I Am Running a Successful Business.
I. . .
At KWB, we understand the way successful business owners think. We know that you are always looking for ways to streamline operations and are planning several steps ahead. We work with you in achieving your goals and maintaining your financial success. We will introduce you to tax minimization strategies and will work with you on ideas to streamline operations. Through our partners we will provide you with a network of experts who work together to ensure your investments, financial planning, bookkeeping, and other areas are all aligned to sustain and maximize your growth.
If you’d like to know more about what we can do to help you sustain your success, contact us.
If you’re an existing client, please give us a call and set up a meeting.
If you’re a new client, give us a call or send us an email – we’ll set up a no-commitment consultation for approximately a half-hour. We’ll talk about your business, your personal and professional goals, and answer all of your questions about us as well. If there’s a good fit, we’ll provide you with actionable advice and get you started down the path towards your goals.
Blog posts about Running a Successful Business
Sep
8
2020
6 Steps to Increase Your Business Cash Flow
Your company’s sales and revenue may look healthy, however, if the money you have to pay out leaves your business before the money you are owed comes in, this will result in negative cash flow. If you are unable to pay your company’s bills, this can lead to even bigger problems like bad
Jun
19
2020
An introduction to Quickbooks Online Virtual Event
If you are currently using Quickbooks Online or thinking about switching to "QBO", this event is for you!
Join us on Zoom for a free information session regarding QBO and the Apps in our App Stack.
Date: Wednesday 24 June, 2020 Time: 3pm - 4.30pm
This event is held on Zoom; the meeting
May
21
2020
Eligibility Criteria Expanded for Canada Emergency Business Account – CEBA
The Government of Canada has announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses.
The changes to CEBA will allow more Canadian small businesses to access interest free loans of up to $40,000 to help cover operating costs during a period when
May
4
2020
CPP Death Benefit and Survivor Payment
CPP death benefit
The CPP death benefit is a one-time, lump-sum payment to the estate of the deceased contributor.
The CPP death benefit can be paid to:
The Estate of the deceased person
The person who paid the funeral expenses
A surviving spouse or common law partner
A next of kin.
The Executor is the first
Apr
24
2020
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA) has been announced to provide rent relief for small businesses struggling to pay their landlords due to financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 for the months of April, May and June 2020.
Who is Eligible?
Affected small business tenants who meet the following criteria:
Apr
23
2020
KWB's Wage Subsidy Assessment and Application
A rapid response plan for your business
Applications for CEWS (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) will start being received by the government as of Monday, 27 April 2020.
While businesses may qualify for benefits under CEWS, understanding the program, determining eligibility, and submitting the proper application can create a high level of stress and uncertainty
Apr
3
2020
New Protocol for Applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – 3 April 2020
Due to the
volume of Canadians applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB),
the Canadian Revenue Agency has set new protocol for applying:
If you were born in January, February or March, you may apply on MondaysIf you were born in April, May or June, you may apply on Tuesdays.If you were
Apr
3
2020
KWB Summary of Relief Programs - Federal and Provincial - 3 April 2020
To our friends, clients, and business partners,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and healthy. The volume of information we’ve received from provincial and federal governments over the last few weeks has been significant and a bit of a moving target, so we’ve put together a summary of all the relief programs that
Apr
2
2020
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - What It Means for Canadian Businesses – 2 April, 2020
To
help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, proposed
the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This would provide a 75-per-cent wage
subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15,
2020.
This
wage subsidy aims
Apr
1
2020
NEW information - CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit)
CERB (Canada Emergency Response
Benefit) Update – 1 April 2020
The
Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to
4 months to:
workers who must stop working due to
COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.workers who are sick
Apr
1
2020
Update - The Canada 75 % Wage Subsidy
Finance
Minister, Bill Morneau, announced today (April 1st, 2020) that the
75 % wage subsidy would be available within 3-6 weeks time.
What we know so far:
The subsidy is available to all businesses, charities and non-profit organizations as long as they can prove that they have lost 30 % of their revenue
Mar
31
2020
What is the Work-Sharing Program?
Work-Sharing (WS) is a program that helps employers and employees avoid
layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the
control of the employer. The program provides EI benefits to eligible employees
who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work
while their employer recovers. Work-Sharing is
Mar
31
2020
Essential Services - Is your Business on the List?
Overview
The
businesses and services on the essential services list can continue to provide
services at locations accessible to the public and must have proper risk
mitigation measures in place, such as sanitation stations and appropriate
distancing between customers.
The intent
of this list is to provide general guidance to business owners and
operators
Mar
31
2020
What is the Canada Emergency Business Account?
The new
Canada Emergency Business Account will provide interest-free loans of up to
$40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating
costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
To qualify,
these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $50,000 to $1
million in total
Mar
31
2020
Explaining the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Description of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP):
On March 13,
2020, the Government announced the establishment of a Business Credit
Availability Program (BCAP) to help Canadian businesses obtain financing during
the current period of significant uncertainty. The BCAP will support
access to financing for Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions
Mar
30
2020
New Information on Wage Subsidy Program - 30 March 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today businesses and non-profit organizations seeing a drop of at least 30 per cent in revenue due to COVID-19 will qualify for the government's 75 per cent wage subsidy program.
The number of people a business employs will not
determine its eligibility. Charities and companies big and small will
Mar
27
2020
Breaking News for Small - Medium Size Businesses - 27 March 2020
Ottawa hikes wage subsidy to 75% for small and medium-sized businesses
The federal government is hiking its wage subsidy for small and medium-sized businesses from 10 per cent to 75 per cent, a
move that business leaders have called for amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the payroll subsidy,
as well
Mar
26
2020
New Information from the Alberta Government – 25 March 2020
In addition, it is now mandatory for travellers returning
from outside of Canada to self-isolate. This legal requirement also applies to
close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, as well as to any individual with
symptoms, such as a fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose.
“We must do everything we can to protect Albertans
Mar
25
2020
Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
March 25,
2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada
The Government of Canada is taking strong, immediate and
effective action to protect Canadians and the economy from the impacts of the
global COVID-19 pandemic. No Canadian should have to choose between protecting
their health, putting food on the table, paying for their
Mar
25
2020
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
As announced by the Minister of Finance, BDC puts in place additional measures to provide relief for Canadian
entrepreneurs.
Effective
March 18, 2020, new relief measures for qualified businesses include:
Working capital loans of up to
$2 million with flexible repayment terms such as principal postponements
for qualifying businesses;Flexible repayment terms, such
Mar
24
2020
Support for Employers – New Supports Announced 23/03/2020
Corporate income tax changes
Corporate income tax balances and
instalment payments will be deferred from March 19 until August 31, 2020 to
increase employers’ access to cash so they can pay employees, address debts and
continue operations.
Education property tax deferral
Education
property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level – reversing
Mar
24
2020
Best Practices for Submitting Documents Electronically
We are encouraging you to send us your personal tax
information or corporate records electronically. This guide will assist you through the
process while ensuring your data is secure and well managed.
File Types: We can accept pretty much any file types
(PDF, jpeg, bmp, tiff, png, etc.)
Image Quality: 
Mar
23
2020
Frequently Asked Questions – Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
1. What is the Temporary Wage Subsidy
for Employers?
The
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow
eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be
remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
2. Which employers are eligible?
You are an
eligible employer if you:
are
Mar
23
2020
Relief for the Energy Sector
Immediate action will protect jobs and provide economic relief to the oil and gas industry
Overview
The Government is providing economic relief to Alberta’s energy industry to address challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and declining oil prices due to an international price war. The energy sector supports more than 500,000 jobs across
Mar
23
2020
Who qualifies for EI?
Whether you qualify for EI will still depend on your specific situation, such as regional rate of employment, and the number of hours worked in the last 52 weeks.
The government recommends people apply as soon as possible to find out if they qualify; waiting more than four weeks after your last day
Mar
20
2020
Support for Albertans – COVID-19
The Alberta
government will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families and
vulnerable populations.
Albertans
should be focused on their health and not worry about whether they can pay
their bills so we have put a number of options in place for those struggling
financially.
Emergency isolation support
This will be
a temporary program
Mar
20
2020
Support for Employers - Alberta - COVID-19
The Alberta government will provide immediate funding and supportive measures to support local businesses, employers and employees.
Support for employers
Corporate income tax changes
Corporate income tax balances and
instalment payments will be deferred from March 19 until August 31, 2020 to
increase employers’ access to cash so they can pay employees, address debts
Mar
20
2020
Tax News and Changes – COVID-19
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance announced on
March 18th an economic relief package to begin addressing the
economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the economic relief package includes
tax relief for individuals and businesses.
Filing Deadline Extensions
The deadline for filing personal income tax returns will be
extended to
Mar
20
2020
Resources for Canadian Businesses – COVID-19
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the
Canadian economy. During this extraordinary time, the Government of Canada is
taking strong action to help Canadian businesses as COVID-19 is affecting them,
their employees and their families.
The Government and public health officials are urging all
Canadians to:
stay home unless it is absolutely
Mar
19
2020
To our valued clients and business partners – a KWB announcement
KWB Chartered Professional Accountants has a proactive plan for
continued operation in this new environment. You and our team are our
first priority. We want to inform you of what changes we have made, so we
can continue to complete the work you need us to do, while protecting both you
and
Mar
17
2020
Payroll FAQ - COVID-19
With the current situation in Alberta there are many
unknowns regarding the proper payroll treatment related to leaves and
layoffs. This could change daily however this is the information that we
were provided by the Canadian Payroll Association on March 17, 2020.
Sick Leave - Alberta
On Friday, March 13, 2020 the Alberta
Feb
28
2020
3 Best Practices - Achieving Organic Sales Growth
Most business owners would probably agree that, when it comes
to sales, there’s always room for improvement. To this end, every company
should strive for organic sales growth — that is, increases from
existing operations unrelated to a merger or acquisition.
That’s not to say a merger or acquisition is necessarily a
bad idea
Feb
22
2020
The best times to post on Social Media
This blog informs you of the best times to post on social media in 2020.
What is the best time to post on Facebook in 2020?
The best time to post on Facebook is between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The best day to post on Facebook is Wednesday. While Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday also
Feb
10
2020
Tax Changes for 2020
The Canadian Revenue Agency recently made some tax changes that may affect you and your business in 2020.
ANNUAL INFLATION ADJUSTMENT
Each year, most (but not all) income tax and benefit amounts
are indexed to inflation. In early December, the Canada Revenue Agency
announced that the inflation rate that will be used to index
Feb
10
2020
HVAC and Plumbing Business Owner Event
KWB is hosting a tailor-made event for HVAC and Plumbing business owners.
At this event we will show you how to make the most of
your Quickbooks Online software and introduce you to some apps that we know
will save you time and money. We
understand what keeps you up at night:
Do
Dec
17
2019
Keeping Receipts & Records
Based on CRA requirements you should be keeping receipts & records and supporting documents at your place of business or your residence in Canada for a period of six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to.
You are
required by law to keep records if one or more of
Dec
3
2019
Year End Tax Tips
Review our year end tax tips to discover a number of perfectly valid actions you may still be able to take before the end of the year to cut your taxes and to optimize your wealth management planning.
As tax planning specialists, we can help you decide exactly what to do, when to do it
Nov
26
2019
Registering For GST
Do you need to register for GST?
Some services are exempt from the GST/HST – that is, no GST/HST applies to them. This means that you do not charge the GST/HST on these services, and you are not entitled to claim input tax credits on property and services acquired to provide them. You cannot register for the GST/HST if
Nov
19
2019
7 Perks of Having a Data Manager (Bookkeeper )
A good data manager should ensure that:
You are compliant with the CRA at all times. You are focused on your business, not the data.You are capturing and recording all expenses for tax deductions.You have timely and accurate information available to make better decisions.You have efficient processes for capturing data
Nov
5
2019
Ask an Accountant
Welcome to our new monthly segment, “Ask an Accountant”.
We are giving you the opportunity to ask us a question and in addition to answering you directly we may post the question and answer anonymously in a future Newsletter.
Simply email your question to: info@kwbllp.com with the heading “Ask an Accountant” and
Sep
24
2019
Receipt Bank
If you would like to spend less time organizing your records and more time growing your business, you should automate your document retention with Receipt Bank.
Receipt Bank is a website application that extracts key information from your invoices and receipts and publishes it directly into Quickbooks Online (QBO).
Integrates with QBO
Some of the
Sep
17
2019
Dryrun
There are many apps that can be integrated into your Quickbooks Online software in order to provide extra value and Dryrun is one of them.
Forecast cash flow and sales
Dryrun was created right here in Edmonton and is a forecasting tool that will assist you in making better decisions about your business. You
Jun
11
2019
Switching to Quickbooks Online (QBO)
Considering making the switch from Desktop (Quickbooks or Sage) or paper to the cloud? (QuickBooks Online (QBO))
If you are currently using the Desktop version of QuickBooks, you need to be aware that QBO is not the same program and doesn’t really look anything like the Desktop product. Don’t let that scare you off
Jun
4
2019
CPP Rate
Beginning in 2019, the CPP rate will be gradually enhanced.
This means you will receive higher benefits in exchange for making higher contributions. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) enhancement will be rolled out in two phases.
The 2018 CPP rate was 4.95% of your salary to a maximum yearly CPP contribution of $2,564
May
21
2019
Living Out Allowance
In certain situations, a company can pay and deduct a living out allowance and the employee does not have to report the allowance in their income.
In order for this to apply, the allowance needs to be reasonable. Additional criteria must be met as stated below for employees at a special work site and
Apr
23
2019
Apprentice Tax Credit
If you have apprentices working for you, then you should be taking advantage of the apprenticeship job creation tax credit. (Apprentice Tax Credit)
An investment tax credit can be claimed on eligible salaries paid to eligible apprentices. The credit is equivalent to 10% of salaries and wages paid to that individual, to a maximum of
Mar
5
2019
Vehicle ownership
We are often asked, “Should I own my vehicle in my company or personally?” The following facts can help us determine the answer to the question of vehicle ownership:
1) How many kms will you drive it for business purposes?
2) How many kms will you
Feb
19
2019
Disaster Recovery 101
Terrible devastation caused by flooding or fires is a potent reminder that one should not delay planning for disasters in advance. Learn how to approach designing your own Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
Jan
22
2019
The Enlightened Investor - Fees & Expenses
Fees and expenses are the single biggest reason professional money managers fail to outperform the market return. Learn a little more about what are reasonable fees and what makes up most investment fees.
Dec
4
2018
Outstanding Shareholder Loan
It is very common for owner-managers to draw funds from their company during the year and find themselves with an outstanding shareholder loan at year end.
These balances are often cleared up by recording dividends or bonuses to the shareholders and the problem is solved. If the loan is not repaid during the fiscal
Oct
23
2018
The Secret to Fitting a Healthy Lifestyle into your Busy World-Part 2
Part 2 of an article on Healthy Lifestyles.
See Part 1 posted on October 16th.
Strategic Step #2: Automate & Re-Engineer Your Environment
We are creatures of habit. Did you know that on a typical day you make about 300 decisions about nutrition? Most of them are done unconsciously and can often lead to poor
Oct
16
2018
The Secret to Fitting a Healthy Lifestyle into your Busy World-Part 1
Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals often lead very busy lives. Being one myself I can relate to wearing many different hats, starting early, ending late, and seeing the impact on my healthy lifestyle.
So many of us get into an unconscious pattern that just becomes our normal way of being. Unfortunately, over time, our health
Oct
9
2018
Strategic Planning
What if you knew the impact of an important decision before you made it? Could you and your business benefit from this “what if” strategic planning?
You would be able to look at the potential outcome and financial impact of business decisions before they are made. At KWB we use software called Profit Driver to
Sep
18
2018
Wagepoint
Wagepoint is an online payroll software that will meet all of your payroll needs.
Wagepoint Features:
Direct deposit
CRA/WCB remittances
T4 and T4A preparation
Statutory Holiday calculations
Record of employment (ROE) preparation
Additional deductions
Contractor payments
Additional incomes
Online pay stubs
Integrates with QBO and TSheets
Wagepoint also integrates with Quickbooks Online (QBO) accounting software
Sep
4
2018
Hubdoc
Hubdoc is an automated, central hub for all your financial documents.
It syncs all your documents and their data with QuickBooks Online (QBO). It turns your receipts, bills, and invoices into accurately coded QBO online transactions with key data entered and source documents attached.
The transactions are then auto-matched to the bank feeds for one-click
Aug
21
2018
Plooto
Plooto is the simplest and most effective way to streamline AP and AR transactions and it works within QuickBooks Online. (QBO)
the only fee is a $1/transaction fee
Benefits:
No banking or other personal information needed.
Records the transaction automatically in QBO.
Easily send and receive payment (an email is all that is required).
Completely
Jul
17
2018
TSheets
TSheets is a website application that is used to track time and help with scheduling. If you’re tired of tracking your time sheets manually, this may be the solution for you!
Regardless of whether you are an employee, management, moving from one job site to another, or work in the same office each day, there
May
15
2018
Remote Support
Would you like to have a KWB staff person work directly on your accounting system at a time that is convenient for you? Or to help you figure out why your accounts aren’t balancing or why your accounting software has crashed? KWB is here to help! Learn more about our remote accounting support.
Apr
10
2018
Tax Filing Deadline
What is your tax filing deadline? How much time do you have to file and what are the costs of not filing or of filing late?
Personal Tax Filing Deadline
Personal taxes are due on April 30 unless that date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday in which case the return is due on
Mar
30
2018
Controller and CFO Services
Do you think you may need Controller or CFO services? Are you looking for information to help you make good decisions? Are you unsure of what's happening financially in your business?
You need timely, accurate and complete financial information and the people who can figure out what it all means in order to survive
Mar
22
2018
Bookkeeping Services
Having good bookkeeping will enable you to make good decisions based on accurate financial information provided to you on a timely basis.
KWB Chartered Accountants offers bookkeeping and similar services. With timely and accurate information we can help you address your issues and make better decisions as a result.
These are definitely tough times, and
Mar
6
2018
Borrowing Best Practices
You may not always understand what your banker is seeing or what they are asking for, but the good news is that both your banker and you want to see the business succeed. Here is more info on the 9 simple things that will help you become a more successful borrower.
Feb
20
2018
2018 Tax Rates & Limits
Each year various tax rates, contribution limits, benefit amounts and deduction rates change. The following is a quick reference guide for 2018.
Personal income tax rates and brackets:
Federal
Taxable income Rate
$0 to $46,605 15%
$46,606 to $93,208 20.5%
$93,209 to $144,489 26%
$144,490 to $205
Feb
13
2018
Split Income
Proposals from the Department of Finance on July 18, 2017 included changes to the taxation of split income.
The most common form of split income is income from a dividend from a related entity that is not excluded from being categorized as such.
Prior to 2018, shareholders of privately held companies over the age of
Jan
31
2018
Alberta Labour Standards for 2018
It has been 29 years since Alberta Labour Standards were last reviewed and changed. The changes effective in 2018 are as follows:
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage has already been increased in recent years and is going to have one more increase to $15.00 per hour. This increase comes into effect on October 1
Jan
16
2018
Advance Income Tax Rulings
Advance Income Tax Rulings are written statements providing assurance on the income tax treatment of a specific proposed transaction or transactions that you might be contemplating.
Subject to any disclaimer or qualification stated in the ruling, the ruling is considered binding with respect to the specific taxpayer making the request and the specific proposed transaction
Nov
9
2017
Jobber
Jobber is a cloud based software solution designed for small and medium sized field service businesses that works with Quickbooks Online (QBO).
It has a number of features that are designed to help you run a better business by helping you manage finances, client requests and a busy team.
Jobber integrates scheduling, quotes, invoices and
Oct
24
2017
Triplog
Triplog is a great tool if you are tired of tracking your mileage every time you get in the car. Especially if you aren’t claiming mileage as an expense because you forgot to check the odometer or write down your trips in a log book.
This app easily integrates with Quickbooks Online
Triplog is an
Dec
13
2016
Small Business Deduction
The current Small Business Deduction in Canada allows corporations to pay a lower rate of tax on their first $500,000 of active business income. Active business income includes income earned from a company’s regular operations, but excludes other income such as rental or investment income.
Budget 2016 released by the federal government has introduced
Nov
1
2016
Payroll Remittance
Depending on the amount of your payroll remittance you may have some options as to when you are required to remit it to CRA.
Regular Payroll Remittance
You are a regular remitter if you are a new employer or your average monthly withholding amount (AMWA) two years ago was less than $25,000. In
Oct
25
2016
T1 Adjustment
How long do you have to file a T1 adjustment?
If you find yourself in a situation where you have filed your personal tax return and then realize that you need to make a change, there are some steps you need to follow.
First, you need to wait until the notice of assessment on your
Sep
27
2016
Employment Insurance For Related People
Employers are required by law to deduct Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from all insurable earnings paid to their employees who are engaged in insurable employment.
If an employer is unsure whether or not an employee is engaged in insurable employment, the employer can request a ruling from the CRA. A letter or completed form
Aug
23
2016
Top 7 Overlooked Tax Deductions
Are you paying too much in taxes? Are you getting all the tax deductions available for your business?
An effective way to minimize your company’s tax expense, in addition to good planning, is to ensure the company is claiming all of the expenses legitimately allowed under the tax act. Take a look and see if any
Mar
22
2016
CRA Online Mail
Tired of waiting for snail mail? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) now allows you to receive some of their correspondence electronically through their My Account service.
What correspondence does this apply to?
Notices of Assessment (issued after February 9, 2015)
Notices of Reassessment (issued after February 9, 2015)
Tax Free Savings Account letters (issued after
Feb
16
2016
Income Splitting
Do you own a business - either incorporated or unincorporated - and have a spouse or one or more adult children with an income lower than your own? If so, you may be able to shift your income to these other family members, effectively moving the income from a high tax rate to a low tax rate and decreasing the overall tax burden on your family. This is called income splitting.
Nov
17
2015
Payroll Related ChangesThat May Come Into Effect With The New Federal Government
On October, 19, 2015, Canadians voted in new Liberal party Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
During the course of the election campaign, the party announced they would make certain changes related to income tax rate calculations. Although it is unclear when these changes will be enacted, they could be introduced soon after the new government takes
Oct
13
2015
Taxable Benefits For The Personal Use of Company Aircraft
A corporate aircraft that is owned or leased primarily for business purposes, but is used for personal purposes (i.e. flight to transport employees or shareholders to a vacation destination) will be considered a taxable benefit to that employee or shareholder.
The value of the benefit is the cost of a regular first class airfare
Sep
22
2015
Alberta Corporate Tax Rate Changes
In addition to personal income tax increases, the Alberta NDP government has also increased general corporate tax rates.
However, businesses that earn $500,000 or less of active business income will not be affected by the tax increases due to an offsetting increase to the Alberta small business deduction rate. Businesses that have more than
Sep
10
2015
Online tools from the CRA and Service Canada
Here are some great tools on the CRA website to help in day to day activities that I personally use.
1) Payroll Deduction Online Calculator
Use the Payroll Deductions Online Calculator (PDOC) to calculate federal, provincial (except for Quebec), and territorial payroll deductions. It will confirm or allow you to calculate the deductions you include
Sep
1
2015
Alberta Personal Income Tax Changes
On June 30, 2015, the Alberta government passed Bill 2, An Act to Restore Fairness to Public Revenues.
The bill has created a progressive personal income tax rate structure for higher income earners. Effective for 2015 and subsequent tax years, four new tax brackets and rates will be introduced:
Taxable income of $125,000 to
Aug
4
2015
Corporate expenses - What can you deduct?
Often deductible business expenses are overlooked or missed as business owners are unsure whether they are deductible.
A business expense is any cost incurred by the company to generate income. These expenses must be supported by physical documents such as invoices, purchase contracts, sales receipt, etc. If cash is used to purchase items, it is
Jun
23
2015
The Enlightened Investor: A Diversified Portfolio vs. a Collection of Investments - “Recovery Returns”
Do you want a portfolio that’s vulnerable to wild swings in value? Likely not. In fact less volatile portfolios are both easier on the stomach and they help you achieve better long-term returns.
For example, a portfolio that declines 10% this year requires an increase of 12% next year to recover its losses. If your
May
26
2015
Top 10 Alberta NDP Policies (source: Dr. Carol Anderson, Navigator)
Increase Alberta’s corporate taxes to 12% from 10%.
Job creation tax credit that subsidizes 10% of any new employee salary (max $5,000).
Support economic diversification in sectors like alternative energy, high tech, advanced research and knowledge industries.
Income tax increases for top earners: 12% on incomes $125,000 to $150,000; 13% on $150,000
Apr
15
2015
What will interest rates do in 2015
When it comes to interest rates here in Canada and around the world, the only thing we know is that we don’t know.
For the past 4 years economists around the world have expected interest rates to increase and not go lower.
What we do know is that Stephen Poloz, the Governor of the Bank
Jun
24
2014
Online Backups - Keeping it simple
Do you know someone who has lost critical and precious information that was stored on their computer?
Are there things on your computer that you don’t want to lose such as financial or business records or personal information like family photos? We live in a digital world and we don’t have hard copies of anything
Jun
9
2013
The Enlightened Investor-Understanding Returns
One thing frustrated investors often lament are their returns. So here's a question. Do you know what your returns really are? Find out more about how to measure your returns including some great but simple investment benchmarks over the last 5 years.