Meet the Farm Girl with a Love of Doing Taxes

When it comes to tax expertise and experience, few professionals bring the depth and dedication that Heather Rhyason offers. With three decades in the field and more than 20,000 tax returns completed, Heather is a seasoned expert at TurboTax Canada with a wealth of tax knowledge—and, just as importantly, a Canadian with a story that reflects the communities she serves.

Heather grew up on a farm in Alberta alongside her four sisters. Life on the farm meant long days, hard work, and a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that continue to shape her approach to every tax season. Now based in Evansburg, Alta., she still feels most at home in rural settings, having spent the majority of her life on farms.

Heather’s entry into taxes began early. In high school, she took an accounting course by correspondence and quickly found a passion for the subject. “I finished the first level in a week,” she recalls, and went on to complete every course available. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong career.

Working with farmers

Now in her sixth year with TurboTax Canada, Heather continues to bring that same energy to her work. “Taxes are not black and white,” she says. “I like exploring the grey areas.” She says tax rules may seem rigid, but she loves uncovering the nuances, whether it’s looking at differences across provinces, for example, or understanding international tax rules to better serve her clients.

Growing up in farming communities also means that Heather is uniquely positioned to understand farming finances. “I have numerous corporate farming clients as well as sole proprietors for whom farming is their chief source of income,” she mentions. “In the past, I have assisted farmers with applying for the various agricultural assistance programs that are in place.”

Drawing on her experience, she knows exactly what questions to ask farmers, allowing her to confidently guide them through the tax-filing process and file GST/HST returns accurately for these businesses.

Heather’s top tax tips

Heather’s best tax advice to Canadians reflects her years of working with hundreds of tax customers. Early in tax season, she emphasizes understanding T4A slips—especially for students, where certain details such as scholarships or bursaries can impact eligibility for credits like the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. 

Later in the season, she often highlights the importance of foreign tax credits, which help taxpayers reduce double taxation on income earned in other countries, including business, investment, and pension income.

Outside of work, Heather is a proud mother to a daughter and shares her land with her husband alongside a lively crew of animals including seven dogs, three cats, and two cockatiels. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her gardening or enjoying Alberta’s lakes and rivers.

Canadians love working with Heather, and the feeling is definitely mutual. “I love the diversity of Canada,” she says. “Travelling from province to province is such a vast experience—and the people are fantastic.”