Worldwide: Tax Authorities

The creator economy has fundamentally changed how Canadians earn income. YouTubers, Instagram influencers, TikTok personalities, Twitch streamers, podcasters, affiliate marketers, bloggers, online educators, subscription-based performers, and other digital entrepreneurs now generate substantial revenues through online platforms.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a major transparency initiative on April 23, 2026, that could lead to expanded reporting requirements for tax-exempt organizations.

Now that we are halfway through 2026, we want to provide a summary of the proposed and enacted wealth taxes emerging in states and localities. Our mid-year update surveys six recent developments...

Crypto losses are not all deductible in the same way. In Canada, the core question is not simply whether a taxpayer lost money on Bitcoin, Ether, Tao or another token.

The IRS has adjusted standard mileage rates for 2026 mid-year due to rising fuel costs, creating two distinct rate periods that employers must navigate. Business mileage rates will increase from 72.5 to 76 cents per mile on July 1, while medical and moving rates jump from 20.5 to 23.5 cents per mile. Employers face compliance challenges in tracking these changes, particularly in states like California with mandatory expense reimbursement requirements.

Liberty Global's $2.4 billion tax deduction case has sparked significant industry concern, with major business groups filing amicus briefs challenging the 10th Circuit's interpretation of the economic substance doctrine. The competing legal standards and potential strict-liability penalties have created uncertainty for taxpayers structuring complex transactions under Code-compliant provisions.

The 2018 General Program and Limited Program have been replaced by general-relief and partial-relief tiers effective October 1, 2025. The original analysis of the 2018 changes is preserved below for historical context and is followed by a full account of the current rules.

Casual or recreational poker winnings remain non-taxable in Canada as windfalls. However, if you treat poker as a full-time or primary livelihood—with sustained profits, systematic organization, and financial dependence—the CRA will likely tax your net winnings as business income.

The IRS has introduced a new administrative pathway for taxpayers facing imminent deadlines on denied Employee Retention Credit claims, allowing them to request extensions without immediately filing costly lawsuits. This development addresses the overwhelming backlog at the Independent Office of Appeals and provides relief for taxpayers caught between abandoning legitimate claims or incurring litigation expenses. Understanding eligibility requirements and submission procedures through Form 907 is essential