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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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Mergers and Acquisitions: Key Considerations for Business Growth

Mergers and Acquisitions

Acquisitions and mergers are methods used to expand and build a business. Organizations utilize these techniques to achieve goals and improve their company. There are many things to consider when determining whether merging with or being acquired by another company is the right decision for your corporation. Which is the easier option? Which choice offers more resources/security, and which is best for your shareholders?  

Why do Companies Undertake Mergers and Acquisitions?

There are many reasons why merging with or acquiring a business is a compelling option for corporate restructuring. Companies merge with or acquire another company:

  • To gain a competitive edge
  • To grow a business.
  • To increase proficiency
  • To diversify business processes
  • To vertically integrate
  • To take advantage of tax benefits
  • To cut operational costs
  • To survive a rapidly changing market
  • To acquire new technology and skills 
  • To accelerate growth
  • To acquire knowledge
  • To gain revenue synergies (cross-selling products, supply chain efficiency, improved performance, etc.)
  • To lower labour costs
  • To increase market share
  • To gain access to financial resources

What’s the Difference Between a Merger and an Acquisition?

A merger occurs when two or more businesses voluntarily consolidate to form a new entity, combining forces to create benefits (gain entry into new markets, expand market share, reduce operating costs, widen profit margins, increase revenues, increase operational efficiencies, improve technology, pool resources, decrease competition, etc.). The resulting company generally takes a new name and management is undertaken by employees from both businesses. New shares may be issued and distributed equitably among the shareholders of both companies. Mergers are typically friendly, mutually beneficial restructurings of corporate equals without cash exchange. There are many types of mergers:

  • Horizontal mergers occur when companies merge with competitors.
  • Vertical mergers involve merging with customers or suppliers.
  • Market extension mergers involve companies that provide the same product but operate in separate markets.
  • Product extension mergers occur when companies deal with related products and operate in the same market.

An acquisition occurs when one business buys and takes over another business by purchasing 51% or more of the target company’s stock. Large, financially strong companies typically acquire smaller, weaker entities. The larger company looks for small, fast-growing companies that complement their portfolio, intending to expand quickly and access new technologies. The acquired company ceases to exist. New shares are not issued. The purchasing company need not have consent, they gain complete control, and they decide the terms of the restructuring. Despite this, acquisitions are not always hostile. There are different types of acquisitions:

  • Purchases occur when one company buys another company.
  • Takeovers occur when a company takes over another company and is typically hostile.
  • Equity acquisitions involve acquiring stock shares rather than cash.

What are the Benefits of Mergers and Acquisitions?

  • Economics of scale: Merging with or acquiring another company increases the size of a business, improves access to capital, enhances bargaining power with distributors, and lowers costs. The added resources and/or technology help save money.
  • Economics of scope: Acquisitions and mergers allow businesses to access an increased client/customer base. 
  • Synergies are the value created by the merger/acquisition, and the advantages of two businesses working together (cost synergies, revenue synergies, financial synergies). 
  • Increased opportunity for value generation often occurs due to a purchase price less than fair market value.
  • Improved market share: Higher revenue and/or increased profit from the larger company created is a frequent motive for a merger or acquisition. 
  • Increased ability to compete: A larger company is more competitive, often causing smaller companies to fall away.
  • Improved access to talent: Larger companies generally have access to the best talent. 
  • Decentralized risk: Acquisitions and mergers increase/diversify revenue streams, spreading the risk. If one stream falls, alternative streams may increase or hold.
  • Rapid strategy implementation: Mergers and acquisitions speed product research and development and assist with achieving long-term strategies.  
  • Additional tax benefits are achieved by acquiring a company in a strategic industry or a business located in an area with favourable tax laws.
  • Increased product lines: Mergers and acquisitions allow access to new product lines, providing options and diversifying the company portfolio. 
  • Improved image: The image/reputation of an acquired/merged company often improves or is altered for the better. 

Tips for Effective Mergers and Acquisitions 

Some actions and considerations increase the effectiveness of a merger or acquisition. Following are some tips to ensure success.

  • Undertake due diligence. Evaluate the financial health, strategic fit, and potential risks of the other company.
  • Develop an integration plan to encourage a smooth transition and maximize the benefits.
  • Communicate clearly with stakeholders (investors, employees, customers, etc.), minimizing uncertainty and fostering trust.
  • Consider cultural integration (aligning values, practices, norms, etc.).
  • Monitor and evaluate the progress of the integration, making adjustments when necessary and ensuring the achievement of intended outcomes.

If your company wishes to achieve sustainable growth and drive success, consider a merger or acquisition. Be aware of the considerations and challenges associated with these strategies. Take time and evaluate the risks and advantages.  

Considering a merger or acquisition? Need help with business strategy and/or risk management? Contact the experts at Cook and Company. We provide high-quality business services to a variety of privately-owned and managed companies.

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Payroll Management 101: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

payroll 101

Payroll management is time-consuming, complicated, and stressful, but it’s a critical part of running a business and must be completed in compliance with Canada’s payroll rules and guidelines. Mistakes may cause legal/financial trouble with employees and/or the CRA. Understanding what is involved and how payroll works ensures you safeguard your employees and company. The following is a payroll 101 guide; everything you need to know as a business owner. 

What is Payroll?

Payroll is the procedure for providing company employees with wages/salary. It involves tracking hours worked, calculating pay (wages/salary, taxable benefits, allowances, etc.), withholding, remitting, and reporting source deductions (CPP, EI, income tax, RRSPs, etc.), and distributing payment (direct deposit, cheque, cash, etc.). A good payroll system gets the right amount to each person at the right time. Though it may be completed by hand, payroll is typically accomplished through payroll software or outsourced to a third party (accountant, bookkeeper, payroll specialist).  

How to Set Up and Process Payroll

When setting up and completing payroll for your business, you need to:  

What is a Payroll Account?

An employer, trustee, or payer of employees is given a 15-character payroll account number (contains a 9-digit business number, two-letter code, and four-digit reference number) to identify the business when communicating/dealing with the Canadian Revenue Agency. 

What is a T4 Slip?

A T4  slip is a statement of remuneration paid and reports employees’ pensionable, taxable, and insurable income, EI premiums, CPP contributions, and employment income (including allowances and taxable benefits).

What is a TD1 form?

A TD1 form, also called a personal tax credit return, provides information regarding an employee’s tax situation, enabling the employer to deduct the correct amount of tax from his/her pay. It is completed when:

  • A new employee starts work
  • An employee alters/modifies the amounts of claims and/or income
  • An employee wishes to increase the amount of taxes deducted at the source
  • An employee wishes to claim deductions for living in a particular area
  • An employee is beginning to receive a pension

How to Register for a Worker’s Compensation Account

Workers’ compensation insurance provides employees with the benefits and/or services needed to get back to work safely after an injury occurs. If your business is required to have workers’ compensation coverage, you need to open an account within 15 days of hiring your first employee. 

What Happens if You Fail to Deduct the Correct Amounts? 

If you fail to deduct the correct amounts and/or miss the remittance deadline, you are subject to up to a 10 percent penalty of what should have been remitted and/or deducted. If you are found guilty of gross negligence, the penalty could rise to 20 percent of what should have been deducted/remitted. 

Payroll remittance errors cause employers problems and lead to penalties from the CRA (fines, interest, and other fees). It pays to establish a clear, accurate payroll system through the use of CRA-compliant software or the services of a payroll specialist (bookkeeper, accountant, etc.).

Need help with corporate accounting and/or tax planning? Contact Cook and Company Accountants. Whether you manage a sizable corporation or a sole proprietorship, our experience/expertise can make tax time a breeze. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. 

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Estate Planning for Blended Families: Navigating Complex Relationships

estate planning for blended families

A blended family forms when two individuals come together (married or common-in-law) bringing a child/children from previous relationships. They may then have a child/children together. The dynamics of this family arrangement can be complicated, resulting in both rewards and challenges. Financial and/or emotional issues often arise when one of the partners passes, revealing a mix of expectations from the remaining partner, children, and the ex-spouse(s). To reduce conflict, mistrust, and/or discord, it’s important to have open discussions and to develop a detailed and comprehensive estate plan, particularly if ownership of a business is involved. Preparation and communication are key to easing family dynamics. So, what does estate planning for blended families in Canada look like? 

Estate planning tips for blended families:

The following are some estate planning tips to promote harmony in a blended family.

  • Keep estate documents updated: Be aware that separation/divorce does not affect pre-existing beneficiary designations. Ensure all documents are updated to reflect the blended status of your family (RRSPs, pension, insurance, will, etc.). 
  • Establish a mutual wills agreement: This contract between partners prohibits both from changing their will without the consent of the other. Mutual wills restrict the future testamentary freedom of the surviving spouse. 
  • Appoint a trustworthy, reliable executor, someone acceptable to all family members.
  • Consider a prenup: Creating a prenup presents the opportunity to begin communication and negotiation of difficult financial issues, providing protection and certainty for all involved/affected. Ensure the process is collaborative and based on mediation principles. 
  • Consider a trust: A trust (a fiduciary relationship that gives the trustee the right to hold title to property/assets for the benefit of a third party/parties) assists in the distribution of assets, solidifying a desired outcome. Tailor the trust to your preferences.
  • Communicate: Open, meaningful, ongoing dialogue with your partner and beneficiaries provides a means for making adjustments as circumstances change. 
  • Establish a power of attorney: If a partner is alive but unable to make decisions (personal care, property, business), a power of attorney may ensure that the new spouse/common-in-law partner is in charge of decision-making, reducing conflict with the ex-spouse and/or children. 
  • Seek advice: Obtain advice/assistance regarding the unique tax and law challenges of your blended family situation. Your chartered professional accountant can help guide you through the twists, turns, and pitfalls of estate planning (capital gains tax, estate-related taxes, and other expenses), particularly when ownership of a business is involved. 

A blended family often results in complicated estate planning challenges, particularly when a business is involved. Open and honest communication with all involved helps ensure harmonious relations. Keep beneficiary designations and documents current. Obtain advice to ensure that your estate plan meets your needs and desires. Consider tax and family law obligations. Contact your chartered professional accountant for assistance. 

Need help with business estate planning? Looking for advice and/or guidance? Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants (based out of Calgary and Edmonton) serve clients across Canada/United States, providing quality assurance, succession, and tax planning services for privately owned and managed companies. A detailed, tactful understanding of estate planning assists your company. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

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Succession Planning: Preparing Your Business for the Future

Succession Planing

All business owners/managers strive for a stable, growing, profitable company. They plan, innovate, create, and organize in pursuit of their goals. But, what about the future of the company? Who will take over when the business owner/management retires, sells, or passes? How can owners/managers ensure that the business will survive and thrive? How can they be sure the outcome meets their needs and desires? Succession planning is a large part of the answer.

What is succession planning?

When people hear the term succession planning, they often think of personal wills and handing down money and/or property to family members. But what is a succession plan in business? Business succession planning refers to an exit strategy for business owners/managers, the steps taken to shape the future of the company in ways that meet the owner’s desires and/or needs. If a company owner plans on selling, succession planning enables a successful transition of ownership. If retirement is what an owner chooses, succession planning is aimed at finding the person(s) best suited to take over and identifying and developing a future leader(s). Business succession planning typically involves: 

  • Assessing current/future business needs according to the company’s strategic plan and their priority goals, projects, and/ or programs
  • Identifying individuals whose potential, skills, and talents best help the company meet its needs/goals
  • Developing plans to manage gaps in skills and/or capabilities that may occur if a key leader/leaders leave the company
  • Cross-training employees/managers to assist in the development of skills, knowledge, and an understanding of the business
  • Preparing for future changes and/or emergencies (when the unexpected arises)
  • Ensuring smooth business operation should owners/managers/employees retire or leave the company

Business succession planning focuses on more than the senior manager/executive, encompassing all key positions and all functions that require experience, skill, and/or seniority. 

What is the importance of succession planning?

The following items illuminate the importance of business succession planning. 

  • Ensures survival of unforeseen events: Abrupt resignation, illness, death, personal problems, and/or arrest may result in an unexpected vacancy in an important company position. Though you can not foresee these events, your company can plan, prepare, and strategize possible responses to ensure the smooth operation of the business. 
  • Forces long-term thinking: It’s easy to focus on weekly meetings, quarterly earnings, and yearly reports. Business succession planning forces a company to consider the future, helping plan and create a wise course for the company. 
  • Promotes communication: Succession planning requires the cooperation and participation of all department heads and senior management members. This promotes communication, improving day-to-day work. 
  • Saves money: Being unprepared for vacant positions risks your business incurring considerable costs as you search for suitable replacements. Attracting qualified people from their current positions can be an expensive undertaking. Succession planning can save you the cost of hiring outside employees for key roles as you have access to employees prepared for promotion from within. 
  • Motivates employees: A succession plan informs employees that you are planning for the future, committed to business growth/survival, dedicated to stability, and interested in internal promotion (developing staff for leadership positions). This creates confidence and motivates employees to give their best.  

What are the benefits of succession planning?

There are many advantages for employers and employees to having a well-developed succession plan in place.

  • Awareness that there is a chance for advancement/ownership empowers employees and results in higher job satisfaction
  • Succession planning reinforces employees’ career development
  • Commitment to succession planning results in supervisors mentoring employees to develop knowledge and expertise
  • Planning promotes tracking of employee value/skill/knowledge/loyalty with the intention of internally filling positions that arise
  • Promotes sharing of company values/vision with leaders/employees
  • A new generation of leaders is prepared for eventual need(s)
  • Reassures investors/shareholders during times of change

The steps of business succession planning:

There are a series of logical, beneficial steps that assist with successful business succession planning.

  • Identify possible serious business challenges for the next one to five years.
  • Identify employment positions that are critical for supporting business continuity.
  • Identify skills, competencies, and knowledge that are critical factors for success.
  • Consider high-potential employees, assessing possible future positions.
  • Select the skills/knowledge/competencies employees need to be successful in their positions and to meet the business challenges identified.
  • Capture the knowledge possessed by individuals before they depart the organization (mentorship programs, personal productivity tools, knowledge maps, manuals, storytelling, interviews, etc.).
  • Use targeted career development strategies to create a talent pool of individuals/employees to step into critical positions.

Transferring the ownership and/or management of a business is a professionally and personally delicate process. Without careful planning, a number of issues and/or mistakes may arise. Updating and revising your company’s succession plan regularly is critical. Constantly amend your plan, making changes as your needs/desires change and to meet the current business environment. Smooth transitions are achievable when you’re well-prepared. Talk to your Chartered Professional Accountant. They have the expertise, experience, and knowledge to help create and maintain a successful business succession plan. 

Need help with business succession planning? Looking for business guidance and/or advice? Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants are based out of Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, serving clients across the United States and Canada. We provide high-quality assurance, succession, and tax planning services for a variety of privately owned and managed companies. Our detailed and tactful understanding of succession planning and its many parts is available to assist your company. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. 

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Innovations in Accounting Software

Innovations in Accounting Software

The use of accounting technology increases efficiency and streamlines a business’ approach to managing finances, enabling them to be competitive. Accounting technology enables accountants to connect effectively with the businesses they serve, allowing them to provide ongoing advice and guidance. Remaining current with recent innovations in accounting technology is critical for both accountants and businesses. The following are some of the most recent innovations in accounting software.

  • Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism (involving the distribution and decentralization of database tech) that allows transparent information sharing within a business network. It’s intended to protect encrypted data, reduce redundancy, improve efficiency and enable the maintenance of an expanding number of transactions. Blockchain technology enables a complete, automated digital audit of each individual transaction. Using modern encryption methods, this technology allows companies to use a common data retention infrastructure (involving the use of a shared ledger) even as each accountant, auditor and company maintains a privately managed database.

  • Cloud computing applications allow the storage and accessibility of data online rather than on a hard drive. They don’t require expensive hardware, hosting, ongoing updates and dedicated IT to maintain. They handle everything from payroll and invoicing to taxes and benefit payments. Financial information is updated as changes occur and can be monitored and managed from a user-friendly dashboard, enabling a free flow of information, no matter where you are or which device you’re using. Cloud computing makes it easier to collaborate and exchange information. The flexibility of cloud accounting software makes it simple for growing businesses to scale. Adding new users/features is as simple as upgrading your monthly subscription. Cloud-based software also helps companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Automated accounting technology uses software to automate important financial operations. It limits the number of steps in workflows and makes the accounting operation a more hands-off experience by decreasing time spent on data entry. This tech is capable of highlighting anomalies or patterns without manual data input, creating greater efficiency. It reduces human error, often translating to higher profitability. From invoice approval processes to inputting sales data and automating revenue recognition, automated software features are expected to continue to develop. Automated accounting technology helps accounting teams work smarter, not harder.

  • Optical character recognition applications (also referred to as text recognition) scan printed/handwritten documents and convert them into machine-readable text that can be shared with colleagues/clients. This data can be copied and/or edited as required and allows for the performance of a simple digital search to find the information needed. This technology reduces time spent on tasks such as itemizing receipts, organizing invoices and tracking expenses. It eliminates paper clutter.

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning make accounting more effective and efficient, improving productivity by up to 40%. AI can conduct repetitive, rudimentary tasks including auditing, payroll, uploading files and sorting through data. This frees up time for tasks such as analyzing and interpreting data and building more effective, efficient recommendations for corporate growth and stability.  AI substantially reduces the likelihood of frustrating and time-consuming mistakes. Deviations from the established pattern can be caught before calculations move beyond the problem. This leads to more accurate reporting, reducing the need for audits.

  • Real-time reporting is the process of updating your books at all times; revenue, account balances and profit. It allows the entire company to view all metrics/insights and make better use of analytics to make decisions.

  • Personalization technology is about delivering a valuable service or product to a customer based on personal experiences and historical customer data. It’s becoming more common, from sales and marketing solutions to consumer apps to accounting software programs. It allows specific functionality.  

By organizing everyday finance management, accounting software allows companies to grow their businesses. The administration process is streamlined, data can be processed remotely and the margin of error is reduced. Daily finances are better understood, empowering the business as a whole. Tasks that took hours can be done in minutes. Financial data is quickly and easily accessed in an easy-to-understand format. Innovations in accounting software save time and money while adding value to a company. 

Need help establishing a good accounting system and/or incorporating accounting software? Looking for business advice? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. We are based out of Calgary, Alberta, serving clients across Canada and the United States. We provide high-quality tax, assurance and succession planning services for a wide variety of privately-owned and managed companies. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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Financial, Community and Accounting Resources for New Canadians

Attending resources for new Canadians

In the year 2022, Canada welcomed 437,180 immigrants and saw a net increase in the number of non-permanent residents estimated at 607,782, a population growth of  2.7%. International migration accounted for 95.9% of all growth recorded. Much of this increase is related to efforts by the Canadian Government to ease labour shortages, drive our economy and help bridge the demographic gap. 

The decision to immigrate to Canada is a big step. Those arriving require advice and guidance from the time they decide to immigrate until they’re settled in Canada. They need to get familiar with financial institutions, navigate the education system, find housing and secure a job. It may be necessary to become informed about work and study permits, visitor and business visas, inadmissibility, permanent residence and citizenship. In short, they need to become aware of Canadian systems and the resources and tools available. So what financial, accounting and community resources are available to new Canadians?

Resources available to immigrants:   

There are many government and community resources and tools for new Canadians to help them navigate the laws and culture of their new home. Don’t forget CPAs! They can help newcomers and more established immigrants answer the many financial questions that arise when people come to this country.

New to Canada? Looking for advice? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. We are based out of Calgary, Alberta, serving clients across Canada and the United States. We provide high-quality tax, assurance and succession planning services for a wide variety of privately-owned and managed companies. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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What to Remember for This Tax Season

What to Remember for This Tax Season - Cook & Company - Chartered Professional Accountants - Featured Image

Tax season is upon us and it’s a busy time! Each business must undertake the process of reporting earnings and paying income tax on business profits. It’s important to report income in the fiscal period you earn it, no matter when you receive it. It’s crucial to deduct business expenses but only if you incur them to earn income and if you are able to back up the claim. With filing deadlines approaching, what do you need to remember for this tax season? The following are some reminders for your business in this hectic time. 

  • File on time: If you wish to receive the benefits/credits your business is entitled to and avoid penalties, it’s important to file your return on time. File your return no later than six months after the end of each tax year. The tax year of a corporation is its fiscal period. If your business’ tax year ends on the last day of a month, file the return by the last day of the sixth month after the end of the tax year. If your tax year ends on March 31, your filing due date is September 30. If your tax year ends on August 31, your filing due date is February 28. If your tax year ends on September 23, your filing due date is March 23. When a filing due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday recognized by the CRA, your return is considered on time if the CRA receives it or if it is postmarked on or before the next business day. For more information, go to Important dates for corporations.
  • File online: To receive your refund faster, sign up for a direct deposit and file your return online through NETFILE-certified tax software or the services of an authorized service provider who can use the CRA EFILE service. 
  • Claim all benefits, credits and deductions: Your business may be able to claim tax deductions, credits and/or expenses on your return. Top deductions for business owners include advertising expenses, business-use-of-home expenses, meals and entertainment, office expenses and vehicle expenses.
  • Remit GST: You may be required to register and file a GST/HST return. Your GST due date depends on your tax filing period. Some businesses choose to pay their GST/HST quarterly or annually. For more information on how to (pay) your GST/HST, the CRA has additional guidance here.
  • Reduce adjustments: To reduce the number of changes made to your business return each year, find information about common adjustments, including how to get forms, guides and other publications.
  • Pay on time: To avoid interest charges, pay any balance owed by the deadline. If this is not possible, work out a payment arrangement with the CRA. 
  • Keep receipts/documents: In case you are selected for review,  keep all receipts/documents for at least six years. If you’re self-employed or a sole proprietor, you may need to keep some of your business records for a longer period of time.
  • Claim non-capital losses: If your expenses exceed business income in any year, use this loss to decrease your income tax bill. The loss can be carried back three years or carried forward up to 20 years. Your Chartered Professional Accountant can help you decide if it makes sense to use the non-capital loss in the current tax year, carry the non-capital loss back to recover income tax you’ve already paid or carry it forward to offset a larger tax bill.
  • Strategize your capital cost allowance: Instead of deducting the cost of the depreciable property you’ve acquired in your business in a particular year, deduct this cost over a period of years through a capital cost allowance claim. You can use as much or as little of this claim in any year and carry any unused portion forward to help offset a larger income tax bill in the future. Also, consider buying and selling your assets at the right time. Buy new assets before the end of your fiscal year and sell old assets after the current fiscal year.
  • Manage RRSP and TFSA contributions: Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Tax-Free Savings Accounts are excellent income tax deductions for small-business owners. Since some or all of your allowable RRSP contributions can be carried forward into subsequent years, you’re better off saving RRSP contributions for years in which you expect a high income. If you’ve maxed out your RRSP contributions and need a tax-free place to put cash or investments, the TFSA is a good choice. TFSAs allow you to shelter savings and investment income from taxes. Income and capital appreciation from stocks, bonds, or other interest-bearing instruments are tax-free inside a TFSA. Your Chartered Professional Accountant can help you maximize savings using RRSPs and TFSAs.

Business taxes are complex and complicated. Consider hiring a CPA. Most businesses prefer to have a certified professional accountant complete their Canadian income tax returns. This saves time and effort, provides assurance of accuracy and increases your chances of efficient tax planning. 

Need help with your business’ tax returns? Looking for business advice? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. We are based out of Calgary, Alberta, serving clients across Canada and the United States. We provide high-quality tax, assurance and succession planning services for a wide variety of privately-owned and managed companies. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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Strategies to Improve your Business’s Accounting

Business accounting

If you want to weather the current economic climate and encourage growth for your business, you need a well-planned and implemented accounting strategy – an approach that tracks revenues, expenditures and profits, systematically. Being on top of your financial situation enables you to make decisions best suited to your circumstances. The following are some strategies to improve your business’s accounting.

Keep business and personal banking separate:

Open a dedicated bank account for your business, preferably one with online access as this makes it easier to make payments and do bank reconciliations. If you need business money for personal expenses, do a regular transfer to your personal account. This will make bookkeeping much easier.  Don’t use your personal credit card for work purchases and vice versa.

Recognize business vs. personal expenses:

You need to know what type of expenses can and can’t be claimed against your profit for the purpose of reducing tax. An expense that is directly related to the operation of the business and towards producing income is tax-deductible. An expense that is for your personal pleasure is not. Mixing personal and business does not mean a full claim for business can be made. If you’re in doubt about whether or not to claim an expense, contact your accountant.

Develop a budget:

Begin by coming up with revenue projections and a list of anticipated expenditures. Compare this budget to actual expenses and revenue. Adjust the budget as needed.

Keep an eye on high-cost expenses:

Labour and inventory costs are the largest expenses for most small businesses. To reduce labour expenses, consider outsourcing  work to contractors that bill at an hourly rate. They may not need 40 hours/week to complete your work and they don’t require benefits. Time-tracking software makes it easier to understand how much certain tasks cost your business, enabling you to find ways to control expenses. Track inventory carrying costs, inventory turnover ratio, amount lost to obsolete inventory and other key metrics.

Plan for major investments

Consider what expenses will arise in the next one to five years (upgrade of facilities, new office equipment, peaks in staffing costs, emergencies). By planning for major expenses, you can avoid taking money out of the company during good months and finding yourself short in slow months. Track expenses and revenue to help identify the best time for large investments. Business credit cards help establish a credit history giving you a better chance at qualifying for financing (lines of credit, loans) and they often offer perks such as business or travel rewards.

Utilize bookkeeping software:

There are free bookkeeping software packages if you are on a tight budget (Wave, ZipBooks, Akaunting, SlickPie, GnuCash, CloudBooks). If you can afford it, purchase a good-quality program that comes with occasional updates (Cashbook, Quickbooks, Xero, Sage, Freshbooks, Zoho). Choose one that is easy to use, customizable, produces charts for quick reference and combines different aspects of reporting from one period to the next. 

Organize and store source documents:

Quotes, orders, delivery dockets, sales and purchase invoices, credit and debit notes, payment/remittance advice, cheques, receipts, wage records and deposit slips need to be filed and archived for 5 to 7 years. Keeping source documents at your fingertips makes it easier to prevent fraud in your business, improve your accuracy and ease finding transactions when needed.

Read and understand monthly reports:

Keep your bookkeeping system up to date and produce reports monthly. Learn to read and understand these reports, in particular the income statement and the balance sheet. 

Reconcile bank statements

to get a fair picture of your financial health. Make sure the figures in your accounts are registered on your bank statements and vice versa. 

Keep on top of sales invoices

Late and/or unpaid bills hurt cash flow.  As soon as a job is complete or a product is delivered, prepare and send out customer invoices. Put a process in place to track your billing carefully (issuing a second invoice, a phone call reminder, penalties and/or extra fees). Be organized.

Ensure inventory data is accurate

To prepare financial statements you need accurate inventory data. Track physical inventory either manually, by counting items on a regular basis, or by pairing counts with an inventory management system that automatically adjusts the numbers as sales happen (via integration with your point-of-sale system). Inventory management software makes it much easier to track inventory and the information will be more accurate.

Make accounting a joint effort

Educate new employees on how your accounting process works and how they can contribute to smooth operations. Ensure that staff are aware of deadlines and cutoffs for payroll, expenses and payment runs. Inform your team of key performance indicators and how they can provide financial information that would support your goals.

Know when to outsource:

If you find bookkeeping too difficult or don’t have enough time for it, outsource the task. This can be cost-effective and professional help will ensure accuracy. Professional bookkeepers often give great business advice and assist with many tasks (recommend good software, attend meetings with your banker, explain accounts you find difficult, prepare annual budget and cash flow reports, etc).

 

Don’t let accounting be the downfall of your business. Try these accounting strategies to help you improve your business, spend less time on finances, focus on growing your company and enhance your customer relationships. When it’s time, get professional bookkeepers and/or accountants involved. 

Need help establishing a good accounting system? Looking for business advice? Contact Cook and Company Chartered Professional Accountants. We are based out of Calgary, Alberta, serving clients across Canada and the United States. We provide high-quality tax, assurance and succession planning services for a wide variety of privately-owned and managed companies. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.