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Fed Decision Day: Oil Tops $108, Bond Yields Hit a 19-Year High — What It Means for Your Money

  All eyes are on Washington today. The Federal Reserve wraps up its two-day policy meeting this afternoon, and markets are pricing in roughly a 90–93% chance of a 25-basis-point hike — what would be the first rate increase of this cycle, as energy-driven inflation forces central banks around the world to reverse course. It comes after a rough session on both sides of the border: the TSX slipped to a one-week low, Wall Street logged its sixth decline in seven sessions, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield touched 5.04% — its highest level since 2007 — as oil held near four-month highs above $107 a barrel. Here's what moved markets overnight, and what today's decision could mean for your mortgage, your grocery bill, and your portfolio. 🇨🇦 TSX: Second Straight Decline The S&P/TSX Composite closed Tuesday at 35,582.07 , down 120.46 points (-0.34%) — its second straight losing session and lowest close in about a week. Energy was the lone bright spot as crude prices surged,...

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Taxes 2024: Seven Best Tips for Last-Minute Filers as the Tax Deadline Approaches

 


With the April 30 deadline swiftly approaching, time is running out for most Canadians to file their 2023 income tax returns. But fear not, procrastinators! It’s not too late to get started. I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you navigate this last-minute scramble:

  1. Understand the Consequences of Filing Late:

    • For employees, the deadline is April 30, while self-employed individuals have until June 17 (since June 15 falls on a Saturday).
    • Regardless of your employment status, ensure that any outstanding balance is paid by April 30. Failure to do so results in daily compounded interest at an annualized rate of 10%.
    • Late-filing penalties are even steeper for repeat offenders. If you owe money to the government, it’s crucial to act promptly.
  2. Claim All Deductions:

    • Common mistakes arise from “mistakes of omission.” People often forget to claim eligible deductions.
    • Use your previous year’s tax return as a reference to ensure you haven’t missed any potential deductions.
    • If you’re unsure about a specific line number, visit the CRA website for explanations.
  3. Use a Checklist:

    • Anxiety about being late can be overwhelming. Ease your mind by using a checklist.
    • TurboTax Canada provides a 2023 tax checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents.
    • Remember, late returns may delay payments for credits and benefits like the GST/HST credit and the Canada Child Benefit.
  4. Pay Attention to Deadlines:

    • April 30, 2024: The deadline for most Canadians to file their tax return. Pay any outstanding balance by this date to avoid penalties and interest.
    • June 15, 2024: Self-employed individuals have until this date to file. Don’t procrastinate!

Remember, if you’re due for a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late. However, the longer you wait, the longer your refund remains in the government’s hands. So, take that money and put it to good use! 

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