on building such a portfolio in your TFSA, I think Fortis is an ideal long-term bet to get started.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends FORTIS INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!

This REIT may offer monthly dividends, but don't forget about the potential returns in the growth industry its involved with.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn up to $6,000 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

A high return doesn't mean you have to make a high investment -- or a risky one -- especially with…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist and 1 to Avoid

High yields are great and all, but only if returns come with them. And while two of these might, another…

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

A high dividend yield isn't everything. But when it pays out each month and offers this stability, it's worth considering!

Read more »