The upcoming holiday season may turn out to be a bit extra jolly for Canadian small businesses this year! The recent announcement from the Government of Canada brings significant support through the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small...
THINK Insights
Check out the latest articles from our CPA team, focusing on providing the most relevant accounting and tax advice for individuals, families, and businesses.
Does Bankruptcy Clear CRA Debt?
If you’re facing mounting debt to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you might be wondering: Does bankruptcy clear CRA debt? It's a pressing question for many Canadians who are struggling to keep up with their taxes, especially in these...
Federal vs Provincial Incorporation in Canada: What’s the Best Choice for Your Business?
The ultimate guide to choosing between federal and provincial incorporation. Incorporating your business is a big step, but one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to incorporate federally or provincially. If you're...
Are You Required To Register for QST: The Ultimate Guide to Quebec Sales Tax Registration
Wondering if you are required to register for QST? And if yes, how to register for QST? This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of registering for Quebec Sales Tax (QST), covering requirements for businesses in Quebec,...
HSA In A Corporation: Tax Savings For Canadian Small Businesses
As a small business owner in Canada, you're always on the lookout for ways to support your employees while managing costs. Enter Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) – a powerful tool that can help you do both. In this guide, we'll break down...
iZEV Rebate: Electric Vehicle Incentives For Canadians
Introduction Are you thinking about buying an electric vehicle in Canada? Good news! The government offers incentives to make it more affordable. This post will explain the main programs available: the iZEV Rebate Program and the Enhanced...
8 E-Commerce Metrics Every Founder Should Track
Introduction In the world of e-commerce, knowing how your business is doing is key to success. With so many numbers to look at, it can be hard to know which e-commerce metrics really matter. Focusing on the right e-commerce metrics can...
Non-Resident GST/HST Security Deposit Requirement: What You Need to Know
As a non-resident business operating in Canada, understanding the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) registration process and associated security deposit requirements is crucial. Below we discuss an overview of the...
Will Renting Out Your Basement Hurt Your Principal Residence Exemption?
Many Canadian homeowners consider renting out their basements to generate extra income, but concerns often arise about how this might affect your Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) when it comes time to sell. What is Principal Residence...
Salary vs Dividends: Common Misconceptions about Dividends being more advantageous
As a Canadian business owner, you've likely heard in the Salary vs Dividends debate that paying yourself dividends instead of a salary can lead to significant tax savings. However, the reality is far more nuanced. While dividends can...
Dividends vs Salary: Navigating the Best Compensation Strategy for Small Business Owners in Canada
For Canadian small business owners, particularly those operating a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) that qualifies for the Small Business Deduction, deciding between compensating themselves through dividends vs salary is a...
Do You Need To Charge Manitoba (MB) PST On Your Sales?
Requirement for charging MB PST (officially referred to by Manitoba as Retail Sales Tax (RST)) can apply to businesses, whether they are based in MB or not. Here's a concise guide with the basics. Should your business be registered for...
Do You Need To Charge BC PST On Your Sales?
Requirement for charging BC PST can apply to businesses, whether they are based in BC or not. Here's a concise guide with the basics. Charging BC PST For Businesses Located in BC You are required to register, collect and remit BC PST if...
Which GST/HST Rate Should You Charge?
Understanding GST/HST rates in Canada can be tricky, but it's crucial for business operations. Here's a concise guide with the basics. GST/HST Rates on Products and Services The GST/HST rate you charge depends on the "place of supply"...
How to Handle a Vehicle Expense Audit by CRA
Facing a vehicle expense audit by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can feel daunting. But with the right preparation, you can navigate this process smoothly. If you've received a letter from CRA concerning a review of your corporation's...
Bare Trust T3 Returns: A 2024 Guide To Navigating New Trust Reporting Requirements
In 2023, Canada introduced sweeping changes to the trust reporting requirements, significantly impacting how bare trusts file their T3 returns for the tax year ending after December 30, 2023. This guide aims to demystify these changes,...
What Is A Business Meal?
Business Meal Under the Canadian Income Tax Act and CRA's interpretations, a business meal is considered deductible if it meets the following criteria: Purpose: The meal is purchased for a clear business reason, such as meeting with...
Climate Action Inventive Payment 2024 – What You Should Know
UPDATE - For Small Businesses If you landed here looking for Canada Carbon Rebate For Small Businesses announced in October 2024, please head over to this blog post dedicated to this topic. The discussion below is for the Canada Carbon...
How Does A Trust Work In Canada? A Short Playbook
Navigating the world of trusts in Canada can be complex, but understanding their basics, types, and benefits is crucial for effective financial and estate planning. This guide demystifies trusts, focusing on key aspects and common...
Holding Company Strategy in Canada as a Tax Planning Opportunity
Introduction to Holding Company In the realm of financial strategy and business structuring, the holding company strategy in Canada stands as a beacon of opportunity, particularly in the arena of tax planning. With the right approach, a...
How To Improve Cash Flow In Your Business With These Simple Levers
Introduction: Hi there! today we're discussing how to improve cash flow in your business with some simple levers. We understand that for businesses, particularly small businesses, startups, and e-commerce ventures, maintaining a healthy...
CPP Payments in 2024: What You Need To Know
Introduction Starting January 1, 2024, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will undergo substantial changes. These modifications are part of an ongoing enhancement initiative that began in 2019. The key aspect of these CPP payments 2024 changes...
Important Tax Changes in Canada for 2024
Introduction In this blog post, we will detail the important tax changes in Canada for 2024 that you need to know. Last year was difficult with ongoing inflation and rising interest rates, but for the new year, we have good news for...
From Burden to Relief: Unraveling the CRA Taxpayer Relief Process
Introduction To the CRA Taxpayer Relief Process Navigating the realm of CRA penalties and interest is a common hurdle for many Canadian entrepreneurs. Each year, over 30,000 small businesses face penalties due to late filing....
CEBA Loan Extension: Read The Fine Print
In yesterday's announcement, the Canadian government introduced extended deadlines and added flexibilities for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayments. The CEBA Loan Extension is a move aimed at providing relief to...
Navigating Tax Implications of Asset vs Share Sale of Your Canadian Business
Tax Implications of a Share Sale An asset vs share sale is a complex tax scenario to address. Let's start with a share sale first. A share sale is essentially a purchase of the entire business. The buyer acquires the shares of the company...
A Primer on eCommerce Accounting for Business Owners [+Actionable Checklist]
Introduction to eCommerce Accounting Practices in Canada Imagine this: It’s a crisp fall day in Toronto, and you, an ambitious entrepreneur, have just launched your first eCommerce store. Maple leaves are falling, and so are the barriers...
What is Contribution Margin? And Why is it Important for your Business?
Learn what contribution margin is and why it is crucial for your business’s profitability. Discover how contribution margin helps you analyze costs, set prices, and make informed decisions. Enhance your understanding of contribution margin’s significance in maximizing profits.
Underused Housing Tax (UHT): Demystified in 10 FAQs
A new underused housing tax (UHT) went into effect in Canada on January 1, 2022. The tax affects property owners with vacant or underused housing and requires them to file an annual UHT return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In the...
Shareholder Loans Rules: Tax Implications and Compliance with CRA
What are Shareholder Loans? Shareholder loans are funds that a shareholder of a corporation lends to the corporation or borrows from the corporation. For the purposes of this articles, we will focus on the part of money being borrowed by...