It is not uncommon to find out that your client is facing financial troubles – particularly during the time of a global pandemic.

In fact, many independent professionals and tax specialists including personal tax accountants, tax preparers, bookkeepers, financial advisors, lawyers, and estate planners are amongst the first to learn that their client is facing financial turmoil.

It can be a challenging situation when you are preparing a client’s books and your client reveals that they have a huge debt and no means to pay it off.

Or, when your client is being audited and you know that the outcome will not be favourable.

Where the CRA collections team is involved, the situation can get trickier. The CRA is relentless and when your client tries to manage their problem on their own – it can make matters worse.

For instance, the CRA will look for financial disclosure that may lead your client to disclose where they work as well as their bank and asset details. Perhaps the CRA accepts a temporary arrangement – but the moment it is up, they can move forward with wage garnishments, freezing of bank accounts, and liens on the property.

Today, an average Canadian owes $1.58 per dollar of disposable income.

This debt is likely to increase when mortgage deferrals end, the government’s relief measures are withdrawn, and the CRA’s collection action resumes.

This is the calm before a massive storm – would you agree?

This is why it is great to have a partner in your corner who can independently represent your client and work with them to resolve their financial challenges.

By providing your clients access to debt consolidation programs and opportunities for debt reduction, you are not only helping them navigate their financial challenges but are also strengthening your long-term relationships.

This same level of service may not be received if you send your client to a trustee, this is because they offer insolvency as their service and your client will be counselled on that basis.

Similarly, if you send your client to a bad credit lender who only offers high-interest products or a mortgage broker who only arranges mortgages, your client will only receive advice in those specific areas.

At DebtCare, we provide access to many financial options and debt consolidation programs. We take on a consultatory role where the client pays for our consultation and after working with their financial profile, we guide them down the best path.

This includes aligning all professionals that will be needed. Whether it is securing financing from a lender or working with a trustee to facilitate a consumer proposal, we can help.

To learn more about our services for Canadian tax consultants, call or text us on 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.