Financial Know HowFinancial Know How
Do You Know About These Changes to the SR&ED Tax Incentive?
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive program allows businesses to claim tax credits or refunds on eligible research and development work conducted in Canada. Qualifying for SR&ED can mean a sizeable difference in the amount of tax your company pays.
Credit Strategies for Your Business
It’s difficult to find one credit solution that does everything you want it to do for your business.
Make the Most of Your Tax Appointment
Entrepreneurs entering tax season have several choices when it comes to preparing tax returns. Those options include completing the tax returns manually, using do-it-yourself tax software or enlisting the help of a qualified tax preparer.
What to Do With Your Tax Refund
News that you will be receiving a tax refund – or finding out that you need to pay less tax than you expected – will probably come as a pleasant surprise. Once you receive a cheque from the government, however, the hard part begins: now you’ve got to decide what to do with it.
Options to Complete Your Tax Return: DIY, Software or Hire a Pro
It’s nice to have choices, because every situation is unique when it comes time to prepare your business or personal tax returns. Some people have more time than money, and may choose to tackle their taxes on their own. Others may be running complex businesses that require the assistance of a qualified tax specialist such as an accountant. Or, an accomplished do-it-yourselfer may enjoy the challenge of learning how to use software to get the job done.
Canadian Tax Resources for 2012
There are a number of resources providing Canadians with crucial information to complete their tax returns. In addition to the resources discussed below, to prepare your 2012 tax return you may find it helpful to read the Get Growing for business primer on getting organized for tax season.
Choosing a Tax Preparer? Keep These Tips in Mind
You’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious about doing your taxes: it’s a common sentiment among millions of Canadians sitting down to sort through their receipts, invoices and pay slips on a quest to figure out if they’ll owe money or enjoy a refund.
Where to Put Your Money — Business or Savings?
Crack open almost any business book and you’ll likely find plenty of advice on how to make the most of business opportunities and increase your company’s revenue. One topic that gets less coverage, though, is what to do with profit once you’ve earned it. Do you leave it in the company? Do you put it into an RRSP? It can be difficult to prioritize long-term saving over short-term growth opportunities, and ideally, you’ll want to ensure your financial strategy incorporates a balance of investment options.
During the Good Times, Keep an Eye on the Future
The phone is ringing off the hook and your sales numbers are acting like they’re filled with helium – they just keep on rising. Your business outlook has never been better.
The Importance of RRSPs for Business Owners
Entrepreneurs are an incredibly hard-working lot. We choose to endure long work weeks, endless multi-tasking and lots of stress – not to mention the additional hours spent thinking about the business during downtime.
Save money on your next trade show booth
Attendance figures will keep any event organizer awake at night. It’s a balancing act for such organizers, who promise a turnout to secure exhibitors and then scramble to get people to attend.
Check your eligibility for SRED
Most business owners will welcome a 35% tax credit for expenses such as wages, materials, machinery, equipment and overheads.
Launch your business for less
You don’t need a wheelbarrow of money to start a business. In fact, most types of service-based businesses can be launched for very little money.
Taking family money
You may find it easy to raise money from family members because, well, they love you.
What investors want from your business
Your attractive face, polished patter, crisp wardrobe and firm handshake may get you a meeting with an investor, but that’s about it.
Reduce your legal and accounting costs
Every dollar counts when you’re running a business.
3 easy ways to check your financial health
No one likes unpleasant surprises. Running out of money is one of them.
Handling hidden business expenses
As the world works to restore a healthy economy, Canadian business owners are doing their part to ensure the well-being of their own company finances. Finding and managing hidden expenses is one way to improve those fortunes.
Re-structuring your company for savings & protection
Canadian business owners work hard for their money – so naturally they want to keep as much of it as possible.
Tax time: What’s new for 2011?
Across Canada, business owners (and their tax preparers) are racing to complete the paperwork required to file 2011 tax returns on time.
Tax deductions for home-based businesses
Running a business from your home offers numerous advantages. You can work when you want, you can blend your personal and business life as you wish, and you can deduct some of your household expenses against your taxes.
Accepting money from investors
Your growing business may require capital. That may take the form of money blended from several sources, including credit, savings, profits and investors.
Reasons to hire an accountant
I believe business owners should focus on their strengths and delegate weaknesses. It allows you to do what you do best and leave the rest. Choosing to perform tasks you don’t enjoy (or, worse, don’t understand) may cause disasters for your business.
Cash flow boosters
Want to sleep better at night? Tune up your cash flow.
Get your business noticed in a crowd
Powerful branding doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. If a business sticks to a basic customer promise it can build a unique position in its marketplace without spending a fortune on marketing.
Tax issues and the Personal Services Business designation
If you’re supplying services as an independent contractor, consultant or project manager through a small corporation, it may be worth your while to learn more about the issues surrounding Personal Services Business (PSB) designations.
Don’t forget these 2011 tax deductions
Reduce your tax burden by investigating these popular deductions. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) makes it fairly easy to understand the various deductions and tax rules affecting your business.
Do you need a bookkeeper, tax preparer or accountant?
As we race toward the 2011 tax filing deadline of April 30, 2012 (or June 15 if you’re self-employed without a balance owing), you may be thinking about letting someone else handle all that paperwork for you. Hiring a professional to process and remit your financial information may help you to sleep better at night.
Invest beyond your business
Don’t pass on RRSP contribution
By Roger Pierce, Small Business Expert
This time of year can be financially stressful.
The months of January and February catch many Canadians struggling to pay off their holidays bills, while at the same time fretting about taxes due in April.
