The Canadian Price Waterhouse Personal Tax Advisor 1991

Ashley Thomson is a full librarian at Laurentian University and co-editor or co-author of nine books, most recently Margaret Atwood: A Reference Guide, 1988-2005.

By the time this review is read, this little volume will be of great use
only to those interested in the tax law in effect at press time in July
1990. This is because, as Birch observes, “new tax laws are introduced
virtually every year, and old laws disappear almost as regularly.”

That said, this volume can serve as an introduction to the various
areas of Canadian tax law that can affect individuals. Containing 20
chapters, the book covers popular topics (such as RRSPs and capital
gains), as well as those of a more specialized nature (such as
income-splitting with family members). While the Personal Tax Advisor
offers many “tax tips,” they are often accompanied by the caveat
that “Professional advice is a must.” Unfortunately, the book’s
now-limited usefulness is diminished because it has no index—no doubt
a reflection of the fact that the effort needed to create such a tool
would be too great given the book’s potential shelf life.