The Tax Chick Podcast

What happens when the tax system doesn’t work the way it should?  Who advocates for taxpayers when service breaks down?

In this special two-part episode, I sit down with François Boileau, the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson for Canada, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about fairness, service delays, vulnerable populations, and the future of tax administration in Canada.

Described by Mr. Boileau as one of the federal government’s “best-kept secrets,” the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson plays a critical role in reviewing unresolved service complaints involving the Canada Revenue Agency.  But its mandate goes far beyond complaints alone.

Mr. Boileau explains how his office operates independently from the CRA, when and how taxpayers should bring forward complaints, and why fairness, equity, and access to benefits are at the heart of his work. The conversation also explores systemic issues within Canada’s tax system, including long processing delays, call-centre challenges, and barriers faced by vulnerable and non-filing populations.

In Part I of this episode we cover:
- [4:45] The Role of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson
- [10:00] Mr. Boileau's career history and what drew him to this role
- [14:00] The two roles of CRA
- [19:45] A discussion of the 3 step complaints process

This episode is an essential listen for taxpayers, tax professionals, and anyone interested in how public institutions can (and should) serve Canadians better.

RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:

• Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson
• Reports and Publications of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson
• Taxpayer Bill of Rights
• RC193 Service Feedback
• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST:

• Meet the Ombudsperson!

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

Fall 2025 has been a busy season for tax developments!

In the FINAL EPISODE of Season 6 of The Tax Chick Podcast, I share my thoughts on:
- The latest Auditor General's Report on CRA call times and accuracy
- The new CRA - Voluntary Disclosure Program
- The 2025 federal budget

While the podcast will be taking a short break, The Tax Chick Podcast will return with brand new episodes in 2026!

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

In this episode, I am joined by Financial Planner, Aravind, for a deep dive into one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions for incorporated business owners: Should I pay myself a salary or a dividend?

We unpack the myths, explore the tax mechanics, and walk through real-life planning considerations that go far beyond the coffee shop advice of “dividends are better.”  Spoiler alert: the answer is almost always “it depends"!  

Our conversation included:

• The concept of tax integration and why it matters
• Why CPP is not the villain it is sometimes made out to be
• How your business lifecycle affects compensation strategy
• What notional accounts are and why you should care
• The impact of salary on disability insurance, mortgage applications, and more
• Why dividends can be a powerful tool especially when cleaning up corporate tax accounts
• The importance of annual planning with your accountant and financial planner

CONNECT WITH MY GUEST:

• Twitter: @aravindsitham
• Linkedin: Aravind Sithamparapillai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sithamparapillai/
• Instagram: @Aravind_sithamparapillai

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

In this episode of The Tax Chick Podcast, I am joined by my friend and fellow professional, Michelle D. Coleman, to dig into a topic that every executor needs to understand: the tax implications that arise after someone passes away.

Michelle shares her expertise on the common questions and pitfalls that executors face when navigating taxes on death. Together, we walk through the fundamentals of estate administration, tax filings, and why early planning and communication are so important.

We cover:

• The different tax returns that may need to be filed (terminal T1 return, estate T3 return, and more).
• How the deemed disposition of assets works in Canada — and what it means for executors.
• Why personal property (antiques, jewelry, collections, etc.) can create unexpected tax issues.
• The importance of holdbacks, communication with beneficiaries, and managing expectations.
• Special considerations for non-resident beneficiaries and why CRA clearances matter.
• The often-overlooked rules around executor compensation and tax reporting.
• Building a collaborative team of advisors (lawyer, accountant, investment professional) to help executors succeed.

If you have ever wondered what happens from a tax perspective after someone dies, or if you have been named an executor and feel unsure where to begin, this episode will give you a clear roadmap of what to expect and why it is so important to get the right advice early on.

MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST:

• Michelle Coleman  

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

If you have been listening to my podcast for a while, you will know how much I value my involvement with STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners). It is not just about the TEP designation.  What I love most are the connections, the learning, and the high-quality professional development that STEP provides. Honestly, it is some of the best CPD I get all year!

So, I am taking a quick detour from regular podcast programming to share with you the exciting lineup of events we have planned for our STEP Saskatchewan Branch!

Attendance at STEP events is open to non-members and members.  We are excited to launch the 2025-2026 Season for STEP Saskatchewan, and in this episode, I walk you through what is coming up this year!  All sessions are available in person or on demand - and the topics for this season have broad applicability outside of just Saskatchewan practitioners.  Here is the scoop:

• September 15, 2025 - We are kicking off the season with a BIG celebration (STEP Saskatchewan is the first Chapter in Canada to achieve full branch status!)
• October 8, 2025 – Tax Update:  Top Estate and Trust Issues (with special guest, Kenneth Keung, CPA, CA, CPA (CO, USA), CFP, MTAX, LLB, TEP, Vancouver: Doane Grant Thornton LLP)
• November 5, 2025 – Death of a Property Owner - Planning with Interests in Real Estate (with special guests, Tannis Dawson CPA, CA, CFP, RRC, FEA, TEP, Winnipeg: TD Wealth and Krista Evanisky, JD, TEP, Saskatoon: Clarity Law)
• April 8, 2026 – A Practitioner's Guide to the Trust Life Cycle: Tax and Best Practices (with special guest, Troy McEachren, BCL, LLB, TEP, Montreal: Miller Thomson LLP)
• May 6, 2026 – US Cross Border Properties and Estates (with special guest, Mariska Loeppky, CPA, CA, CFP, TEP, Winnipeg: IG Private Wealth Management)

RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:

• www.step.ca
• STEP Saskatchewan Registration
• Our fabulous speakers:
  • Kenneth Keung
  • Tannis Dawson
  • Krista Evanisky
  • Troy McEachern
  • Mariska Loeppky     

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

This mini-episode is inspired by one of the most common questions I get from clients and advisors alike: “What is estate planning?” We hear about it all the time, but what does it actually mean?

Spoiler alert: it’s more than just writing your Will!

I break down:
- The core documents that make up an estate plan
- The "investigation" stage
- Understanding the "little" tax and the "big" tax
- Death folders

Estate planning is about more than documents.  It is about communication, preparation, and making life easier for the people you leave behind. It is a team effort, and it is never too early to start!

For more information on this topic, check out Season 2, Episode 10 of the Podcast, "Estate Planning 101 with Christine van Cauwenberghe".

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

Welcome to a very special celebration episode of The Tax Chick Podcast!

This week marks five whole years since I hit “publish” on my very first podcast episode. That means the podcast is officially in kindergarten!!!! 

In this milestone episode, I hit pause on tax talk and reflect on the journey of building the podcast from a simple blog during the early pandemic days, to a globally downloaded show with over 80 episodes and listeners in 75+ countries.

In this episode, I chat about:

• How it all started: from blog posts to podcasting, and the fears I had to overcome
• What’s changed over the last 5 years (both for the show and for me as a person and professional!)
• Behind-the-scenes podcast realities
• How the podcast unexpectedly reshaped my tax law practice and built a community
• What’s next???  Solo episodes, tax-adjacent topics, and putting into the universe some wishes for potential new guests...

Whether you are a longtime listener or just joining The Tax Chick Podcast community, thank you for being part of the journey. This episode is for you.

🎶 Special thanks to DJ CWC (aka my husband Craig) for five years of original podcast music!  

In this special (and slightly chaotic) summer edition of The Tax Chick Podcast, I am joined by summer students Frank, Blake and Tone, and articling student, Nick, for a candid and fun game of tax trivia!

From weird historical levies to modern-day deductions, it’s law school meets game show in the most entertaining way possible! 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUESTS?

• Nick Kane:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kane/
• Blake Barnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-barnes-usask/
• Frank Chou:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-chou888/
• Tone Hagen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tone-margareta-hagen-8135b11a5/

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

As a tax lawyer, I spend a large portion of my day discussing difficult topics with clients - including discussions of death and dying.  Often, I am one of the first phone calls after the death of a loved one.  

In this episode, we delve into a deeply personal topic: the emotional impact of losing a long-time client.  My special guest, Dr. Brian Chartier, shares valuable insights and strategies for:

• Letting go of the idea that there is a "right way" to respond in the situation, or that there is the "right thing" to say.
• Navigating your own personal grief
• Supporting grieving family members by helping to provide structure, and engaging in curious conversations
• Maintaining emotional health in our professional lives

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

So you finished your estate planning... but do you have a Power of Attorney?
Check out this mini-episode for details on:
- What is a power of attorney? (2:13)
- When should you consider having more than one power of attorney? (4:00)
- How do you choose who to appoint as your power of attorney? (6:05)
- What are some tips/traps to consider? (7:18)

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

• My website! 
• Email: [email protected]
• @tax.chick (IG) 
• LinkedIn
• Be a "Tax Chick VIP"