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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...
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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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