As a small business owner, we can often think that the odds are stacked against us when it comes to capital and finances. But it is important for small business owners to be informed that the Canadian tax system is set up to your advantage. You can build wealth within your company and for retirement.  As hard as it might be to believe, there are methods to create wealth right within the tax system that are encouraged by the government.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the Canadian tax system is broken up into two parts: personal and corporate tax. 

Personal Tax vs. Corporate Tax

Personal tax rates can be quite high. You may pay high personal tax rates and, in a way, this makes sense. The government wants you to pay its money before you go and spend it somewhere else. This is what GST (Goods and Service Tax) and HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) are all about. This tax (consumption tax) is a way of trying to prevent you from overspending.

On the other hand, we have corporate tax, small business tax rates are between 9% and 15% based on which province you live in. Although it might seem arbitrary, the corporate tax rate is much lower than the personal tax rate since the government wants you to contribute towards the economy.

Income Retention in Corporation

We all love paying the lowest amount possible in taxes which is why some entrepreneurs may potentially keep as much income earned and build a nest egg in your corporation. But, due to recent tax changes by the government, they have discouraged this and are trying to stop this from happening. The government still wants you to save capital for the future but just not this way, instead here are the recommended methods of doing so.

Method 1 – RRSPS

Instead, the government wants you to payout your salary, and use RRSPs. This method can be used for saving for the future, the government wants you to do so using that salary that you earn. You simply create a RRSP contribution room and retirement fund, and it grows quite quickly as taxes aren’t paid now but down the road in the future. Overall, you have a greater amount of money to start with which further grows and helps a lot as retirement reaches.

Method 2 – Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption

This method is quite valuable and can change the way you think about your business in a positive manner. This big tax incentive by the government is policy-based, basically what the government wants is for you to create a treasured business that you could potentially sell in the future and obtain tax-free money. The strategy to carry this out is through the lifetime capital gains exemption. This policy is a method and not a loophole, additionally it’s not going away any time soon. It’s very policy-based, simply put the government wants you to create a company that’s not going to croak when you die or retire. In return for this, the government is offering $900,000 of tax-free money for selling the shares of your small business corporation that qualifies.

This is such a treasured tool for retirement and creating wealth, yet it is often overlooked. The primary reason it is overlooked is that it is a lot of work to achieve this. Many things need to be resolved within the business to ensure that it is sellable. It can be quite complicated but with the help of professionals at H&T Accounting Services, you can achieve this.

Collectively, there are many ways you can set yourself up for success as a small business owner with the help of the government policies and rules. Understanding how the tax system works is crucial to avail these opportunities and retire with as much capital as you possibly can. It is important to understand that having an accountant or financial advisor that understands your goals can only help you achieve this. Book an appointment with us today to take your small business to the next level whilst setting yourself up for success.

Planning to save tax is one of the most essential and key area where everyone focuses in order to achieve optimum results.  It is not advisable to wait for the planning of the tax at the end of the financial year rather than planning it on an early basis will help you achieve positive results.

It is very much important to plan the tax earlier as planning them early will lead to optimistic results and saving your time and money as well in a lowest turnaround time. One just has to make sure that he does the planning efficiently and in a regulated manner by making access of all the information available. By using the practical approach of the famous tax planners, tax saving can be achieved majorly by following two ways i.e. spending and investing. According to the income tax act, there are large numbers of provisions which basically provides the benefit of deduction based on the payment you incur as well as the investment one done in order to save huge amount of tax.

Eventually some of the persons who believe in tax planning at an earlier basis believe that benefit of the deduction is not a suitable approach for tax savings and even does not result in the tax benefits to a much greater extent. But it is suggested and recommended by the professionals in the field of tax planning to take this approach in a different manner and avail the benefits of tax planning efficiently and effectively.

However, there are certain expenses such as medical insurance premium; cost of treatment for any specific disease, donation to any charitable trust or any other institutions allows the tax players to claim a deduction on these expenses and hence can avail the benefit of income on the Tax Saving. However, with the ease of modern approach, there are several other modes too which can offer you huge benefits on tax saving.

There are large numbers of investment options which are available under the income tax act under section 80c which provides you to access the large tax saving benefits such as provident fund, post office saving schemes, investment in mutual funds etc. Investing your money in such schemes will provide you impeccable benefits of tax as they are the most financially regulated schemes available till date.

One can even avail the tax benefit by investing some portion of your income on house property which will lead you to avail the benefit even on the housing loan. Such schemes offers dual benefits when referring in context with tax saving.

Therefore, there are huge options and large financial schemes available in the financial market in today’s scenario therefore, one can choose the desired option of investment according to his financial condition and can plan for the tax saving approach accordingly. Tax planning is therefore a critical section in today’s scenario and should be the major focus for everyone.

Just like we have to breathe, eat and need shelter to live, we also need to pay our taxes to find a place in this world and to be a responsible citizen. But the fact is taxes rarely create any excitement, and constantly changing, lightening and tightening of rules makes them as complex as they have always been. If you are searching for tips to save tax in Canada, the following article will help you.

Save to Purchase and Borrow to Invest

Nearly everyone in the country has some form of debt and the days of debts free living are soon over. You can use these debts to reduce your tax bill provided you have the right type. If you spend money on mahogany end-table or take loan to purchase a car, than it is not the right type of purchase. If you take loan to make an investment, than it is the right type.

The simple reason is the interest applicable on loans for investment purpose is tax deductible. If you purchase any other thing by taking a loan, then such interest is not free of debt. From the perspective of Tax Saving Plans, you should use your savings or cash to purchase these discretionary items. When you borrow money, only best way to use is to invest it.

Registered Retirement Savings Plans

RRSPs are weak apology from the government for citizens who try to gouge the taxes. You can get the most of the options they throw your way in order to make you pay your taxes. Provided you can service the loan in a specified period of time, borrowing to purchase investment is usually sensible tips to save tax. Keep yourself current with the latest trends, a change in regulation and you can find new tips to save tax.

Investment and taxes

Certain investments like stocks provide you preferential tax breaks on capital gains and dividends, which is not available in other fixed income investments. Depending on the rate of inflation and your tax bill, if you hold your money in fixed income investment instruments then it is quite likely you will be exposed to tax. If your retirement portfolio is protected from tax along with your income portfolio, it will be better to maintain a small percentage of investment in fixed income in the exposed portfolio.

Starting a New Business

Own a business and it will enable to write off your gas, car, electricity, home office, kids, and other things. This advice is often given by experts as tips to save tax. This option may not be applicable in every case, but often it is good to have a side business as it absorbs many things. For instance, some of the biggest tax breaks are given to farmer, but they rarely make enough money in order to be eligible for it. If you are absolutely certain of your business plan from which you can earn money, then you should go for it. If you are not sure, look for other tips to save tax.

The streamlined and easy process Tax Returns Mississauga will not give you sleepless nights and heart burns any more. Any person who has basic knowledge of math can easily file his or her Tax Returns. Here are some useful inputs to help you.

Do you have to file tax returns?

All the Canadians who earn money are required to file Tax Return for the income they earned for the year that has passed. People who over taxes returns to the government or whose income makes them eligible to contribute for Pension Plan in Canada then they need to file tax returns. You have to check other criteria as well, to find out if you are supposed to pay taxes. Non-resident individual or international people who earned in Canada are also required to pay taxes and file tax return.

Important Dates

Any person who has earned is required to file for tax return by April 30 every year. Canadian taxation year is from the first till the last month. For instance, you should file Tax Returns by April 30, 2012, for the income earned by you from first to last month of a given year. Individuals with common law partners, self employed individuals or whose spouse own a business are supposed to file personal returns by June 15.

People who are unable to file tax returns Milton by the due date have to pay penalty along with interest also to Revenue Agency in Canada. On the unpaid amount, compound daily interest is charged which starts from May 1, at the rate of interest determined by the authority. The penalty for 2011 late filing Tax Returns is five percent along with one percent for the balance owed by you; this limit is applicable for a maximum of twelve months.

Income Tax Package for Canadians

You will receive a general income tax and benefit package when you will file Tax Returns. This package is received by December 31 of the previous year. The package contains T1 return form, an information booklet, related schedules, and the territorial or provincial schedules. You can order for a tax package by calling the concerned authorities, print the package online after downloading it or can just drive to any postal outlet and receive the package in person.

You should make sure you have all the related documents and information, before you start to file Tax Returns in Mississauga. The documents that you will require include T4 slips, social insurance number, all the information slips related to tax sent by the employer and from other sources where you earned money. All these slips tell you how much money you earned in the past year and how much tax you have to pay. You should also have information about the money you earned as self-employed.

There are numerous ways by which you can reduce your tax liability by way of tax credits and deductions. You should be handy with all the receipts that will enable you to reduce your Tax Returns Milton liability.

Every individual in this world is blessed with certain set of processes from which they earn their livelihood. For earning the livelihood some people choose to be a salaried person where they work for others and others chose to build up their businesses for their income prepositions and appoint others to work for them as salaried persons.

There are some others who are engaged Tax Returns where they work on commissions and act as self employed. These people can also be considered as businessman but one way or other they are also working for someone else and getting there cut. There are many stages in individuals where he has to think about which area he has to take up for generating income.

In my opinion it’s always better to build own Business Start-up, that way you are your own boss and you have to find unique ideas to earn more by utilizing other person’s capabilities.

Be it any part of world whether it is India, America, England, Brampton or Mississauga, any business start-up requires some fundamental things. Be it any business whether it’s a business of manufacturing goods, providing services or retailing of finished goods. Every business requires these fundamental. The basic fundamentals required for smooth functioning of any business are

1.  Knowledge of the field:  It’s a very common and important part of building any business. You won’t be able to function smoothly if you don’t have any knowledge of the field in which you are going to set up your business.

2.  Appropriate capital for investment:  for smooth functioning of any business appropriate capital is required. This is the major part due to which most of the people remain salaried or self employed. Most of the chunk does not have appropriate capital for investment.

3.  Vision and values: For any business to establish itself different heights it has to have clear vision and values which are followed by the employees of that business establishment. Any business person should have knowledge about Tax returns, vision and values so that he can be sure about the positive outcome of the business.

Business start-up is no different it also requires the same set of fundamentals which are discussed above. Only a person has to identify the different fields where he can set up his business in. Any business which exists in this world first existed in mind then its blueprint was made and then it was executed.

Likewise any person who has unique set of ideas which can be executed into reality can easily initiate business start-up in Brampton. It might be the business of providing service to the already existing establishments with regard to their employee’s daily needs or by establishing a manufacturing unit of cycles. It can either be a small fast food joint or it can be a chain of food giant. Any business can do wonder if done by knowledge and your heart out.

Processing of Canadian tax returns starts from the middle of February. Regardless of how early income tax return is filed, you cannot get any update on the status of tax refund till middle of March. You should wait for additional four weeks before checking the status of refund. If the return is filed after April 15, you will have to wait for six weeks before you get any update.

Canada Revenue Agency has come up with numerous different ways by which tax returns can be filed. The authority is laying more emphasis to file return by going online. The agency discontinued filling by phone in 2012, and automatic mailing of income tax package was stopped this year. The agency still provides paper income tax package tough.

You should choose the method that is most suitable for filing tax returns.

• Use NETFILE to file Canadian income tax return

NETFILE is used by most Canadians to file income tax return over the internet. You should only use web application or commercial software certified by the CRA to prepare your income tax form. Some software can be used for free with NETFILE.

• Use traditional mail method to file return

This method is used since the time tax returns are filed; it is most simple method and is used by the majority of Canadians. No matter how complicated your return file is, it is really effective in any situation. The only expense you have to bear is that of stamps to mail it to the concerned department. You can get the mailing address from the CRA website.

• Hire a service provider to file tax return through EFILE

You can prepare you income tax returns using EFILE, and then take it to a service provider who will file it electronically for you, for a charge. The benefit is your return is filed quickly.

• Hire an accountant to file return

Small or big business houses have lots of things to take care of, so it is better for them to hire an accountant to take care of income tax returns. On the other hand, if you don’t have the inclination to go through the entire chore or just don’t have enough time, it is better to hire an accountant to get things done.

Regardless of how good we were in our school arithmetic, when it comes to filling income tax returns, may people start to sweat at the thought of it. A single wrong entry means you have to make several rounds to the agency to get the things sorted out. You may also end up paying penalty if there is any discrepancy in the return.

Accountants and related service providers are experienced and knowledgeable professionals. They are taught how to do it and many have been doing it for years. These people have dedicated staffs who are expert in this field. Don’t try this on your own unles

There are large numbers of ways which have been suggested by the expert professionals in the finance industry to use your tax refund savings. There are five ways which have been discussed here in this article which let you utilize your savings in a best possible way and in an efficient manner so as to have better financial security in the upcoming years.

Pay Down debt

Pay down Debt is considered as the most secure reason for getting higher returns than any other. This is the case if you possess the high-interest credit card debt. Paying all your tax return funding will surely result in a way which is much better to have greater returns. You can million of rupees by just paying off an extra debt. This is one of the options one can consider and utilize it.

Fund your savings

If you do not possess high interest card or debit card, then this is also one of the best option you can consider it while utilizing your tax return. You can every time put your funds of the tax returns into your emergency savings account. This saving account will provide you the necessary help every time you face difficult situations which can be recovered only with the help of finance. This account will not even allow you to lend money from any other external source such as borrowing money from credit card companies or taking a loan from Bank. This emergency saving account will never put you into the jeopardizing situation at the time of emergency.

Save for you betterment of life at the time of Retirement

Retirement is considered as one of the most important phase of the life. Investing your tax return fund into some retirement policy which will after retirement can provide you the better aspects. There are large numbers of policies initiated by the Government in regard with retirement. You can choose any one of them according to your desire and need.

Invest in Real Estate

Investing in Real Estate is the best and worth option for you in respect of investing your tax return fund. This is one of the best options in today’s scenario. It is already been discussed and suggested by the real estate professionals that after some years the homebuyers will receive the greater options in this regard due to the upcoming boon in the Real Estate industry. If you do not possess your own home and have dreamt about it, then it is the right time to consider them and fulfill your dreams and goals by buying or investing in the property that will pay high return.

Saving for your Children’s future

The first and foremost objective of every parent is to make their children’s future secure and bright and this can happen only if you invest money for their studies at the right time. You can any time start the savings account for your children’s higher studies and tuition fees.

These all options are very much beneficial for you and will help you to breathe in the safe atmosphere even at the time of crisis and emergency. So, invest your money at the right place and at the right time.

Canadians and their tax advisers sometimes disagree with the CRA about the meaning of tax laws. These disagreements are normal and can be resolved.

However, over the past few years certain groups have begun publicizing incorrect and misleading advice about tax laws and the legal obligation to pay taxes.

People who accept such incorrect advice and fail to comply with the law could expose themselves to serious financial and legal problems. For more information, see Debunking tax myths.

The CRA and the Department of Finance Canada

When you’re searching government Web sites for tax-related information, your search will be easier if you’re aware of the different roles played by the CRA and by the Department of Finance Canada.

The CRA administers tax laws, but we don’t make or develop fiscal policies or tax laws.

• As a rule, the CRA Web site is where you’ll find information about what the current tax laws say and how they’re interpreted and applied.

The Department of Finance Canada is responsible for federal tax policy and legislation. The Minister of Finance and Parliament decide on tax amounts and how to calculate them.

• As a rule, the Department of Finance Canada Web site is where you’ll find information about proposed changes to tax laws, proposed tax cuts or increases, studies about the effects of taxation, and possible future tax policies. You may want to consult that department’s news releases and speeches.
• Details of legislation proposed or enacted during the current session of Parliament are available on the Parliamentary Web site.

Tax legislation is also developed by individual provinces and territories (Provincial and Territorial Governments page, Canada Site).

You may also wish to consult the Government of Canada Newsroom and the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development News Room.

Knowing when the return is due, and more importantly when the tax is payable is important to avoid costly interest and penalties.

Be aware that the due date for filing is different than the day the corporation must pay it’s outstanding tax bill.

Corporate Filing Due Date

The due date to file your corporate income tax return is six (6) months following your corporation’s year end.

For example, if you have a

• December 31st year-end –> Return is due June 30th.
• March 31st year-end –> Return is due September 30th.

When Corporate Taxes Must be Paid

Existing corporations are required to pay tax by installments throughout the year if their income tax bill is more than $3,000. New corporations are exempt from the installment requirements in their first year.

If you have a new corporation, or if you will have a balance owing, knowing your due date will help ensure you avoid costly penalties.

Due Date for CCPC

The due date for a Canadian controlled private corporation, claiming the small business deduction and whose taxable income is less than $500,000, is three months following the corporations’ year-end.

• December 31st year-end –> Balance is payable by March 31st.
• June 30th year-end –> Balance is payable September 30th.

For all other corporations, the due date is two months following their year-end.

Penalties

The penalty for remitting taxes late is 5% of the unpaid amount and 1% per month on any past due amounts.

A tax bill of $10,000 can result in a penalty of $500 if remitted late.

When To Meet With Your Accountant

It’s important to plan filing your corporate tax return before the end of the corporation’s fiscal year.

If you have a fiscal year-end that does not fall on December 31, you should meet with your accountant around December 31st to ensure that your annual tax slips are prepared and filed on time.

Our Services

If you’re looking for help filing your corporate tax returns and related tax-slips, please give us a call at 905-858-0775 to get started. We can help you reduce the amount of tax you will pay by taking full advantage of the corporate structure.

1. What is a registered charity?
A registered charity is a charitable organization, public foundation, or private foundation that was established in Canada and is resident in Canada. It is operated exclusively for charitable purposes (i.e., the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, or other purposes that benefit the community in a way the courts have said are charitable) and must devote its resources to charitable activities. A registered charity has received a registration number from the Canada Revenue Agency and is exempt from paying tax on its revenue. It can issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes for gifts that it receives.

2. How do I verify if a charity is registered?
Ask the charity for its registration number, and confirm its status by consulting the CRA Charities Listings, or by calling the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-267-2384.

3. What is the main difference between a non-profit organization and a registered charity?
Registered charities must fit into one of four categories of charitable purposes: the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, or other purposes that benefit the community in a way the courts have said are charitable. Non-profit organizations may not fit into one of the four categories of charitable purposes but may have purposes such as social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, or recreation. Non-profit organizations cannot issue official donation receipts for gifts that they receive.

4. Can a registered charity lend its registration number to another registered or non-registered charity?
No. Under no circumstances should a registered charity lend its registration number to another organization for receipting purposes. A charity that lends its registration number risks losing its charitable registration. A donor who accepts a falsified official donation receipt will risk having the tax credit disallowed and may be subject to fines.

5. Is a charity required to issue an official donation receipt?
No. However, the Canada Revenue Agency advises charities to notify potential donors of any circumstances in which they will not issue an official donation receipt. Donors cannot claim a charitable tax credit or deduction unless they have an official donation receipt.

6. To whom must an official donation receipt be addressed?
Generally, the official donation receipt can only be issued to the true donor of the gift to a charity. If a donation is made by a cheque in both spousal names, an official donation receipt can be issued in either name. If a corporation sends a donation to a charity, the official donation receipt can be made to the corporation owner only if he has sent a personal cheque. If the corporation is donating money that has been collected from its employees, and there is a written declaration to prove this, the charity can issue the official donation receipt in each donor’s name.

7. How can I replace a lost official donation receipt?
If you lose your official donation receipt, you can ask the charity to issue a replacement. You should receive a replacement receipt which contains all the required information plus a note to the effect that it “cancels and replaces receipt No. (the serial number of the lost receipt is inserted here)

8. If the charitable status of a charity to which I have recently made a donation has been revoked, can I still claim my tax credit?
If the organization was registered during the time of your donation, and if your receipts genuinely reflect the amount you gave, you can still claim your tax credit. Please note that when a charity is revoked, the organization may donate its assets to another eligible donee; otherwise, the assets are collected as tax.

9. What if I get something in return for my donation?
When a registered charity provides you with something of value in return for making a donation, the eligible amount of your donation for income tax purposes is generally reduced. This amount will be reflected on your official donation receipt. For example: You donate $1,000 to the Anytown Ballet Company, which is a registered charity. In gratitude, the company provides you with three ballet tickets worth $50 each, for a total value of $150. These tickets are considered an advantage of $150. The eligible amount of your donation for calculating your tax credit is therefore $850 ($1,000 – $150).

10. Can a charity return a donation?
In most cases, a registered charity cannot return a donor’s gift. At law, a gift transfers ownership of the money or other gifted property from the donor to the charity. Once the transfer is made, the charity is obliged to use the gift in carrying out its charitable purposes. On occasion, though, a charity may be obliged by law to return gifts to donors. This can happen, for instance, when a charity asks the public to contribute to a special project and later events make it impossible to carry out the project.

11. Do I have to claim donations the same year that I make them?
No. You can carry forward any donations you do not claim in the current year and claim them on your return for any of the next five years, but you can only claim donations once. You have to claim tax credits for gifts you carried forward from a previous year before you claim tax credits for gifts in the current year. If you are claiming a carryforward, attach a note to your return indicating the year of the return in which you submitted the official donation receipt, the portion of the eligible amount you are claiming this year, and the amount you are carrying forward.

12. What is the current tax credit rate for donations?
See Charitable donation tax credit rates.

13. I’ve been invited to participate in a donation program that will make me a profit. Is it safe to participate?
There are serious risks associated with this type of program – See What are donation schemes and why should I avoid them? to learn more.

14. How do I report charity fraud?
Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501. You can also call the CRA’s toll free numbers in Canada: 1-800-267-2384 (English) or 1-888-892-5667 (bilingual).

15. Is it safe to donate online?
Any charity that solicits donations online should be responsible for protecting your information. Read the charity’s privacy policy before making a donation online. Only give donations through secure Web pages. If you are unsure about donating online, contact the charity and ask them for other ways to donate.