What's the dumbest tax mistake you've made?
By the end of this week, Canada breathes a collective sigh of relief.
Because, when the Apr. 30 tax deadline comes and goes, it’s like a great burden off our shoulders. Akin to Roy Halladay looking at the Phillies’ schedule last month and seeing he’d face the Nationals, Astros, Marlins and Braves to start the season.
Though, if you’re one of the millions of Canadians who haven’t yet filed their taxes, there’s a chance your hasty filing will lead to a boner of a mistake. The purpose of this post, then, is to act as a cleansing forum for us all …
We ask: what is the dumbest tax mistake you’ve ever made?
According to numerous sources, such as the Globe and indie websites like FinancialHighway.com, the critical errors Canadians can make on their tax filings are plentiful.
And they’re not just generic, big picture screw-ups like “I missed the filing deadline” or “I hired Rahim Jaffer to run my books” that cause the largest tax mistakes.
Usually, it’s something stupid that dooms our filings. In fact, of FinancialHighway’s Top 10 Common Tax Filing Mistakes, at least four gaffes are the tax equivalent to spelling your name wrong on the SATs:
-Wrong Social Security Number (Update: Author is an idiot, meant Social Insurance Number - JB.)
-Wrong ID numbers
-Incorrect address
-You forget to sign your return
Those sound familiar? If so, odds are you’ve made a dumb tax mistake or two.
Then tell us, Canada. What’s your dumbest tax mistake ever?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: Billy | Apr 27, 2021 12:54:54 AM
Jason must be American...we don't have Social Security Numbers in Canada!
If you want to write for Canadians then get it right. Social Insurance Numbers!
SATs???
Please people!
Posted by: Rob P | Apr 27, 2021 8:22:49 AM
You got the idea though right? I think most of us know that SIN AND SSN are equivalents. Same with RRSP - 401K.
Fair comment nonetheless.
Posted by: Mr T | Apr 27, 2021 9:41:11 AM
Ironically, I believe he's Canadian according to his bio.... Jason Buckland
The modern-day MC Hammer of money, Jason can often be seen spending cash that isn’t his with the efficiency of a Wilt Chamberlain first date. After cutting his teeth as a reporter for the Toronto Sun, he joined the MSN Money team with the financial pedigree of Warren Buffett – that is, if by “vast corporate wealth” you mean “familiarity with the overdraft charge” and by “investment legend” you mean “pyramid scheme target.” He moved to Toronto from his hometown of London, Ont., in 2004.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 27, 2021 10:34:42 AM
Oh geez guys...quit sweating the small stuff. The USA and Canada are almost one country...which I for one, love. We have different terminology, but it all means the same thing. So, for you "picky" Canadians, get over yourselves! Now, to the question. Yes, I've done the wrong address.
S**t happens! Cheers everyone!
Posted by: Laura | Apr 27, 2021 10:38:55 AM
I forgot to claim my $17,500 in medical expenses. Twice!
Posted by: VickyDicky | Apr 27, 2021 11:13:15 AM
Shame on you Jason B u c k l a n d. Shame on you.
Posted by: jack | Apr 27, 2021 11:31:40 AM
I have never file in 27 years
Posted by: Kato Chen | Apr 27, 2021 2:40:26 PM
well I don't worry to much about my taxes my accountant is pretty good with it.
But thats cuz I forex trade from home
www.metrotrade.ca
Check it out guys
Posted by: Mike | Apr 28, 2021 11:15:50 AM
My biggest mistake is PAYING my taxes! Governments at all levels are inept and wasteful. If we all took our tax money and spent it directly ourselves we would have the greatest economy in the world.
Posted by: Billy | Apr 29, 2021 12:47:01 AM
I'm glad to see the following update:
(Update: Author is an idiot, meant Social Insurance Number - JB.)
As for you Lisa...we are NOT "almost one country". Shame on you! We are two separate countries of course. It is unfortunate that some people think of us as "one and the same". If we were then we'd not be welcomed in other countries like we are.
Canada is distinct and we should be proud of that!
My comment was not meant to be anti-American but pro-Canadian! We deserve to be respected.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 29, 2021 9:46:25 AM
"Billy" we ARE respected. O.k?
I am PROUD to be from both Canada and the USA. I am PROUD that the USA is my big brother. I am not jealous of them...I am PROUD of their accomplishments and ours...as in MY mind...we have been family forever...and forever will be!! Long live the American dream...which is also the Canadian dream!
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 29, 2021 10:06:07 AM
By the way "billy"...if your dream is any different than mine...let me know. I try my best to live the typical American/Canadian dream. I work hard, live to get a decent paycheck for that hard work, then I feel, like you, hopefully, I have the right to spend my hard earned money the way I choose. (That is less in Canada than the states because of our high taxation.) I try to be proactive and live healthy, so that I can enjoy my life. THIS is the American dream...and also the Canadian dream.
What I really don't like about Canada in today's day...we seem to be splitting as a nation between the "pro-Canadians" who are actually "anti-American" and the Canadians, like myself, who look at the USA as family. The sad part about the "anti-Americans"...they are only making themselves look like the school bully.
Can't we be a proud Nation without being anti-another nation??
Posted by: George | Apr 29, 2021 3:42:19 PM
We are ALL Americans - North Americans. Remember, you can pick your friends but not your family so that would make us all family.
Posted by: Billy | Apr 29, 2021 10:59:41 PM
"lisa" was the all small caps for a reason?
I am not proud of all the American accomplishments...I was most proud when our former Prime Minister Jean Cretien said, "NO" to the US on war in IRAQ. I don't particularily agree with all that Jean Cretien did as our PM but when he said, "NO" it was a statement...we won't go along just because...
We hear political commentators and such from the US saying that Canada is insignificant. Why is this? No very good "family"!
As for being a bully...what a laugh! Why are Canadians more accepted in the world than Americans? Think about that one.
The Olympics that we just had was refreshing...when Canada won, there was national pride. That is something to talk about.
BTW lisa, what do you think of the Commonwealth? I bet you don't like them much...
I am not Anti-American, I just expect the US to respect us and and know that we are a great citizen in this world...unfortunately, they do not.
Nice try George. Yes, we are all North Americans and that includes Mexicans...look at Arizona...we're not family. We're NEIGHBOURS.
Neighbours and Family are two different things.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 30, 2021 8:59:23 AM
Well, somehow I knew you were liberal Billy.
About the "small caps" thing...I"m lost, quite honestly. As far as getting George into this little mess, I"m very thankful to George for a point well made! (Actually George's point was very true because I have family in the states. He truly read my blog, it appears you didn't.)
I don't know how old you are Billy, but I"m in my 40's...and I WAS raised that the USA IS FAMILY.
What's wrong with that?? and...I know many people, my age and older who agree with me. So, you are either very young or very anti-American. I'm not sure which. Maybe both.
As far as the olympics go...you weren't listening to enough American TV...were you?? Oprah made a point of praising Canada...and I"m sure she wasn't the only one. (I know that for fact actually.)
I was also impressed, that for once, Canadians sounded almost as patriotic as the states. So we agree there. Yeah! lol (Although I'll say I preferred the American outfits, in the closing ceremonies to the Canadian outfits.They looked classy, which every country should have done.)
Now to travelling...from PERSONAL experience, every time I go to the states, I get a huge welcoming reception. (That being said, I don't travel the cities very often...but the Canadian cities are also very unfriendly.) As for my experience travelling to other countries, which I have done, my accent was always mistaken for an American accent. I always smile and say "don't worry"...I"m also proud to be American. Now, when this happens, my gracious host is always thankful I am NOT making a big deal out of the fact that she/he got my accent wrong. That is a small example, but truly, my experience is, most love the Americans, and should!
As for Chretien...good god...I couldn't stand that guy. So.. hopefully it's obvious that...I disagree with your comment there also! (This is getting repetitive now.)
Basically, Billy, I am proud to be American/Canadian...and you are proud to be anti-American. lol
We are definitely NOT on the "same team"...which just emphasizes what I said earlier in the blog.
It's really too bad. At least in the USA, when you come into that country you are supposed to "adopt" the American ways...which is a good thing. You see this "good thing" too...in all the American flags, on many homes, no matter what state you drive through. Now, my friend, THAT is pride.
Posted by: Janice | Apr 30, 2021 9:38:26 AM
Well, I for "one" will state the obvious.. "no two people will agree on these statements".
I believe as Canadians we should "love our neighbour as ourselves". That my friends and neighbours comes from the "Good Book" which as individuals and the people of this earth, we should "all" be doing. If we don't follow the rules there are consequences to pay.
The problem with the governments in "all" countries is that the "Good Book" has been thrown out the window. It has been "thrown out" of schools, societies, and most churches.. and this was "foretold".
We are not required to "like" anyone... but we are required to "love" them. Before you start sending me "hate" mail... please think about it... there is a difference.
This comment page started out as a "have you made mistakes on your taxes" and whether you have or not is not the issue.. the issue is " pay to government what is owed to government" but in the end we should remember to "pay to God, what is His".
So, there is my comment.. and I realize that since I put the G word in my comment most people will just laugh it off or come back with comments about "what has God done for me" and that is fine..if it is truly how you feel. However, your life is counting down each day... so ask yourself ... from your heart... is this really all there is... or should I start to worry about what is to come...
we are told... but if you don't believe then you may be very sorry. Frankly, I think I would rather live my life believing that "God is real" , than to not believe and find out that I am wrong.
So people, citizens and government.. now is the time to open your eyes and find out what is truly important.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 30, 2021 10:42:12 AM
Great statements Janice! I agree with you wholeheartedly. I also believe God should be the centre.
Please don't get discouraged when people start bashing you.
That being said, a friend of mine just reminded me that I am coming to a very anti-American blog, and supporting it, which is my stupidity. So...to close off, for myself, I will say "thanks" to all who DID support me in our discussions. I am always thankful for a united, happy front.
To all others...I will reiterate again...STUDY things before you make snap judgements.
Cheers to all!
Posted by: glenn | Apr 30, 2021 1:18:40 PM
interesting how these comments went from filing your income tax mistakes to American ignorance of Canada to God !???? The biggest mistake is not to file your taxes, showing your stupidity and not believing in anything !
Posted by: Billy | May 3, 2021 1:59:37 AM
Wow...so Lisa you assume that because I'm PRO-CANADIAN I must be "Liberal"...interesting...something American's are against. Just because I was proud of one moment that Jean Cretin did does not make me a "Liberal".
Actually, calling someone a "Liberal" is an American thing so we now know where you stand Lisa. So do you think you know where I stand politically? Really? Give it a shot...it might surprise you.
Janice added her quote about God so I'll add the following..."do unto others as you would have them do unto you"...so now we've brought GOD into this...
And NO, there is no requirement to judge anyone but nothing saying we need to love them.
So here we go, Lisa has strong American Connections...she assumes anyone that loves Canada must be a juvenile. Interesting.
My bet is that Lisa (from her age and comments) is newly single or thinking about divorce being in an unhappy marriage. Tell you what Lisa, go for it!
As for going to other countries, I dare you to say you're American...bet there is a difference!
Did anyone really support you Lisa? Not really...you just made the assumption...LOL!
Honestly, this was about the asking news being posed to Canadians to be CANADIAN...if that offended the Pro-American (we ARE the world people) then too bad!
I knew this would start something with the Internet world out there...it's funny. Your turn Lisa:-)