Welcoming Autumn + Updates You Should Know 🍁

Dear Clients and Friends, As we move into autumn, I hope the memories of summer’s warm, sunlit days—and the laughter shared with family and friends—stay with you. It’s a season for gratitude, quiet reflections, and steady progress. I’m grateful to have you with me on this journey. Here are a few important updates, insights, and reminders for the months ahead:

1. CRA Representative Access: What’s Changed

There’s a helpful update from the CRA about how tax preparers (me, for example) now gain access to individual clients’ accounts:

• Since July 15, 2025, the “Authorize a Representative” option in EFILE is no longer usable for individuals. Instead, representatives must request access via the “Represent a Client” portal.
• The CRA has enhanced the Alternative Authorization Request—if you have a Notice of Assessment that is at least six months old, I can now get instant access to your account using that info.
• Business clients (corporations) aren’t affected by this change in how representative access is obtained through EFILE.
• If you’d like help checking or setting up your authorization via “Represent a Client,” just let me know—I can walk you through it.

2. Conferences, Learning & Staying Ahead

In late June, I attended a bookkeeping conference in Calgary. It was energizing to hear from peers and specialists on improving process efficiency, accuracy, and client service. Looking ahead, I’ll be attending a two day tax seminar in November to stay current with legislative and regulatory changes, so I can bring that value directly to you.

3. Feedback from a Client + Invitation for Better Tools

Recently, one client expressed dissatisfaction: he felt communication on process and pricing was unclear, and he hadn’t received a year-end checklist. I appreciated the honesty—it’s feedback that helps me improve.

If you’d like a custom year-end checklist designed for your business’s needs, tell me—I’ll put one together for you.

On pricing: I aim to maintain fair and stable fees, but costs are rising globally—software, tools, wages, etc. To prevent surprises, let’s discuss cost expectations after you submit your documents, so you know exactly what to expect.

4. Webinar You Might Enjoy

Last month I attended a Russian language webinar hosted by a tax lawyer from AdvoTaxLaw. It covered valuable insights relevant to many clients. I’m sharing the link here for anyone curious to watch:
Watch Webinar

You may be able to enable English subtitles in YouTube settings if you prefer. I believe you’ll find it enriching.

5. New Email System — Please Stay Subscribed

We’re switching to a new email platform (Mailchimp) to streamline communications. If you unsubscribe, you might miss crucial updates—like reminders of tax deadlines or regulatory changes. To stay in the loop, I encourage you to remain subscribed.

6. Call Hours & Email Support

Just a note: we accept phone calls until 3:00 pm local time. However, even after that, we continue working—analyzing, reviewing, preparing reports and meetings. If you need assistance outside call hours, email is best, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.

7. Ontario Minimum Wage Increase (Effective October 1, 2025)

Another important change: Ontario’s minimum wage rates will increase on October 1, 2025, tied to inflation (CPI). (news.ontario.ca, hicksmorley.com)
Here are the new rates:

• General minimum wage: $17.60 / hour
• Student minimum wage: $16.60 / hour
• Homeworkers: $19.35 / hour
• Hunting, fishing & wilderness guides:
• $88.05 rate if working fewer than 5 consecutive hours
• $176.15 if working five or more hours (consecutive or not)

If you have employees under any of these classifications, let’s review your payroll now to ensure compliance come October.

8. Document Pickup & Office Schedule

If you dropped off documents at the office earlier, please arrange a pickup soon. You’re responsible for retaining your records, and we now work remotely often—so please email ahead so someone is present when you arrive.

Office Closure: October 13 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. My goal is always to make this journey smoother, clearer, and more supportive for you.

Warmest wishes,
Elena and Piligrim Team