Tax Tips

Have you moved to start a new job or carry on your self-employed business? You may be able to claim moving expenses on your tax return! May 8, 2012 If you have moved to a new home to be employed or to carry on your self-employed business at a new location you can deduct eligible…

Have you been benefiting by redirecting a portion of your bonus to a health care spending account? July 9, 2012 Employer payments to a private health services plan (i.e. health insurance) for the benefit of an employee are generally not a taxable benefit. Where an employee was eligible to irrevocably elect to allocate a portion…

The eligible expenditure limit can have a huge impact on your tax credits from Scientific Research and Experimental Development (“SR&ED”) programs. Is your tax planning strategy taking this into consideration? December 11, 2012 As many small businesses involved in SR&ED activities know, the tax credits available can be a huge tax relief, and in some…

With the arrival of December we all become aware that the year-end is quickly approaching. December 17, 2012 Although most of us realize that paying taxes is part of life and essential to ensure that we continue with our current lifestyles, we don’t want to pay more than our fair share. We each should set…

Employee Status – How Can I Tell If I Am Self-Employed or an Employee? April 10, 2013 Of all the questions asked of our firm, the issue of one’s status as an employee or self-employed is the most frequent and hardest to answer. It is hard to answer because there are no hard and fast…

Can I Deduct Meal Expenses Before or After a Round of Golf? April 17, 2013 Perception is reality, especially Canada Revenue Agency’s perception of legitimate business entertainment versus pleasure. Traditionally, the CRA has taken a very strict view on entertaining clients, employees, and suppliers at clubs, camps, lodges, golf courses, and on yachts. Unless your…

March 4, 2016 While it is always a good idea to have some retirement savings set aside, the Canadian government has programs available that can supplement your retirement income.  There are two main federal government retirement programs:  the Canada Pension Plan, and Old Age Security.  When planning for retirement, there is some discretion as to…

March 4, 2016 There are two main federal government retirement programs offered by the Canadian government:  the Canada Pension Plan, and Old Age Security.  In a previous tax tip, we discussed the characteristics of the CPP program and the impact of taking it early or deferring it to receive later.  This tip will focus on…