Straight answers to tax, GST and HST, payroll, bookkeeping, incorporation, and provincial accounting questions, built from official Canadian sources and explained in plain language.
Practical answers for owners
Each guide starts with a fast summary, then explains the rule, the business impact, and a practical next step. Relevant official Canadian government and regulatory links are included for verification.
Showing 149 of 149 guides
Personal tax and payrollA T4 is the slip your employer issues. A T1 is the return you file with the CRA. Who prepares each, the deadlines that apply, and how the two connect.
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Bookkeeping systemsA framework for evaluating accounting software on data access, security, Canadian tax workflows, integrations and migration risk.
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Accounting basicsTwenty accounting, GST/HST, payroll, corporate tax and record keeping questions, with concise answers and links to detailed official source guides.
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Corporate taxA plain language guide to T2 filing, corporate tax payment deadlines, and year end planning for Calgary and Alberta corporations.
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Tax planningUnderstand Alberta and federal corporate tax rates, the small business deduction, and why the advertised rate is not the whole tax plan.
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GST/HSTA clear guide to the $30,000 small supplier threshold, mandatory and voluntary GST/HST registration, and the first steps after registration.
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GST/HSTLearn how GST/HST reporting periods, filing deadlines, input tax credits, and invoice evidence work for an Alberta small business.
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PayrollA step by step payroll setup guide covering CRA accounts, TD1 forms, CPP, EI, income tax, remittances, and reliable employer records.
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PayrollUnderstand T4 and ROE deadlines, electronic filing, interruption of earnings timing, and the records Alberta employers should prepare.
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Payroll complianceUse CRA’s whole relationship approach to understand employee versus self employed status, payroll exposure, documentation, and CPP/EI rulings.
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BookkeepingA practical CRA based records guide for Alberta companies: the six year rule, electronic files, source documents, cloud systems, and exceptions.
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Starting a businessLearn what an Alberta corporation is, the official incorporation steps, and the legal, tax, and administrative questions to review first.
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Tax complianceA calm, official source guide to CRA business audits, document requests, working with an auditor, secure communication, and next steps.
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PayrollA clear guide to the work a Calgary payroll service can handle, the decisions the employer keeps, and the controls to confirm before the first pay run.
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PayrollCompare outsourced and in house payroll using workload, control, privacy, continuity, records and compliance rather than a generic recommendation.
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PayrollA practical Canadian payroll provider checklist covering scope, accountability, security, remittances, exports, implementation, and exit planning.
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PayrollUnderstand Canadian payroll source deductions, CRA remitter types, due dates, nil and final remittances, and the evidence an employer should keep.
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PayrollA 2026 Alberta employer guide to CPP, CPP2, EI, income tax deductions, annual maximums, province of employment, and reliable payroll review.
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PayrollA practical employer workflow for deciding whether a benefit or allowance is taxable, valuing it, applying payroll deductions, and reporting it correctly.
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GST/HSTA practical Calgary GST/HST return checklist covering reporting periods, reconciliations, input tax credits, electronic filing, payment, and records.
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GST/HSTWhat an Alberta GST/HST registrant should do after missing a return or payment deadline, including the CRA penalty formula and a recovery checklist.
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GST/HSTWhy an Alberta business may need to charge HST, how place of supply differs for goods and services, and what records support the rate used.
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GST/HSTA careful comparison of GST/HST registration, net tax methods, input tax credits, and public service body rebates for Canadian nonprofits and charities.
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Business valuation supportA Calgary business valuation guide covering value drivers, the income, market and asset approaches, and the records a valuator may need.
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Business valuation supportA financial records checklist for owners preparing for a business valuation, shareholder discussion, financing review or sale.
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Ownership transitionsA financial checklist for an Alberta shareholder buyout, covering share rights, normalized earnings, working capital, debt and tax information.
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Business purchase and saleA comparison of buying or selling business assets versus corporate shares in Canada, covering purchase price allocation, goodwill, CCA and GST/HST.
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Business purchase and saleA financial due diligence checklist for buying or selling a private business in Calgary, covering earnings quality, working capital, debt and tax.
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Business ValuationA practical Alberta guide to organizing business records for family property discussions, valuation work and related tax questions.
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Professional PracticesA records first guide for Alberta medical practices preparing for incorporation, succession, a transaction or independent valuation work.
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Business ValuationA Canadian guide to organizing equipment, inventory, debt and operating records for an asset heavy business valuation or transaction.
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Nonprofit AccountingA clear reporting and year end checklist for Alberta nonprofits and registered charities, including annual returns, T3010 filings and financial records.
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BookkeepingA practical monthly bank reconciliation checklist for Calgary businesses, with review controls, common errors and CRA recordkeeping links.
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CFO advisoryWhat a fractional CFO does, the business signals that may justify strategic finance support, and the questions Calgary owners should ask first.
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Cash flow planningA process for building and maintaining a rolling 13 week cash flow forecast using actual cash timing, documented assumptions and variance review.
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Financial managementA plain language comparison of bookkeeping, controllership and CFO level work, with criteria for choosing the finance support a business needs.
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Corporate taxA corporate year end checklist covering accounting records, reconciliations, tax documents and GIFI information to gather before a T2 return is prepared.
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CRA complianceA step by step guide to comparing a corporate notice of assessment or reassessment with the filed T2, understanding adjustments and preserving deadlines.
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CRA complianceAn overview of the CRA taxpayer relief process, the circumstances the CRA may consider, the limits of the program, and the records to prepare.
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CRA complianceA guide to the CRA Voluntary Disclosures Program, its purpose, threshold questions, records to assemble and why to get advice before contacting the CRA.
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CRA complianceHow to prepare for a CRA trust accounts examination of payroll deductions and GST/HST, including requested records and reconciliation steps.
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Owner managed corporationsA guide to recording money between a corporation and its shareholders, separating personal expenses and resolving shareholder accounts before filing.
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Business structureA comparison of sole proprietorship and incorporation in Alberta, covering legal identity, tax reporting, administration, ownership and cash needs.
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Financial statementsA guide to CSRS 4200 compilation engagements, management's responsibilities, the accountant's report, and when lenders may ask for compiled information.
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Corporate tax complianceHow corporate income tax instalments work in Canada, why a company can owe interest even when its T2 is filed on time, and how to forecast payments.
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Corporate tax complianceA Canadian guide to late T2 returns, penalties, interest, missing records, and the order for bringing a corporation back into compliance.
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Owner manager tax planningA decision framework for Canadian owner managers comparing salary, dividends, payroll, CPP, RRSP room, corporate deductions, cash needs, and documentation.
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Corporate tax riskHow Canada's personal services business rules affect an incorporated consultant, the employee versus contractor facts CRA examines, and what to review.
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Corporate structuringA framework for deciding whether a holding company supports business risk, surplus cash, succession or a future sale, and when it adds complexity.
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Corporate tax complianceHow a Canadian corporation's fiscal year end affects T2 deadlines, instalments, bookkeeping workload, and CRA approval for a later change.
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Corporate reorganizationAn overview of Canada's section 85 rollover election, eligible property, agreed amounts, legal consideration, filing deadlines and valuation.
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Owner manager tax planningHow adjusted aggregate investment income can reduce the federal small business limit for an associated Canadian corporate group, and what to track.
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Owner manager tax planningA guide to the capital dividend account for Canadian private corporations, covering additions, reductions, elections and the records needed first.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Toronto accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Montréal accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Vancouver accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Ottawa and Gatineau accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Calgary accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Edmonton accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Québec City accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Winnipeg accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Hamilton accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Kitchener Waterloo accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical London accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Halifax accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical St. Catharines and Niagara accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Windsor accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Oshawa accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Victoria accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Saskatoon accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Regina accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Sherbrooke accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Accounting across CanadaA practical Kelowna accounting and tax guide covering records, sales tax, payroll, provincial considerations, and corporate planning.
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Provincial taxAlberta corporate and personal tax rates for 2026, why there is no PST or payroll tax, and what the separate AT1 return means for a corporation.
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Provincial taxBritish Columbia business tax rates for 2026: corporate rates, PST beside GST, the employer health tax thresholds and every provincial income bracket.
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Provincial taxSaskatchewan business tax rates for 2026, including the 1% small business rate on the first $600,000, 6% PST and the provincial income brackets.
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Provincial taxManitoba business taxes for 2026: no provincial tax on the first $500,000 of small business income, 7% RST, the payroll levy and the income brackets.
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Provincial taxOntario business tax rates for 2026, with the small business rate cut to 2.2% on July 1, 13% HST, the Employer Health Tax and income brackets.
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Provincial taxQuebec business taxes for 2026: the separate CO-17 return, the small business rate change, GST with QST, QPP, QPIP and the health services fund.
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Provincial taxNew Brunswick business tax rates for 2026: 2.5% on small business income, 15% HST filed with the CRA, and the four provincial income tax brackets.
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Provincial taxNova Scotia business tax rates for 2026: 1.5% on the first $700,000 of small business income, 14% HST and every provincial income bracket.
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Provincial taxPrince Edward Island business tax rates for 2026: 1% on small business income up to $600,000, a 15% general rate, 15% HST and every bracket.
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Provincial taxNewfoundland and Labrador business taxes for 2026: the 2% small business rate, 15% HST, the payroll tax over $2,000,000 and eight brackets.
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Provincial taxYukon business tax rates for 2026: no territorial tax on small business income, a 12% general rate, GST only and the territorial income brackets.
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Provincial taxNorthwest Territories business tax rates for 2026: 2% and 11.5% corporate rates, GST only, the 2% payroll tax employers withhold, and income brackets.
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Provincial taxNunavut business tax rates for 2026: 3% on small business income, 12% general, GST only, the 2% payroll tax and the lowest personal rates in Canada.
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Rates and deadlinesThe 2026 CRA car allowance limit is 73¢ per kilometre for the first 5,000 km and 67¢ after, plus the vehicle benefit rate and the vehicle limits.
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Rates and deadlinesThe five federal income tax brackets for 2026, from 14% to 33%, the basic personal amount and a worked example of how the brackets apply.
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Rates and deadlinesCombined federal and provincial corporate tax rates for 2026 in all 13 provinces and territories, on small business income and on other income.
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Rates and deadlinesThe RRSP deadline for 2026 is March 1, 2027 and the 2026 limit is $33,810. How your own limit is worked out, and why dividends do not add to it.
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Rates and deadlinesThe 2026 TFSA limit is $7,000. Every annual limit since 2009, how unused room and withdrawals carry forward, and the $109,000 total.
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Rates and deadlines2026 personal returns are due April 30, 2027, or June 15, 2027 if self employed, with any balance due April 30, 2027. The late filing penalty explained.
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Rates and deadlinesCRA interest rates from October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026: 7% on overdue tax, 3% for loan benefits, and what each rate is used for.
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Rates and deadlinesThe 38% and 15% dividend gross ups, the federal dividend tax credits, and a worked example on a $10,000 dividend from each kind.
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Rates and deadlinesGST/HST due dates for monthly, quarterly and annual filers, the April 30 and June 15 rule for sole proprietors, and the late filing penalty.
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Rates and deadlines2026 T4, T4A and T5 slips are due March 1, 2027, because the last day of February is a Sunday. Other slip deadlines and the late filing penalty tables.
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Rates and deadlinesPersonal tax instalments are due March 15, June 15, September 15, December 15 in 2027. Who has to pay them, the next date, and how to work out the amount.
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Rates and deadlinesCapital cost allowance rates for the classes small businesses use most, from 4% for buildings to 100% for small tools, with the vehicle ceilings.
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CRA formsForm T2125 reports a sole proprietor's business or professional income. What each part covers, the lines that matter most, and the June 15, 2027 deadline.
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CRA formsForm T776 reports rental income and expenses on a personal return. The lines that matter, the capital cost allowance rule, and the April 30, 2027 deadline.
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CRA formsWhat the T2 corporation income tax return contains, the schedules almost every small corporation files, and the filing and payment deadlines that apply.
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CRA formsWhat each box on a T4 slip means, who must issue one, and the March 1, 2027 deadline for 2026 slips, with the rule on filing them electronically.
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CRA formsWhat each line of the GST/HST return means, from sales on line 101 to net tax on line 109, plus the filing deadlines and the rule to file electronically.
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CRA formsWhat a T5 slip reports, when a corporation must issue one for dividends paid to its owners, the main boxes and the March 1, 2027 deadline.
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CRA formsWhen a T4A slip is needed, the $500 threshold, what boxes 016, 020, 048 and the others report, and how fees paid for services are handled.
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CRA formsWho must file T5018 slips, the more than 50% construction test, the $500 threshold, what goes in box 22, and the six month filing deadline.
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CRA formsForm T2200 lets an employee deduct work expenses. Who signs it, what each question covers, the home work space test and why it is kept, not filed.
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CRA formsForm T777 totals an employee's deductible work expenses for line 22900. What can be claimed, the home work space rules and the 50% meal limit.
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CRA formsWho must file Form T1135, the $100,000 cost threshold, what counts as specified foreign property, the simplified and detailed methods, and penalties.
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CRA formsForm AUT-01 lets an accountant deal with the CRA for you by phone or mail. What it replaced, the two access levels, and when online access is better.
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CRA formsForm TD1 tells an employer how much tax to withhold. When employees fill it out, the $16,452 basic personal amount, second jobs and the provincial form.
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CRA formsForm RC1 requests a business number and CRA program accounts for GST/HST, payroll and corporate tax. When you need each, and the faster online route.
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CRA formsForm T2057 lets you move property into a corporation without immediate tax. How the agreed amount works, the filing deadline and the late filing penalty.
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CRA formsForm T2054 makes a dividend from the capital dividend account tax free to shareholders. When it is due, what to attach, Part III tax and the late penalty.
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CRA formsForm T106 reports dealings with related non residents once they pass $1,000,000 a year. Who files, what goes on each slip, due dates and penalties.
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CRA formsWhen a Canadian payer must withhold 25% Part XIII tax from payments to non residents, how treaties reduce it, remitting by the 15th and the NR4 deadline.
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CRA formsWhen a partnership must file a T5013 return, the $2 million and $5 million tests, the slips partners receive, and a due date that depends on the partners.
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CRA formsForm T1044 is the information return for non profit organizations. The $10,000 and $200,000 tests, the deadline six months after year end, and penalties.
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CRA formsHow to change a personal tax return after filing: when to wait for the notice of assessment, the faster online options, Form T1-ADJ and processing times.
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CRA formsForm RC4288 asks the CRA to cancel or waive penalties and interest. The circumstances that qualify, the 10 year limit, documents to include and next steps.
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CRA formsForm T661 claims the SR&ED deduction and tax credits. Who can claim, the 18 month reporting deadline, the enhanced 35% credit and common claim pitfalls.
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CRA formsForm T183 authorizes a tax preparer to file your return electronically. What each part means, why it is signed before filing, and the corporate T183CORP.
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CRA formsSelling your home means reporting it and designating it as your principal residence. Schedule 3, Form T2091(IND), the plus one rule and flipped properties.
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Tax and accounting termsA CCPC is a private corporation resident in Canada that non residents and public companies do not control. The tests, the tax benefits and how it is lost.
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Tax and accounting termsAssociated corporations share one $500,000 small business limit. The six tests, how family members and minor children count, and how Schedule 23 splits it.
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Tax and accounting termsTax on split income charges certain family business income at the top rate. Who it applies to, the exclusions by age, and how excluded shares work.
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Tax and accounting termsOnly half of a capital gain is taxed in Canada. How to calculate the gain, when losses can be used, the five year reserve, and the main exemptions.
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Tax and accounting termsAdjusted cost base is the tax cost of a property. What goes into it, how to average identical shares and fund units, and the events that raise or lower it.
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Tax and accounting termsCanada has one federal sales tax and three provincial approaches. What GST, HST, PST, RST and QST are, the rate in each province, and who files where.
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Tax and accounting termsZero rated and exempt supplies both reach customers without GST/HST, but only zero rated sellers recover the tax on their costs. Examples and registration.
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Tax and accounting termsMost Canadian businesses must report income on the accrual method. How accrual and cash accounting differ, who may use cash, and how to change methods.
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Tax and accounting termsA chart of accounts is the list of accounts a business records into. How to structure one around the CRA's GIFI codes so year end and the T2 come together.
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Tax and accounting termsAccounts receivable is what customers owe you; accounts payable is what you owe suppliers. How each affects income tax, GST/HST and bad debts in Canada.
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Tax and accounting termsDeferred revenue is money received before the work is done. How it is recorded, when it is taxed, the reserve, and GST on deposits and gift cards.
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Tax and accounting termsA current expense is deducted in the year; a capital expense is claimed over time through CCA. How the CRA tells them apart, with everyday examples.
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Tax and accounting termsA notice of objection is the formal way to dispute a CRA assessment. Deadlines for individuals and corporations, how to file, extensions, and collection.
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Tax and accounting termsWhen a required return is not filed, the CRA can assess the tax itself under subsection 152(7). What it leaves out, why it runs high, and how to fix it.
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Tax and accounting termsDirectors can be liable for a corporation's unremitted payroll deductions and GST/HST. When the CRA can assess them, the two year limit, and due diligence.
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Industry tax guidesThe CRA rules truckers use most: the 80% long haul meal deduction, Form TL2 for employed drivers, Class 16 for heavy trucks, and GST for owner operators.
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Industry tax guidesHow holdbacks and progress billings are taxed, when GST on a holdback is due, T5018 slips for subcontractors, and the camp meal rule for contractors.
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Industry tax guidesEmployed tradespeople can deduct tools, apprentice mechanics get an extra claim, and construction workers who relocate can deduct travel and lodging.
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Industry tax guidesHow real estate agents report commission income, when GST registration is required, which expenses are deductible, and how to manage uneven tax bills.
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Industry tax guidesHow tips are taxed and when CPP and EI apply, why restaurant meals carry GST while groceries do not, and kitchen equipment CCA.
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Industry tax guidesRideshare and taxi drivers must register for GST/HST from their first fare, unlike delivery drivers. Vehicle costs and platform reporting.
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Industry tax guidesSelf employed freelancers and consultants: reporting on Form T2125, both halves of CPP, GST, instalments, home office and incorporating.
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Industry tax guidesMedical and dental care is GST exempt, so the tax on costs is not recovered. How professional corporations are taxed, and why TOSI limits paying family.
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Industry tax guidesSelling online through your own store or a marketplace: reporting income and inventory, GST/HST registration, who collects the tax, and reporting.
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Industry tax guidesFarmers may report on the cash method, adjust for inventory, carry losses back three years or forward twenty, and sell most farm products zero rated.
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Tax updatesOctober 2026: CRA interest rates to year end, the 2026 proposals still pending, bare trust returns, BC's paused PST expansion and the dates ahead.
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