What’s in An Audit?

having a tax audit and what to expect

  Audits are a much-maligned, oft-feared, absolutely necessary part of our tax system. They have been vilified to the point that hearing the word “audit” elicits shivers down the spine, audible gasps, and resigned head-shaking. That level of vilification can make it hard to appreciate what exactly an audit is; why they exist, what the process looks like, and what … Read More

Climate Action Incentive in Manitoba

climate tax in manitoba

The Federal government has decided to take steps in order to combat climate change. The steps they are taking involve creating a pricing system for carbon-emitters, known as the output-based pricing system, and a charge on fossil fuels. The charge on fossil fuels is something the government worried would fall onto the backs of consumers, so for provinces without a … Read More

Content Creators and Taxes

canadian taxes

The Internet has opened up a whole slew of new avenues for making revenue, from Uber driver to freelance writer to AirBnB host. One of the important changes this creates for those who make money in the gig economy is that it becomes essential to understand what constitutes a business, what doesn’t, and what eligible business expenses can be written … Read More

Should An Accountant Help File Your Personal Income Tax?

using a tax accountant to help you during tax season

  Do-it-yourself has, for years, been somewhat of a punk aesthetic; bands like Fugazi arranging for tours and merch without middleman labels telling them what to do. With the advent of the Internet, DIY has become much more common; we see DIY home repairs, DIY science experiments, DIY clothing; if you can think of it, you can find a way … Read More

Record Keeping Tips

bookkeeping for clients

One of the biggest advantages to operating your own business is the ability to claim expenses incurred when you file your taxes. You can do this because the government wants to encourage you to open your own business; the more people who can do this, the more employment opportunities for Canadians of all stripes. The downside to this is you … Read More

Creating the Perfect Home Office

having a home office

I’ve heard people call working from home “the dream”. There are a lot of advantages to it, especially if you make your own hours, but an improper setup can cause a serious loss in productivity. There’s a lot of distractions in the home, from family members to chores you want to do to your home entertainment system; that’s why it’s … Read More

What to Look For In An Accountant

an accountant who is ready to help clients

Finding a professional to work with your business can be a daunting task. The goal is to find someone who understands complex and arcane systems that are integral to your businesses success; lawyers, software developers and accountants, to name a few. The problem is, if those systems aren’t in your wheelhouse, it can be hard to tell who is right … Read More

Understanding China’s Canadian Canola Ban

canola plant field

For any company looking to export its goods overseas, the Chinese market is incredibly attractive. The country has the highest population in the world, which means plenty of potential consumers; they’re also seeing some of the highest rates of GDP growth in the world, and their middle and consumer classes are growing rapidly. The country can be a bit fickle, … Read More

Basic February Tax Overview

february is tax season time

February is a wonderful month. We have the Festival du Voyageur, where we can warm our hearts and celebrate Franco-Manitoban and Métis culture and heritage. We have Valentine’s Day, when we can express our love for those who matter the most to us. Above all in the world of accounting, February is, in most people’s minds, the start of tax … Read More

Business Use of Home and Other Handy Home Business Write-Offs

work from home

Running a business out of your home can be incredibly fulfilling. Think about all the different businesses that have started in someone’s garage; most of today’s uber tech giants were started as home businesses. That means there’s no telling how large your home business will grow – you might have to move out of the bedroom office you’ve made for … Read More