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Small Business Taxes in Canada – Personal and Corporate Taxes

Small Business Taxes in Canada

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.

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Home Office Expenses For Employees

personal tax return

Are you someone who is looking to claim personal tax? Have you thought about hiring an accounting service to help you file the claim? If you said yes to both these questions then keep scrolling down because we have got you covered.

Why Should You Claim A Personal Tax Return?

Home office expenses are usually claimed on a personal tax return. The deductions help in reducing the amount of your income that you pay on the tax. This means that your overall liability on income tax also gets reduced.

What Is The Temporary Flat Rate Method? How Is It Calculated Through Accounting Services?

A temporary flat rate method helps in simplifying your claim for a home office expense. This includes the home expenses, the office supply, and the phone expenses all at the same time. So, if you are someone who is still working half the time from home, you can easily claim $2 for every day you worked from home. The period of working from home should at least be four consecutive weeks after the pandemic hit the world. As an individual, you can claim $400 at maximum for working from home under the home office expenses for employees working through COVID-19. Just keep in mind that this method of calculating the claim would only work after 2020.

Here Is How You Can Easily Do Auditing Yourself And Calculate What You Should Add To This Claim:

  • Do not calculate the area of your working space.
  • Do not keep any supporting documents with you.

Here is how your employer can calculate the claim by not doing the following:

  • They do not have to complete the form or sign up at T2200S or T2200 like employees.

Here are a few easy steps to help you find out if you are capable of filing for the claim or not:

  1. Find Out If You Are Eligible

You can easily find out whether or not you are eligible to file for the claim.

  1. Fill Out The Form

When you start filling out the form, you need to calculate the total number of days you worked from home in the year 2020 when the pandemic hit the world and then multiply the total number of days by $2. Remember that you can only go up to $400 for the claim you are seeking in return. So, the maximum number of days you worked from home can only be 200 days.

  1. Determine An Appropriate Number Of Days You Worked From Home

The best way to calculate your total number of days is by using the temporary flat rate method. Just follow the process and then attach the form to your income tax return.

  1. Claim The Deduction On Your Tax Return

In the form, you will see Line 9939, you should add the claim amount over there with your other home office expenses.

Did you find this article useful? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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That Time…YES…It’s Tax Time!

Many people including huge businesses and corporations truly dread taxes when it comes to their money. These compulsory expenditures make the financial systems of all businesses quite complicated. At H&T Accounting Services, understanding tax laws are the fundamental basis of our expertise. Because we understand how these laws work, we know how to help you save big bucks. We hold strong knowledge in all areas of taxation and we work hard with our customers to save every dollar we can. 

Tax Planning 

One of the most essential areas of understanding taxes in any sort of financial situation is tax planning. This involves productive research into literature so that taxation errors are minimized and the savings is maximized. Special attention is given to large saving plans so we know we are getting you the best service possible. With continuous efforts to analyze plans that our customers can qualify for, we work above and beyond all your expectations. 

Tax Preparation 

We love to prepare and prepare well so that we have your back when you need us the most. We prepare year-round so that our customer, the taxpayer, is at low risk of getting into any auditing circumstances.  Year long, H&T Accounting Services provide exceptional bookkeeping as well that helps us stay on top of our game. With complete bookkeeping, tax preparation is simplified. We work hard to minimize errors so auditing becomes easier for everyone. We take the tax preparation phase seriously, so you are at ease. 

Tax Appeals and Audits 

Defending our customers during an audit or an appeal is also a critical phase of our work. We know our path right up to the Tax Court of Canada, if need be, so that you get the most out of any case. Appeals and audits can be stressful and confusing, but because we know how to take care of you and your finances, we are persistent in lowering any possible penalties and interest charges. 

Saving BIG Bucks!

Savings, savings and savings! Who does not want to hear that when it comes to the complexity everyone deals with over their hard-earned money? Many wonder what they are really able to save when it comes to their taxes. It is a fact that taxes can get quite complicated. This is why knowledge of the tax systems is crucial to the tax savings process. Our experts here at H&T Accounting Services have extensive knowledge of the many savings plans that our customers can qualify for. Everything from business income taxes to employment income taxes is on the table for us and we know how to help our customers!

At H&T Accounting Services, we plan, prepare, defend and yes, most of all, help you save! We have experts in all areas of accounting and bookkeeping services that work year-long to keep your finances in check. Do not wait any longer, let us help you get in control of your money! Call us TODAY….call us NOW!

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Canada Child Tax Benefit

Canada Child Tax benefit is a tax which is imparted to the families living in the Canada by the Canadian Government. It is basically a tax free monthly payment given by the Government to all those families or parents who needs money to raise their children up to the age of 18 years.  It is majority divided into two main components one focuses on the low and middle class Canadian families and the other one provides definite assistance and help to the low income families having a necessity of acquiring this help from the Government in the form of tax benefit.

Eligibility Criteria to avail this tax benefit

Canada Child tax befit cannot be provided to everyone. It is given to only those Canadian families which meet the proper eligibility criteria as stated by the Canadian Government in order to avail the tax benefit.

  • A person must be the Canadian resident.
  • Must be the primary caregivers of the child under 18 years of age.
  • If a person is not Canadian resident then one can avail the tax benefit if a spouse or partner is:
    1. Canadian resident.
    2. Protected person
    3. Permanent resident.
    4. A temporary resident who is residing in the county of Canada from the last 18 months.

These are some of the criteria which need to be fulfilled by the person in order to ensure the benefit of the Canada Child Tax.

Application Information

After the eligibility criterion has been met by the Canadian family, another important criterion is to fill the application form to apply for this benefit either through mail or by applying online. One can fill the relevant and necessary information in the application form as provided by the Government under the proper guidelines in order to have a benefit of the Child Tax.

Financial Information

The amount paid under the Canada Child Tax benefit plan majorly depends upon two things which is income tax and benefit returns. The amount paid under this tax can be even adjusted in case the size of the family increases during the end of the year and some other issues.

Dates and Deadlines

The Canada Child Tax benefit is issued for the Canadian family very 20th day of the month and even one week earlier in December. For more specific dates one can visit to the official website and can keep a track of their status of issuing the tax benefit plan. It is always advisable to the individuals belonging to the Canadian family who has applied for the Canada Child Tax benefit plan to contact to Canadian revenue agency in case one do not receive his CCTB within five business days after the issuance of the tax befit plan.

Therefore, this is a brief overview on the Canada Child Tax benefit (CCTB) for the Canadian residents and families provided by the Canadian Government. One can take the required information from the official website to apply for the Canada child tax benefit plan.

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Planning to save tax? Contact HandT Accountants and Tax Experts

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.

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Work out easy to save Tax – Investment and Taxes

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.

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Important Consideration While Filing Tax Returns

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.

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Business Start up in Brampton and Mississauga

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.

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Different Ways to File Tax Returns

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

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Benefits that one can earn by the tax return funds

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.

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