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We are pleased to provide a variety of resources on accounting, taxation and other related subjects that we hope will be helpful to both individuals and businesses.

Details Your Accountant Needs To File Your Business Tax Return

details Details Your Accountant Needs

Take control of your small business taxes by gathering your information in advance. By being organized, you will help your accountant save you time and money when you file. Follow these points:

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Claim your investment fees on your tax return

deductions

When preparing your taxes, a deduction that is often overlooked is carrying charges and interest expenses. These charges are costs you incur to earn income from an investment, but only expenses for non-registered accounts will qualify.

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Preparing Your Records For the 2022 Tax Season

receipts1

Through proper planning, simplifying the process of filing your tax returns for 2022 is easily done. By taking the time to prepare your records, you can speed up the process of receiving a refund and reduce the cost of services provided by your accountant or tax preparer to meet the tax filing deadline.  

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How to Stay Ahead of the CRA

accounting

Small business owners and the self-employed start every year from groups like the semi-retired, up-and-coming entrepreneurs and those just wanting to follow their dreams. As you start down the road, don’t make the mistake of not staying in line with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Here are some important tips to follow:

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The 2022 tax filing season starts in February

taxes 2022 tax filing season

The 2022 tax filing season starts in February. The filing deadline is May 2nd, as April 30th falls on a Saturday. The deadline is June 15th for self-employed individuals or anyone with a spouse/partner who is self-employed.

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Keep more of your money by Income Splitting

incomesplitting Save your money

Keep more of your money by Income Splitting

Earning more than your spouse can create a situation where moving some of your income can reduce your combined taxes. Consider using these methods

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Seven Things to be aware of when filing your taxes

6-tips Seven Tips to be Aware Of This Tax Season

Use our Tax Information Checklist

To start gathering your income tax details, click here to download our checklist. This will help you organize your information to bring into our office.

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Can I save Money on My Accounting Fees?

fees2

If you would love to say goodbye to high accounting fees, the great news is that saving money in this area is often quite easy for many business owners. The number one rule is ensuring your records are complete and organized.

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The Importance of reporting ALL income from information slips

Many people assume that if they fail to include an information slip with their income tax return, the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") will simply adjust the return to report the income and adjust the income tax accordingly. This is half correct! The other half of the equation is a little-known penalty the CRA imposes for repeated failure to report in...

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An Overview of Canadian Sales Taxes

salestax Canadian Sales Taxes

Our Canadian sales tax system has federal and provincial components. To simplify the differences, review each province’s tax system.

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A Tax Audit - What you Should Know

taxaudit Tax Audit - What you should know

From time to time, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) audits tax returns and claims for rebates to ensure they comply with the country’s taxation laws. The objective is to ensure that taxpayers meet their obligations and receive amounts to which they are legally entitled.

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Changing Compilation Engagement Standards QnA

audit2 Changing Compilation Engagement Standards QnA

Who are users, and what is the Basis of Accounting?

A “user” includes anyone who would receive the compiled financial statements. Users may be shareholders, investors, creditors and lenders, government, regulators, suppliers etc.

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Changing Compilation Engagement Standards

audit Compilation Engagement Standards

In Canada, accounting firms are letting their clients know about the new requirement for compilation engagements. This new standard is titled the ‘Compilation Engagement Report.’ This report will contain your company’s compiled financial details.

In Canada, accounting firms are letting their clients know about the new requirement for compilation engagements. This new standard is titled the ‘Compilation Engagement Report.’ This report will contain your company’s compiled financial details.

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Deducting Vehicle Expenses as a Self-Employed Person

autos Deducting Vehicle Expenses

If you are self-employed, you may claim automotive expenses while conducting business.
If you use your car for personal and business travel, only expenses for business can be deducted. If you use it exclusively for business, you can expense all costs.

It is important to note that driving to and from the office is not deductible.

Business-related driving includes:

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Are Gifts Deductible Expenses?

gifts Tax Deductions for Gift Giving

Giving gifts to clients can be a valuable method of building goodwill and loyalty. It’s one way to distinguish yourself from your competitors. Gifts are usually given during holiday seasons, for birthdays, significant transactions or simply as a thank you. When you buy a gift for use in business, you need to know if it qualifies as a tax deduction.

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I Can't Afford to Pay the Taxes Owed? What Can I Do?

late Pay the Taxes Owed

If you can't afford to pay the taxes owing, you should file your tax return by the deadline to avoid any late-filing penalty. Once you have submitted the return, call the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regarding the payment that is due. Under some circumstances, interest and penalties can be waived. More information can be found here.

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Protect yourself against fraud

scam Slam the scam

Tax season scams involve fraudsters who try to dupe you into believing they represent the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These dishonest communications try to trick you into sending either payment for an outstanding amount or personal details about you they can use to commit fraud.
Here are a few examples of the scam messages you might receive by email, a phone call or by text:

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Do you qualify for the Disability Tax Credit?

Disability Tax Credit Disability Tax Credit Form T2201

The Government of Canada offers a variety of tax benefits to people with disabilities. These benefits are provided under the assumption that people with disabilities will have unavoidable, additional expenses that other taxpayers do not face. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is intended to act as a fairness measure for people with disabilities and their families.

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Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

RRSP-TFSA RRSP or TFSA?

Chances are you’ve heard about the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). These accounts work harmoniously to enhance your finances through tax deductions, no tax, or other benefits. The sooner you open these accounts, the sooner they can help you towards your life’s goals.

It’s important to know the particular benefits of these accounts for various goals you may have.

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Advanced Planning Helps Simplify The Tax Process

prepared Be Prepared for Tax Season

As the new year starts, simplifying your tax filing process can be easily done by planning. When you take the time to prepare, it can speed up the process of receiving a refund, not to mention reducing the cost of services provided by your CPA as they get things done to meet the tax filing deadline.  

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Independent Contractor vs Employee – Which is Which?

employee Contractor vs Employee

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will use detailed guidelines to determine whether someone working for you is an independent contractor or an employee. It is important that you understand the difference and classify that person correctly, otherwise the difference could have a hugely negative impact on your taxes.

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UNPAID AND BACK TAXES

penalty UNPAID AND BACK TAXES

When trying to rectify the past, volunteering the details may help you avoid penalties, interest and the most important thing, criminal prosecution.

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Tax Planning - Start Now to Create Wealth

Engaging in tax planning from the beginning of the year means that you can enjoy the benefits at tax time.

Tax planning is the broad concept of tax efficiency. Tax efficiency considers the larger financial picture incorporating individual age, goals, tolerance for risk and investment timeline. By incorporating tax planning, you uphold long-term wealth creation and protect your capital.

The beginning of the year is the best time to start to plan for tax savings. But, unfortunately, last-minute tax planning leads to lower returns and bad investments.

To understand the various tax-saving opportunities and ensure that you are headed in the most appropriate direction, consult with a professional and take suitable action to reap the benefits.

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