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How to Optimize Your Accounting Processes for Growth

A man is calculating taxes to optimize the accounting process for the growth of the business.

The accounting department of a business is involved in forecasting, budgeting, and interpreting financial information, which are critical functions for a company’s growth. If your accounting department is falling short, it’s time to reassess and implement improvements. Do you wish to modernize your accounting technologies and strategies to streamline operations? Would you like to establish efficient workflows to scale your business? The following are strategies and accounting technologies to help you achieve your goals. 

Cloud-Based Accounting System

While desktop accounting systems are loaded onto individual computers, cloud accounting is accessed through the Internet and runs on a cloud provider’s platform. High-grade encryptions ensure safety and security. Third-party accountants or staff can manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, the general ledger, and more. The following are the benefits of a cloud-based accounting system.

  • Creation of a unified system: A cloud-based system allows a company to create a streamlined and unified accounting and finance system. Tools and apps help transfer and reconcile data.
  • Always up-to-date: A cloud-based accounting system is automatically updated (latest security measures, features, accounting/tax regulations, etc.).
  • Automated: Cloud-based systems generally have automation technology that completes routine tasks (e.g., creating/sending invoices, tracking expenses, generating financial reports, sending bill payment reminders), allowing employees to spend time on more critical duties. 
  • Easily scalable: A cloud-based accounting system’s features and capabilities grow as your business grows. 
  • Offers data security: Cloud-based accounting has many layers of security, keeping records safe from external and internal threats. Only authorized employees can access the data.
  • Data backup: Automatic backups eliminate the risk of losing data due to natural disasters, fires, or power outages.

Automation Of Repetitive Tasks

Automating repetitive and menial tasks boosts efficiency, reduces errors, and lowers the need for human input/intervention, allowing workers to spend time on more critical tasks (budgeting, analysis, etc.). Duties that are easily automated include:

  • Importing statements directly 
  • Generating profit and loss statements
  • Importing transaction data
  • Breaking down expenses and income
  • Calculating taxes
  • Calculating pension payments, overtime, statutory sick pay, etc.
  • Generating forecasts, cash flow statements, and balance sheets

Efficient Financial Workflows

A workflow is a series of tasks or steps completed in a pre-determined order to achieve an objective. Scaling a workflow requires focusing on automation, a strategic approach, technology, flexibility, and communication. To increase workflow efficiency and manage growth, a company needs to assess processes, implement scalable solutions, and foster a culture of constant improvement. 

Effective, efficient accounting is central for all businesses, helping maximize financial health and prepare for growth. Corporate accounting is time-consuming and challenging. Let Cook & Company help make these tasks easier. We offer solutions tailored for your company. Contact us for assistance. 

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Maximizing Profitability Through Effective Business Tax Credits

A man's hands is busy in calculating an effective tax plan to reduce tax liabilities and maximize tax credits and incentives.

Operating a business can be challenging! From marketing and advertising to regulatory compliance, many details require attention to ensure a firm’s success. Taxes have a significant impact on profitability and long-term sustainability, so effective tax planning is critical.

What Is Effective Tax Planning?

Effective tax planning involves analysis, optimization, and compliance to reduce tax liabilities and maximize tax credits and incentives. It’s a comprehensive approach that produces advantages that assist with sustainability and profitability. Constantly evolving tax regulations and laws make effective tax planning critical for long-term success.

Commonly Overlooked Business Tax Credits

Many companies miss key tax deductions due to poor bookkeeping or lack of awareness. The following are some of the deductions/credits most commonly missed. 

  • Claiming what you pay: Employee benefits, wages, and salaries are a substantial business expense. Reasonable costs of salaries/benefits paid to family members working for the company are deductible. To ensure the legality of this deduction, keep accurate records. 
  • Prepaid expenses (rent, insurance, subscription services, etc.) are deductible. Thorough tracking is essential.
  • Legal and accounting fees (tax preparation, legal consultation, accounting services, etc.) are deductible. Ensure related invoices are logged appropriately.
  • Vehicle expenses (repairs, fuel, insurance, etc.) incurred by vehicles used for business are part of a company’s operating costs. They are deductible based on the percentage of personal versus business use. To make this claim, keep a logbook of business travel, ensuring accurate mileage is reported. 
  • Creating apprentice jobs may result in up to $2,000 in tax credits, helping you lower your business’s tax bill.
  • Business licenses and fees (such as memberships to trade or professional organizations) are deductible as business expenses. Ensure you have documentation proving membership. 
  • HST/GST payments on goods and services (ride-share services, parking costs, reimbursed expenses, etc.) qualify as input tax credits. To claim this deduction, keep complete and accurate records. 
  • Promotion and advertising (radio ads, free samples, social media ads, newspaper ads, donated services, etc.) are deductible.
  • Research and development credits are available to trusts, individuals, corporations, and sole proprietors. Businesses may claim a deduction against earned income and earn an investment tax credit.
  • Educational expenses associated with training or continued education related to the business (seminars, online courses, workshops, etc.) are deductible. 
  • Depreciation of intangible business assets (copyrights, patents, software, etc.) is often overlooked but qualifies for depreciation deductions. 
  • Clean investment tax credits (introduced in the 2023 federal budget) stimulate investment in clean technology and energy. They include the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit, the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, and the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit. They offer refundable benefits, making them attractive for new investments.

Do you need help maximizing business tax credits? Cook and Company provides high-quality tax planning and advisory services. Depend upon our Chartered Professional Accountants for help finding the tax credits for which your company qualifies. Contact us for assistance. 

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Reflect and Plan: Setting Your Business Goals for the New Year

A business owner reflects and plans how to set business goals for the upcoming new year.

The new year is almost upon us, making this a great time to review the past year’s achievements and undertake strategic planning. It’s a time to set realistic financial goals and review the succession plan. Attention to these matters ensures your business’s future success. However, business strategizing and succession planning are complex undertakings and are best done with the guidance of professionals. Following is advice from the experts at Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants.

Business Review and Goal Setting

Goal setting involves creating a vision of your company’s future by identifying your aims and objectives and determining the timing and sequence of meeting these. The following is a step-by-step guide to reviewing your business’s achievements and setting realistic goals for the upcoming year: 

  • Reflect upon this year’s performance. Look at the highlights and challenges. Consider your business’s strengths, weaknesses, threats you have mitigated, and opportunities taken. Let this reflection inspire your goal-setting for the new year.  
  • Define your mission and vision: Consider what you wish to achieve. Set guiding principles that provide a foundation for strategic planning and goal setting.
  • Plan changes: List new projects and ideas. Consider what is needed to make them happen. 
  • Prioritize your new projects and ideas. Decide which are a priority and which can wait.
  • Review revenue streams and set financial goals: Look at your current projects and the new projects you prioritized. Consider your possible income based on your products/services, audience, price point, and predicted sales. 

Succession Planning

Succession planning is a procedure that identifies key positions within your business and develops plans to ensure your organization continues to have the leadership needed to fill these posts. It is about preparation and future-proofing your company. The following is a guide to succession planning:

  • Identify the leadership positions critical to your company’s success, those that require competent, capable people. 
  • Determine the relevant skills, knowledge, competencies, and abilities needed for these roles.
  • Calculate the probable time till these positions are vacant (retirement, career changes, etc.) 
  • Identify possible replacements in your company and analyze their skills and competencies. Look for gaps. Discuss your plans with these candidates. 
  • Design initiatives to prepare chosen candidates for the change of leadership roles. Look for ways to enhance and develop their leadership skills. Provide training and experiences.
  • Evaluate and monitor your plan as it unfolds. Make changes/adjustments as needed.

 

Having trouble determining your business strategy? Need help with succession planning? Contact Cook and Company. Our professional chartered accountants are here to help!

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Essentials for Preparing Your Year-End Financials

A man is busy preparing his year-end financial report.

It’s crucial to gather information regarding expenses and income and create financial reports at the end of your business’s accounting year. These documents account for loan repayments, inventory expenses, employee wages/benefits, revenue assets, equity, investments, and paid taxes. Generating these reports includes reconciling, reviewing, and verifying all financial transactions since the last preparation of documents. Any discrepancies discovered between accounts payable and receivable require documentation or missing information to resolve the differences. Year-end financial reports create a picture of a business’s economic situation and inform organizational decisions (amount of inventory to order, number of employees to hire, decisions regarding loans, etc.).  

Preparing Year-End Financial Reports

The following are the steps for preparing year-end financial reports.

  • Prepare a schedule: List the critical activities necessary for the closing. Identify deadlines and the fiscal close date. Create a schedule with target dates for each task and assign the tasks.
  • Gather documents of your organization’s financial transactions (credit card statements, bank statements, inventory counts, loan statements, payroll reports, merchant statements, last year’s tax return, outstanding invoices/receipts, etc.). Ensure you have received all invoices for the year and check that you have invoiced all customers.
  • Review payroll documents (registers, employee records, timesheets, tax and benefit forms, etc.). Verify changes in compensation, policies, and tax withholding status. Reconcile payroll with financial reports (general ledger, tax filings, bank statements). 
  • Value and audit inventory: Do a year-end inventory count, verifying that the physical inventory matches the balance sheet. Consider the use of inventory management software to ease the task. Value your inventory to understand current assets, gross profit, and production demand. 
  • Review assets: Gather data on tangible assets (equipment, vehicles, property, furniture, etc.) and intangible assets (trademarks, patents, copyrights, etc.) and factor in depreciation.  
  • Examine accounts receivable and payable: Reconcile accounts receivable (money received and expected from customers) with accounts payable (money owed to suppliers/third parties). Review outstanding invoices, bills, and customer payments. List unpaid debts as liabilities/accrual expenses. 
  • Review agreements, contracts, and legal documents regarding relationships with clients, vendors, suppliers, landlords, partners, etc. Note conditions, terms, rights, obligations, and responsibilities regarding deliverables, payment, termination, indemnities, warranties, and dispute resolution. Make records of payment schedules, contract values, and billing cycles. 
  • Reconcile credit card statements, bank accounts, and loan balances. Ensure that recorded transactions match the evidence in bank statements, credit card statements, receipts, and invoices. Record adjustments by creating appropriate journal entries. Post balances to your general ledger. Verify records of interest and principal payments on loans.
  • Prepare an income/profit and loss statement: This document summarizes revenues, net income, and expenses. 
  • Prepare a cash flow statement summarizing cash outflows and inflows from investing, operating, and financing activities. 
  • Create a balance sheet to report your company’s liabilities, assets, and shareholder equity, providing a snapshot of your business’s finances. Group assets (accounts receivable, cash, prepaid expenses, inventory, long-term investments, etc.) and liabilities (short-term loans, accounts payable, accrued expenses, long-term debt, deferred tax, etc.) and shareholder’s equity.
  • Close the accounts, books, and ledgers for the last financial period. 
  • Distribute financial reports, sharing them with advisors, investors, consultants, and parent companies. 

How Cook and Company Can Help

If preparing year-end financial reports seems bewildering and time-consuming, contact Cook & Company. They prepare year-end statements (balance sheets, income statements, statements of owner’s equity, cash-flow statements) for all sizes of organizations and assist in the evaluation of company performance.

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Leveraging Accounting Technology to Improve Your Business Operations

A man is using advanced accounting technology.

Professional implementation of modern accounting technology streamlines business proceedings, revolutionizing the handling of financial operations. Automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks frees companies to focus on growth and strategic decision-making while ensuring compliance with reporting standards and reducing errors. Advanced accounting technology enables faster performance, detailed analysis, and more sophisticated operations.

Advanced Accounting Technology

Recent innovative solutions have reshaped accounting practices, offering increased precision and efficiency, improving security, and enabling scalability. 

  • Cloud-Based Solutions: Accounting firms utilize cloud-based solutions to create simpler, more efficient, and more secure accounting systems that can be accessed at any time with any device. These solutions automate monotonous tasks (recordkeeping, data entry, etc.), simplify data management, ensure fast payments, eliminate the need for costly software, allow real-time collaboration, and offer scalability. 
  • Accounting Software is designed to assist with generating financial statements, budgeting, taxes, managing inventory, payroll, and financial transaction recording. This software provides greater control, enhances accuracy, and ensures security. It enables deeper insights, facilitating data-based decision-making.
  • Machine Learning enables the gathering, organizing, and analysis of numerous datasets, continuously improving as information is accumulated. It provides real-time predictions and detects fraudulent statements, supporting efficient audits. 
  • Data Analytics: Accountants use analytics to provide meaningful insights, enabling data-driven decisions and effective business strategies. Data analytics are used for client advisory, risk assessment, forecasting, performance monitoring, and problem-solving. 
  • Predictive Analytics forecasts outcomes and generates predictions based on past outcomes and historical data. These analytic procedures help companies develop accurate budgets, estimate sales, and determine potential for expansion.
  • Artificial Intelligence incorporates self-learning capacity, empowering accountants to analyze large datasets efficiently. It is used to automate repetitive duties (data entry, tax filing, etc.) saving time and freeing companies to concentrate on tasks requiring creativity and critical thinking. 
  • Automation of accounting tasks eliminates human involvement in repetitive tasks, mitigates errors, automatically generates invoices, addresses vendor inquiries, and identifies discrepancies. 
  • Cybersecurity, such as stealth log-ins and password management protection, prevents unwanted access to accounts and credentials and minimizes the risk of data breaches.  

How Cook and Company Can Help

Effective, efficient accounting maximizes a business’s financial health but is a time-consuming, challenging undertaking. Cook and Company has over 20 years of experience of making the task easier by offering corporate accounting solutions tailored to each company’s needs. Our skilled implementation and accounting technology streamlines business operations and provides cybersecurity managed by professionals. We leverage technology for automated accounting processes. This saves money and time, improves compliance with regulations, and ensures accuracy. With integrity, honesty, and a personal touch, we use diverse, detailed, expertise to benefit our clients. We provide:

  • Bookkeeping: Recording revenues, charges, purchases, expenses, fees, and payments is a huge task. Cook and Company provides professional bookkeeping services for a variety of industries. Our proficient, bookkeepers help companies keep their finances up-to-date and in order. 
  • Preparation of year-end statements: Fiscal year-end statements help a business evaluate its performance. We provide statements that include a balance sheet (helps determine qualification for credit and loans and informs investors), an income statement (shows profitability and assists analysis of investments), a cash-flow statement (provides information regarding cash generation and expenditures), and a statement of owner’s equity (shows the cumulative company earnings available for distribution). 
  • Source deduction, remittance, and planning: Cook and Company ensure timely, accurate deductions and remittances (Employment Insurance premiums, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and income tax) and provide tax planning and advice. 

Contact Cook and Company for the assistance of chartered professional accountants. Let accounting technology improve your business operations.

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Tax Planning Strategies for the Second Half of the Year

The CPAs at Cook and Company work together in planning tax strategies.

We’ve entered the second half of the business tax year. Are you wondering how you can ensure tax savings for your company? Strategic tax planning is the answer. You can reduce tax liabilities and enhance savings by claiming available tax credits, income-splitting, utilizing small business deductions, making dividend payments to family members, creating a structured plan for business expenses/earnings, or implementing income deferral strategies. Read on to learn more.

Strategies for Reducing Tax Liabilities and Enhancing Savings

Following are several effective strategies for reducing the tax your business pays.  

  • Income splitting minimizes tax liability while remaining within tax laws and regulations. It may involve allocating income to a family member(s) (children, spouse) in a lower tax bracket by paying reasonable salaries for work done for the business. Dividends issued to family member(s) who are shareholders is another possible strategy. A family trust can also distribute income to beneficiaries. 
  • Claiming available tax credits is another critical aspect of business tax planning. Companies with foreign source income can claim foreign tax credit relief to prevent double taxation. A corporation can receive a tax credit on eligible research and development expenditures. Other strategies include depreciating capital assets, claiming business expenses (salaries, rent, supplies, etc.), and utilizing investment tax credits. 
  • Taking advantage of capital cost allowance enables corporations to deduct the cost of depreciable assets over time, reducing taxable income. One strategy is to purchase assets early in the fiscal year. Immediate expensing offers the chance to substantially reduce taxable income while claiming non-capital losses also reduces taxes.
  • Optimizing corporate structure for tax purposes is another possible strategy. Each business must choose the appropriate legal entity for its purpose, needs, and goals (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation). 
  • Establishing a holding company is an efficient tax deferral technique. The holding company acts as a separate entity that owns/controls shares. Dividend income received by the holding company is usually tax-free. 

Why Should a Business Seek Professional Help With Tax Planning?

A chartered, professional accountant can help with corporate tax planning and strategy. Utilize their services to:

  • maintain accurate financial records
  • ensure compliant/advantageous corporate tax planning
  • stay up to date on changes in tax laws
  • ensure accurate, timely filing of business tax returns/documents
  • reduce tax liabilities
  • enhance savings
  • help navigate complex tax planning

Need help with corporate tax planning? Not sure what tax deductions your business can claim? Cook and Company’s team of CPAs provides corporate tax advice that is powerful, approachable, and reliable. Contact us for high-quality tax services.

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Navigating Mid-Year Financial Reviews for Your Business

The employer is conducting a mid-year financial review with his employees.

Conducting a mid-year financial review uncovers where a business stands, revealing a company’s financial health and reorienting owners toward their goals. This comprehensive review looks at investments, debts, budgets, and insurance. It offers a chance to reassess goals, adjust financial plans, and begin tax planning. It enables a company to assess how they have done and make decisions for the rest of the fiscal year. 

The Benefits of a Mid-Year Financial Review

Undertaking a mid-year financial review is beneficial for an organization. A mid-year review:

  • Enables spotting risks and/or opportunities: The middle of the fiscal year is a great time to assess your company’s performance. It allows you to discover assets/sectors that performed well and warrant additional investment. It also reveals underperforming areas that drain financial resources and require strategic divestment or reallocation. 
  • Encourages the adjustment of financial goals: Goals set at the beginning of the fiscal year may no longer be appropriate for your company’s current situation or the economic landscape. A mid-year financial review allows you to adjust your business goals, ensuring they remain achievable and realistic. This comprehensive review acts as a roadmap for the rest of the year. 
  • Assists in tax planning: Tax planning is crucial for all businesses. A mid-year review identifies tax-saving possibilities, encouraging tax-saving strategies.

Enables budget realignment: A mid-year review reveals whether your company’s budget supports your current financial goals. It helps a business decide whether to adjust its spending patterns or reallocate funds. It helps ensure all funds contribute towards your financial objectives.

Steps for Conducting a Mid-Year Financial Review

  • Clarify your objectives: The first step in the mid-year review process is to create objectives. Make them specific, achievable, measurable, time-bound, and relevant. They act as benchmarks for your review.
  • Assess financial performance: Review/analyze income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. Evaluate revenue, expense, and profit margins. Look for discrepancies and cost-cutting possibilities. 
  • Review the budget: Compare the company’s budget with actual income and spending. Look for any variances (overspending, underutilizing saving strategies, etc.). Adjust the budget to align with your financial goals, taking into consideration unexpected expenses and changes in income. 
  • Evaluate investments: Examine investment performance (bonds, real estate, stocks, etc.), accounting for the current market conditions and your financial goals. 
  • Undertake debt management: Assess current debts (loans, leases, mortgages, outstanding accounts payable, business credit card balances, line of credit, etc.). Look at repayment terms and interest rates. Adjust repayment strategies where necessary. 
  • Examine emergency funds: Ensure your emergency fund can cover three to six months of expenses. Prioritize contributions.
  • Analyze processes and operations: Review supply chain/vendor relationships and inventory management. Assess production/service delivery for bottlenecks or possibilities for productivity enhancement. Look for ways to simplify operations or reduce costs. 
  • Evaluate marketing and sales: Examine conversion rates, sales performance, and customer acquisition costs. Look at offline and online campaigns, website analytics, and social media presence. Identify areas that need adjustment. 
  • Revisit your business strategy and plan: Assess projections/assumptions. Keep in mind current market trends/conditions. Identify areas that require adjustment (marketing strategies, target audience, product offering, etc.).
  • Reset goals: Use the results/insights of your mid-year review to reset actionable goals and make informed decisions.

How Your Accountant Can Help

There are many ways your accountant can assist with the mid-year review.

A mid-year business review is valuable for gaining insights into performance, adjusting strategies, and making informed decisions. Assessing financials, operations, sales, marketing efforts, employee performance, customer satisfaction, and business plans helps identify areas for improvement and encourages actionable goals. 

Need help with a mid-year business review? Are you looking for advice regarding business strategy, tax planning, financial planning, risk management, or regulation/tax compliance? Contact Cook and Company professional accountants. They provide services for a variety of privately owned/managed companies.

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The Role of Due Diligence in Business Transactions

Woman is thanking gentleman for helping her with tax deductions.

A merger occurs when two or more businesses consolidate to form a new company, combining forces to generate benefits. An acquisition happens when a company buys/takes over another business, purchasing the target company’s stock. Due diligence is the unsung hero of successful mergers and acquisitions. Through research and analysis, due diligence ensures that both parties benefit. 

What is Due Diligence?

Due diligence is the analysis and research an organization or company undertakes to prepare for a merger or acquisition. It helps evaluate the risks and advantages involved in the transaction. 

Why Undertake Due Diligence?

Due diligence enables a deep understanding of the company you are interested in acquiring or merging with. It confirms or disabuses impressions regarding financial, commercial, legal, and other information. It’s about verification and trust. 

Kinds of Due Diligence

There are four main kinds of due diligence.

  • Commercial due diligence involves understanding how the company creates income, its goals/strategies, and the competitive environment. It necessitates looking into the company’s strategic plan, business model, key customers, suppliers, and employees. It often includes an examination of the company’s record of social responsibility, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.  
  • Financial due diligence involves examining the company’s financial records (financial statements, year-to-date statements, trial balances, financial forecasts, tax returns, bank statements, budgets, etc). Look for tax liabilities, product margins, equipment repair/investment, operational inefficiencies, employee turnover rates, obsolescence, and working capital levels.  
  • Legal due diligence includes reviewing legal issues that affect the company (ongoing/pending litigation, past lawsuits, employment contracts, leases, customer/supplier agreements, laws/regulations that apply, licenses/permits, real estate, intellectual property, and corporate documents such as incorporation certificates, bylaws, and shareholder agreements, etc.). 
  • Customer due diligence applies to businesses in the financial sector and helps protect against money laundering or terrorist financing. It involves identifying customers, discovering the nature of ownership, and uncovering any suspicious transactions/practices.
  • Business mergers and acquisitions are two excellent ways to increase business growth, helping companies acquire new clients and expanding the market share through a single transaction. They help companies accelerate plans and build momentum. However, undertaking due diligence before completing a merger or acquisition is critical. Due diligence is the unsung hero of successful mergers and acquisitions. 

Need help with due diligence preceding a merger or acquisition? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. With over 20 years of experience helping create financially resilient companies, Cook and Company know the business. We encourage skillful risk management to deal with the variables involved in operating a company. We can help with your business merger or acquisition.

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Navigating CRA Audits: Best Practices and Tips for Compliance

Expert providing advice in taxes

The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) administers tax laws and benefit programs for the Federal Government and several territories and provinces. The auditing process is meant to acquire and maintain public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the tax system. The CRA examines the records and books of a business to confirm whether the company is following tax laws correctly, fulfilling its tax obligations, and receiving the benefits and/or refunds they are entitled. The following are tips and best practices for successfully navigating a CRA audit. 

Tips and Best Practices for Compliance

The following suggestions help speed and smooth the audit process, ensuring compliance.

Provide all requested documents: 

  • Personal records ( bank statements, mortgage documents, credit card statements, etc.)
  • Business records (invoices, ledgers,  journals, bank statements, receipts, rental records, contracts, etc.)
  • Records of people related to your business (spouses, family members, partnerships, corporations, trusts, etc.)
  • Records from your accountant that relate to the tax returns and books of the business

Ensure your books are up-to-date and accurate: 

  • Review  all accounts
  • Keep personal and business expenses separate
  • Reconcile bank balances, ensuring they are free of mistakes 
  • Record  and categorize expenses,
  • Save and organize receipts
  • Backup all data
  • Utilize accounting software, increasing accuracy and easing record-keeping
  • Consider outsourcing accounting tasks

Communicate clearly and openly with auditors: 

Keep the auditors informed. Be polite. Prepare and submit everything that is requested. Request updates periodically. Promote clarity by asking questions. 

Be available:

Be available to answer questions,  to assist, and to gather further information. 

Review all findings: 

Ask for an explanation of any changes made. Go over changes with your Chartered Professional Accountant to deduce if you are in agreement or if you wish to challenge the findings. 

Possible Results of an Audit

There are three possible outcomes of a CRA audit. 

  • The assessment is correct: If the audit determines that your assessment is correct, nothing has to be done. You’ll receive a letter and the audit is closed.
  • You owe more taxes: If the auditor determines an adjustment resulting in more taxes, you’ll pay the balance due. 
  • You receive a refund: If the auditor determines an adjustment resulting in less taxes, you’ll receive a refund.

What if you Disagree with the Assessment?

If you disagree with any part of the assessment, contact the auditor. Provide documents/records to support your position. If the disagreement can’t be resolved, you can appeal.

Filing taxes for a business is a complicated and complex procedure. A  Chartered Professional Accountant ensures your tax return is complete/accurate, you get any deductions you’re entitled to, and the chances of your file being chosen for an audit are minimized. If you are audited, your Chartered Professional Accountant supports you through each step of the process. 

Contact Cook and Company Accountants for all your tax and/or audit needs. Whether you operate a large corporation with many subsidiaries or a sole proprietorship, the Cook and Company team uses our expertise/experience to make tax and/or audit time a breeze. We assist in dealing with the CRA. Contact us for a consultation.

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Understanding Tax Deductions in Canada: A Guide for Small Business Owners

tax deductions canada

Tax season is here! It’s time to collect receipts, organize documents, and prepare to file your business tax form. The CRA offers many tax deductions for small business owners. You may only claim a portion of some, while others are deductible at 100%. What is tax deductible in Canada? Read on to find out!

What is a Tax Deduction?

A business tax deduction, sometimes called a write-off, is an expense that lowers the total amount of tax a business has to pay. It is subtracted from the business’s gross income, helping arrive at the taxable income for that year. Tax deductions include expenses such as equipment purchases, office rent, insurance, and business-related travel. 

What is an Example of a Tax Deduction for a Small Business?

Small businesses qualify for many tax deductions, including but not limited to:

  • Capital cost allowance: If a business purchases items (buildings, computers, vehicles, computer equipment, a franchise), it can depreciate these articles (over time) providing tax benefits for several years.

  • Bad debts are debts that a business is unable to collect. The Canadian Revenue Agency allows a business to claim bad debts, excluding those resulting from a conditional sales agreement or those for a mortgage.

  • Start-up costs are incurred preceding the start of business operations and may be claimed as a business expense.

  • Fees, licenses, and dues: A small business may claim professional service fees, fees for professional licenses, and professional association fees (membership in a commercial or trade association).

  • Use of home expenses: If a business operates from a home, that business may claim a portion of the interest on the home mortgage, home insurance, electricity, and heating costs.

  • Delivery, freight, and express: A business may claim fees for mail services and delivery.
  • Fuel costs: A small business may deduct the cost of fuel (diesel, gasoline, propane) motor oil, and/or lubricants used for business operations. This deduction does not include fuel used in a motor vehicle. 
  • Insurance: A business may deduct business insurance policies (general business liability, business interruption insurance, business property insurance, fire insurance, etc.). Businesses cannot deduct the insurance for motor vehicle or life insurance premiums.  
  • Interest and bank charges: A small business may write off any interest incurred on money borrowed to acquire property for the business and/or for general business purposes, as well as bank charges that are incurred when processing your payments.
  • Maintenance and repairs: Businesses may deduct the cost of materials and labour for maintenance and minor repairs done to property the business uses to earn income.
  • Meals and entertainment:  When an owner/employee of a business attends a conference, convention, or similar event the business may claim up to 50% of the cost for beverages, food, plane tickets, gratuities, and hotel rooms. When a business owner/employee takes a client to a sporting or entertainment event, the business may claim 50% of the cost of entrance fees, tickets, food, cover charges, beverages, gratuities, and room rental for a hospitality suite.
  • Motor vehicle expenses: If a small business incurs expenses through the use of a personal vehicle for business purposes, it may claim those expenses (by keeping an accurate log of use). If a business owns a vehicle/fleet of vehicles, it may claim insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance, and repairs. 
  • Prepaid expenses are expenses paid ahead of time (ie: yearly rent) and may be claimed.

  • Office expenses may be deducted (cost of pens, paper clips, pencils, stationery, and stamps.

  • Other business expenses are expenses incurred to earn income and that are not included on a previous line of the business claim (disability-related modifications, property leasing costs, computer/other equipment leasing costs, allowable reserves, convention expenses, private health services plan premiums, and/or premiums not previously deducted.

  • Property taxes: A business may deduct property taxes incurred for property used in the business (taxes for the land and/or buildings where the business is located).
  • Rent: A small business may deduct rent incurred for property used in the business (rent for the land and/or buildings where the business is located).
  • Salaries, wages, and benefits: Businesses may deduct gross salaries and/or other benefits paid to employees, but not a salary paid to the owner or business partner.
  • Supplies: A business may deduct the cost of items used indirectly to provide goods and/or services (ie: cleaning supplies used by a plumber, drugs and medication used in a veterinary operation, supplies used to manufacture a product, software that is used to supply a service).
  • Telephone and utilities: Small businesses may deduct costs for telephone and utilities ( electricity, gas, oil, water, cable, etc.) if they incur these expenses to earn income.
  • Travel: A business may deduct up to 50% of travel expenses incurred while earning business and professional income (public transportation fares, hotel accommodations, meals, etc.).

  • Cloud Computing Service Provider Fees: Cloud computing (that provides access to business applications and data from anywhere, at any time, on any mobile device) may be claimed as a business expense.

  • Donations: A business can claim donations made to registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, registered charities, registered national arts service organizations,  government bodies, registered Canadian low-cost housing corporations, registered universities, registered municipal or public bodies, certain registered foreign charitable organizations, and the United Nations.

  • Advertising: Small businesses can deduct expenses for promotion and advertising, including amounts paid for promotional gifts and business cards. Businesses may also deduct expenses for advertising on Canadian television, in Canadian newspapers, on Canadian radio stations, and in digital or online advertising.

If You Are Unsure

Tax deductions in Canada are constantly changing. If you’re in doubt about the tax deduction potential of a particular business expense, check with your accountant and/or with the CRA. No matter what size your business is, what type of business you operate, or where you operate from, your accountant can ensure you receive the deductions you qualify for. Let your chartered professional accountant help you reduce your business’s tax burden.

Contact Cook and Company Accountants for all your tax needs. Whether you operate a sole proprietorship or a large corporation, Cook and Company will use our expertise and experience to simplify tax time. Contact us to request a consultation.