Tax changes: trick or treat?

As an accounting and tax practitioner for over 30 years, I am appalled by the federal government’s actions regarding the tax proposals put forth last July.

First, the public was given 75 days to provide comments. Since it takes time to review, understand and digest any tax changes to evaluate the effects on clients, is 75 days sufficient — especially given that many of us are on vacation mode at that time?

Second, as the commentary period heated up toward the 75-day deadline, it was clear the government realized that various aspects of the proposals were unfair, vague, almost impossible to implement and track, and may not even achieve any sense of the intended tax fairness.

Third, based on these misguided and misunderstood proposals, small businesses are currently handcuffed, not knowing which way to turn to make decisions regarding their business or their families.

Fourth, after the commentary period ended, our government announced it would make changes, but would take its time in providing details.

What? Is the finance minister proposing to hand out information a bit at a time, like candy at Halloween?

Once upon a time, when I went out for Halloween, I remember a heavy dose of those Halloween treats making me sick.

Sheldon Miller, CPA, CA, Montreal