McDonald & Co Accountants

Bob Mcdonald CMA,ISP

15736 100 Ave N.W. Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5P 0L1
Fax (780)486-4393 -------- Phone (780)484-1133

About Tax Returns

1) General Info:

WARNING:
DO NOT BELIEVE THE "MYTH" THAT YOU CAN REFUSE TO FILE A TAX RETURN
Read CRA's description of what will happen to you.
CRA's Viewpoint

The Income Tax Act requires that a business pay tax on its income for a particular period. Once this is determined a tax return must be filed to notify the tax department of how the income was calculated. This reporting can be through the owners personal tax return in the case of a proprietor or a partner or in a special corporate tax return for Corporations. They are referred to as a T1 Personal Tax Return or T2 Corporate Tax Return. When a tax return is prepared it is signed by the owner or director, who becomes liable for its accuracy regardless of who prepared the return. Due to the complexity of the tax system it is advisable to seek professional advice in this area. Business income for tax purposes is based on generally accepted accounting principles. This includes the concept of matching income and expenses into the same time frame. This is accomplished through the use of accrual accounting. As an illustration of this an invoice issued on January 28, 2006 would be included in the January 31, 2006 year end even though it is not collected until two months later. Also, purchases on January 28, 2006 would be included in the January 31, 2006 year end even though they are not paid for until February 15, 2006. After the calculation of the accounting profit/loss tax adjustments are made to arrive at taxable income.There are a number of items which can be adjusted at this point. For example Amortization (Depreciation) claimed on the accounting records must be added back and Capital Cost Allowance deducted for tax purposes. Also, some expenditures and 50 pct of the cost of meals and entertainment must be added back on the tax return.

2) Personal (T1)

Personal Tax Returns must be filed by April 30 of the following year. They include all of the sources of income of the individual and their deductions for the prior calendar year. A proprietor or partner in a small business includes in this return the profit or loss for the period of business that ended in the calendar year of their return. Special provisions exist where a business is discontinued.

TABLE OF APPROXIMATE* Personal Tax Rates BY PROVINCE/TERRITORY
Click Here for Personal Tax Rates - (Netscape)

In some cases Installments are required to be paid as advances
towards taxes which will be due at the end of the subsequent fiscal period
CLICK HERE if you want to know more about personal Tax Installments .

G.S.T.

A business that shows gross income in excess of $30,000 will be contacted by GST as they generally should have already been registered.

TAX - GENERAL

Special tax forms and booklets are available from Revenue Canada (Employment expenses) to assist a business owner in reporting his income. Also, another booklet entitled Business and Professional Income>is not part of the regular tax return package but contains a lot of information pertinent to someone considering going into various specific business. But remember the information presented is general in nature and you may prefer to get professional advice that is specific to your unique situation. Also, tax terms can tend to be confusing so a meeting with a tax professional may save you a lot of headaches.

3) Limited Companies (T2)

Limited companies tax returns are filed throughout the year and most (Some are due sooner) are due to be filed with CRA six months after the year end. So if a Company's year end is January 31, 2006 its tax return is due on July 31, 2006. By the way if any taxes were owing at the year end these would have to be paid by April 30, 2006 (90 days) after the year end. In some cases Installments are required to be paid as advances towards taxes which will be due at the end of the subsequent fiscal period
CLICK HERE if you want to know more about Corporate Tax Installments .
A Corporation has a separate business account number (BIN) with CRA and files a separate return from its owners (shareholders or directors).

The preceding information is for educational purposes only.
As it is impossible to include all situations, circumstances and exceptions in a newsletter such as this,
a further review should be done by a qualified professional.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information
contained in this, letter, no individual or organization involved in either the
preparation or distribution of this letter accepts any contractual, tortuous,
or any other form of liability for its contents or for any consequences arising from its use.

4) Other Resources:

Department of Finance CLICK HERE

THE TAX PAGE CLICK HERE

Go to McDonald & Co. Accountants - HOME PAGE for more FREE INFO

Bob & Ronalda McDonald - PERSONAL HOME PAGES


Page maintained by R McDonald, bob@rmcdonald.com Copyright(c) 1997.
Created: 01/07/97 at 5:13:46 AM Updated: 9/12/2004 at 7:48:13 AM