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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) are value-added taxes in Canada that most consumers pay on goods and services. To alleviate the financial burden these taxes might place on individuals with lower or modest incomes, the Canadian government provides a refundable tax credit known as the GST/HST credit.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows businesses to deduct certain entertainment expenses from their taxable income. However, there are specific rules and limitations on what can be deducted. Here is an overview:

Are There Tax Benefits for Couples in Canada?

Curious about the tax advantages that come with getting married or living in a common law relationship? In Canada, there are indeed significant tax perks for couples. The following will begin to outline them.

Filing your personal Canadian income tax return can also help you qualify for various government benefits. Here are some examples:

here are five more benefits of filing your personal Canadian income tax return:

Filing your personal Canadian income tax return offers several benefits, including:

The choice between a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) depends on various factors, including your financial goals, current income, and retirement plans. Here are some key considerations for both:

Minimizing taxes for a deceased taxpayer's estate in Canada involves careful planning and following specific strategies. The goal is to reduce the tax liability of the estate and maximize the assets passed on to beneficiaries. Here are some steps to consider:

In Canada, gifting a capital property is considered a disposition for tax purposes. When you gift a capital property to someone, it is treated as if you have sold the property at its fair market value (FMV) at the time of the gift. This means that you may be subject to capital gains tax on any accrued gains in the property's value up to the date of the gift, even though you didn't receive any cash in return.

In Canada, gifts and inheritances are generally not taxable to the recipient. However, there are some important nuances and exceptions to consider:

For low-income individuals in Canada, claiming the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can provide additional financial benefits through refundable tax credits and other programs. Here are some key points to consider:

If you believe that you were eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in previous years but did not claim it, you may be able to make a retroactive claim. Retroactive claims allow you to request adjustments to previous tax returns and potentially receive refunds for the missed credits.

As Canadians advance in age, we are pleased to offer a 3 part series on the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in Canada.

To claim the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) in Canada, you must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the necessary steps. Here's a general overview of the process:

When considering a fuel-efficient vehicle such as a hybrid, or an alternative fuel model you should know that the Canadian Government, as well as some provinces, provide rebates. 

Once tax season is over, tax preparers, bookkeepers, and accountants head to beach resorts for 6 months of relaxation and resting on their laurels... Well, OK, not really, but here are some common things they do undertake:

First Home Savings Accounts, or FHSAs combine the concept of Tax-Free Savings Accounts and Registered Retirement Savings Plans. For people aged 18 and older, like an RRSP, contributors receive a tax deduction on contributions and TFSA-like tax-free withdrawals when using the savings to buy a home. Further, any investment gains earned in the account are tax-sheltered.

As the 2022 tax year is behind us, it is a good idea to start early and plan for 2023. Here are some suggestions on how you can save money on your Canadian income tax for this year:

When preparing your taxes, a deduction that is often overlooked is carrying charges and interest expenses. These charges are costs you incur to earn income from an investment, but only expenses for non-registered accounts will qualify.

A cash flow projection can act like an early warning system for any period. A leading cause of business failure is a lack of cash flow management, but by taking some simple steps in managing it, you will find it can improve your business outcome.

Reducing the fees associated with the work your accountant does is possible! The great news is that savings are often quite easy to achieve for many owners. If you were only to do one thing, it would be to ensure your records are complete and organized. There are other ways to save as well.