The Tax Chick Podcast

Hosted by Amanda Doucette

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Aug 2026

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Tax is complex, but it does not always have to be so complicated and shrouded in mystery. Host Amanda Doucette is a self-proclaimed foodie, spin class and Pilates enthusiast, and a tax lawyer. She fell into the practice of tax law despite having a life-long hatred of spreadsheets, math and numbers in general. Join Amanda and her guests as they unpack some serious Canadian tax topics and attempt to demystify the world of tax.

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September 5, 2026Episode 923 min

The UK Connection: Inheritance Tax, Estate Planning and Cross Border Surprises

What happens when your family, assets, or beneficiaries are spread between Canada and the United Kingdom? In this episode, I sit down with UK private client lawyer (and my STEP friend ;) Claire Weeks to unpack the estate planning and tax issues that arise when estates cross borders. We compare the Canadian and UK approaches to succession law, estate administration, and taxation at death, and explore some of the most common scenarios faced by families with connections to both countries. We discuss the UK's inheritance tax regime, the recent shift from domicile-based taxation to the new long-term residency rules, and why gifts, trusts, and careful planning can have a significant impact on the ultimate tax bill. Whether you are a Canadian with children living in the UK, a UK resident holding Canadian assets, or a professional advising cross-border families, this episode offers a practical introduction to the issues you need to consider. MORE ABOUT MY GUEST TODAY: Maurice Turnor Gardner Website Claire - LinkedIn HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

August 15, 2026Episode 89 min

Should You Incorporate? The Tax Chick's Practical Guide

Thinking about incorporating your business? You are not alone. It is one of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners. In this episode, I break down the key differences between operating as a sole proprietor and running your business through a corporation. I discuss the tax concept of integration, when incorporation can create tax deferral opportunities, and some of the practical considerations that often get overlooked, including bookkeeping, banking, legal documentation, professional advisors, and the ongoing costs of maintaining a corporate structure. Whether you're just starting a business or wondering if you have reached the point where incorporation makes sense, this episode will help you understand the questions you should be asking before taking the leap! RELATED EPISODES: Season 2, Episode 7, "Should I incorporate? A candid conversation with business owner, Erin Romeo, about her journey to incorporation" Season 2, Episode 8, "Incorporation 101 - tackling some of the myths surrounding incorporation, with special guest Phil Guenther" Season 4, Episode 5, "Copyrights and Trademarks - a "tax adjacent" episode with special guest, Luanne Schlosser of Lunova Law" HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

July 25, 2026Episode 717 min

Tax Trivia Returns: Can Anyone Stump the Tax Chick?

I am joined by firm colleagues and future tax stars Nick Kane, Helia Soleimani, Frank Chou, and Savaria Sargsyan for a friendly battle of tax knowledge (and occasionally wild guesses). Together, we tackle trivia questions covering everything from bagel taxes and British candle taxes to cereal-box toys, beaver pelts, and tax-free jurisdictions. Along the way, listeners will also learn what everyone wanted to be when they were 10 years old... and discover that not one of us planned on becoming a lawyer! Want more tax trivia? Check out last year's episode with Nick, Frank and Blake (Season 6, episode 10). HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

June 14, 2026Episode 616 min

No Voice, Big Week: STEP, Self-Care & Cross-Border Everything

After a short break to rest and recover, I am back! This episode is a quick catch-up on where I have been, what I have been working on, and what’s coming next on the podcast. In early June, I was in Toronto for the STEP National Conference and Board Meetings... hands down one of the professional highlights of my year. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the conference, share why STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) has had such a profound impact on my career, and explain why the TEP designation matters (especially for clients with complex estate and cross-border considerations). We also get into: How my practice has evolved toward complex, international estate planning Emerging issues in estates and trusts (think: electronic wills, cross-border families, surrogacy, and fraud risks) Highlights from the STEP conference (key sessions, incredible speakers, and the power of professional community) Mentorship, connection, and why building networks in this profession really matters On the personal side, I share a bit about choosing rest over burnout, celebrating a major milestone with my articling student becoming a lawyer, and what’s ahead this summer (including travel and upcoming podcast episodes). RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE: STEP Canada HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

April 28, 2026Episode 546 min

The Human Side of Tax: Navigating Pressure, Priorities & Practice with John Oakey

In this episode, I sit down with tax educator and industry leader John Oakey for a refreshingly non-technical conversation about life inside the tax profession. While John is well known for his deep technical expertise, this episode goes in a different direction. We explore the real-world challenges tax practitioners face every day: competing demands, client expectations, time pressure, and the constant balancing act between doing great work and staying sane. This episode covers: Why even the most seasoned tax professionals struggle with the non-technical side of the job... and how imposter syndrome lives within us Navigating uncertainty in tax while clients expect clear, confident answers, and the invisible weight of responsibility that comes with advising clients on high-stakes decisions How experience changes your perspective on workload, boundaries, and what really matters. There are so many different avenues and ways to practice tax. John gives some advice for listeners on how to find out what will bring you the most joy! Looking to get more involved in the tax community? John and I also share our favourite ways to give back to the community as tax practitioners. RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE: CTF Young Practitioners Groups CPA Canada Joint Committee CPA and CBA STEP Canada MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST: John Oakey - LinkedIn The AC Group HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

March 24, 2026Episode 419 min

CRA Audits: What to do (and what not to panic about)!

Being audited by the CRA can feel stressful, especially with audit activity on the rise. In this episode I walk through what a CRA audit actually looks like and what to do if you or your client receives an audit request, including: [2:00] How audits are triggered (including the difference between a full audit and a limited review) [3:00] Limitation periods, and the basics of what to look for in an introduction letter [5:10] what the CRA is entitled to ask for, and how to respond in a way that’s organized and strategic. [6:55] Common concerns about electronic records [11:35] Solicitor‑client privilege [16:05] Deadlines, and how audits typically come to an end. This episode is for business owners, advisors, and anyone who wants to understand the audit process without panic. RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE: Tax Lite CRA Info Bulletin on Audits HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

March 24, 2026Episode 111 min

Season 7: Why We’re Still Talking About Tax

Season 7 of The Tax Chick Podcast is here! I started this podcast back in 2020 to help people understand the Canadian tax system in plain language. Six years later, I’m still here, still doing my own editing and producing, and still showing up because this podcast has a purpose. In this short kickoff episode, I share why I make this podcast, what I discovered about my role in the tax community, and how that is shaping Season 7. This season is focused on practical tax education, real conversations with people working in tax, and continuing to make tax feel more human, accessible, and less overwhelming. Whether you’re an advisor, a business owner, a student, or someone who’s ever thought “I just wish someone would explain this properly,” this podcast is for you. Thanks so much for being here! RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE: Here are some examples of people you should follow on LinkedIn to get up to date tax news: Joseph Devaney Caitlin Butler Hugh Neilson Kenneth Keung Adam Friedlan Ryan Minor John Oakey Alex Klyguine HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

March 24, 2026Episode 330 min

More Than Complaints: A Candid Conversation with the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson (Part II)

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation with François Boileau, Canada’s Taxpayer Ombudsperson. In this episode, we continue our candid discussion about fairness in tax administration, CRA service delays, systemic challenges, and what meaningful change could look like for taxpayers and practitioners alike. Together, we explore the realities facing taxpayers today, the pressures on the Ombudsperson’s office, and why this moment may be ripe for a broader national conversation about Canada’s tax system. In this episode, we discuss: [2:00] CRA standards of service and realistic timelines (what taxpayers can actually expect) [6:40] Complaint statistics and emerging trends seen by the Ombudsperson’s office [11:00] The Taxpayer Bill of Rights: what it is, what it isn’t, and how it’s used in practice [15:35] What keeps the Taxpayer Ombudsman up at night and the biggest challenges ahead [19:00] What gives reason for hope, including whether it’s time for a national discussion on taxation [23:00] Practical takeaways and advice for tax practitioners navigating today’s system This episode is especially valuable for tax professionals, advisors, and anyone interested in how fairness, access, and accountability intersect within Canada’s tax system. RESOURCES DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE: Taxpayer Bill of Rights Learn about Taxes (Resource) - if you are an educator looking for lesson plans, or educational support on the tax system, this website is an excellent resource! MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST: Meet the Ombudsperson! HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME: My website! Email: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

March 24, 2026Episode 229 min

More Than Complaints: A Candid Conversation with the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson (Part I)

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: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"

November 26, 2025Episode 1617 min

Season Finale! Budget breakdown and tax tea

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: thetaxchickpodcast@gmail.com @tax.chick (IG) LinkedIn Be a "Tax Chick VIP"