Update: May 1, 2020

CRA has issued a Technical Interpretation stating that a maximum $500 reimbursement for an employee buying computer equipment to work from home because of COVID-19 will not be a taxable benefit. (Think about the $500 tax-free rule for employee gifts and awards.) The official wording is this: “In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, CRA is willing to accept a reimbursement of an amount not exceeding $500 for the purchase of personal computer equipment to be principally for the benefit of the employer.”

Thanks for the share, Blair Corkum!

 

April 23, 2020

The Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) has been putting out excellent information. They have compiled a Q&A that has been made available to members and non-members. Payroll and COVID-19: Questions and Answers from the Payroll Infoline. Last updated March 18, 2020.

They also have a helpful Termination Checklist that is free for anyone to access.