Here are the key tax, payroll and CRA developments Canadian businesses should have on their radar this week.
⛽ 1. Federal Fuel-Tax Relief Bill Advances
Bill C-38 has passed second reading and was referred to the House of Commons Finance Committee.
If enacted, it would continue the temporary zero federal excise-tax rate on certain fuels through January 31, 2027, followed by reduced rates for February and March.
⚠️ Important: this remains proposed legislation, not enacted law.
Fuel-intensive businesses should continue monitoring the bill when preparing budgets and forecasts.
🔐 2. CRA’s New EFILE Security Step
Beginning with the 2027 filing season, CRA is introducing an additional authentication option for EFILE and NETFILE.
For EFILE, tax preparers will be able to authenticate through their own CRA account, confirming the identity of the person initiating the filing transaction.
For 2026 T1 returns, CRA says the process will initially be optional.
👉 Tax firms should ensure EFILE users have functioning CRA account access and multi-factor authentication well before filing season.
📅 3. September 30 CRA Deadlines
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Where a CRA filing or payment deadline falls on a recognized public holiday, the next business day can generally be considered timely.
This may affect September 30 deadlines such as certain:
✓ T2 corporate returns
✓ GST/HST returns and payments
✓ Corporate instalments
Best practice: don’t wait—file and pay by September 29 where possible.
💵 4. Ontario Minimum Wage Rises October 1
Ontario’s general minimum wage increases:
$17.60 → $17.95/hour
The qualifying student rate increases:
$16.60 → $16.90/hour
Ontario employers should update payroll systems and review employees currently at or close to minimum wage before the first October payroll.
✅ AsraniCPA Client Checklist
☑ Update Ontario payroll rates
☑ Complete upcoming T2/GST-HST filings
☑ Verify CRA payments are processed
☑ Check EFILE users’ CRA account access
☑ Monitor Bill C-38 for Royal Assent
AsraniCPA – Your Trusted Accountant
asranicpa.ca/tax-assistant/
#CanadianTax #CRA #SmallBusiness #Payroll #GSTHST #CorporateTax #OntarioBusiness #AsraniCPA
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