‘tis the Season – Tax Time in Canada

Welcome to March!  As we start to realize the end of the winter season, we need to turn our attention to the next “season”.  The one I’m referring to in this case is tax season.  In this context, I’m talking about personal taxes of course.  Businesses may adopt a December 31 year end but in many cases corporations will adopt something different.  Regardless, personal taxes always observe the calendar year.  So what does all of this mean?

The biggest consideration for all of us as taxpaying individuals is that we all have to submit our personal tax returns by no later than April 30.  This is the deadline that we must abide by.  Late returns may be subject to penalties and interest, particularly if there are monies owing.

Businesses that have employees needed to get T4’s out to their staff by end of February.  They also needed to submit copies of the T4’s and a T4 summary to Revenue Canada.  For the ones that we take care of payroll for, this is what we do and this has been done.  At the business level, this is all that needs to be done.  At the personal level there’s more.

  • First on the agenda is to collect all necessary paperwork.  This would include but is not limited to:
  •  T4’s from all sources
  • Charitable donation receipts
  • Medical receipts
  • Tuition receipts
  • Rental income
  • Numerous other “T” slips for things like investment income, pension plan income, RIFF income and any others that apply
  • Documentation for other income like sole proprietorship or partnership income
  • RRSP contributions
  • Spousal support payments
  • Child care and fitness receipts
  • Etc.

Be aware that this is a partial listing and there may be more paperwork to collect based on your personal situation.  Considering the complexity of personal tax laws, my recommendation would be to engage the services of an accountant or at least a reputable tax specialist.  Not doing so could mean that you are leaving money on the table by not optimizing your return.  Revenue Canada is under no obligation to point out missing deductions and credits that could reduce your taxes owing.  It’s up to you.

On the flip side, you are only allowed to claim legitimate deductions.  You are also obligated to claim income from all sources.  Deviating from this is tax evasion.  This is illegal.  Tax avoidance or claiming all legitimate deductions is a noble pursuit.  The trick is to pay what you owe and nothing more.

A good accountant will assist you in determining the paperwork that you need to collect – again, based on your personal situation.  It’s also a good idea to have the same accountant work on the taxes for your significant other as they can better manage things like income splitting.  Business owners should let the same accountant take care of all the tax filings for business and personal for much of the same reasons.

As a side note, we here at Fiscal Performance do NOT do personal tax returns.  We leave this strictly alone while we concentrate on bookkeeping.  We would be more than happy to offer a referral if requested.

Meanwhile, business goes on and so do we.  Best of luck with your tax time adventures.

Welcome to March.

Tracy

Vaidehi

Bookkeeper

Meet Vaidehi, a dedicated and professional Bookkeeper since 2021, who proudly supports and assists her clients. Her efficiency and expertise shines through her seamless handling of her clients’ financial records including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation and client communication. Trust Vaidehi to provide the support and solutions you need. During her personal time, Vaidehi enjoys dancing, cooking and tending to her garden.

Tinna

Bookkeeping Manager

Introducing Tinna, our resourceful and dynamic Bookkeeping Manager with over 12 years of hands-on experience. An expert in all aspects of accounting and finance operations, she handles preparation and maintenance of statutory accounting books, reconciling revenue and expenditure accounts, overseeing the preparation of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and year-end financial statements, implementing stellar accounting systems and controls, budgeting and financial projections. Tinna’s solid background in managing both financial and non-financial assets, investigating and auditing accounts, makes her an asset to the Fiscal Performance team.

Duane

Executive Director

A true believer in the power of streamlined workflows and strategic financial planning, Duane is not just about balancing the books; he is also about balancing success with sustainability, innovation with tradition, and growth with groundedness. Bringing together a blend of expertise, experience, and enthusiasm, he is focused on improving systems to continue on providing a high level of customer service to all of Fiscal’s partners, customers and vendors. He invites you to join the Fiscal Performance network and learn how to solve your accounting and bookkeeping challenges today.

Olu

Client Service Manager

If you’re seeking a bookkeeper with a passion for precision, a friendly demeanor, and a love for the beautiful game of soccer, then look no further than Olusegun. With over 10 years of experience with auditing and financial analysis, Olusegun brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the table. Known for his approachable demeanor and willingness to go the extra mile, he’s not just your typical accountant – he’s a trusted ally in your company’s full cycle financial management. So, if you’re in need of a bookkeeper (with auditing know-how) who gets the job done, valuing integrity and reliability as part of every job, Olusegun is your go-to guy!

Sam

Task Manager & Quality Control

Sam is a seasoned Bookkeeping Manager with over 14 years of experience. Proficient in book cleaning, reviews, HST report preparation, and finalizing accounts using QuickBooks, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and Master’s degree in Commerce. Sam is known for his dedication to meeting deadlines, his collaborative work ethic, and equal prioritization of family and work. A nature and pet lover, he finds solace in music.

Daniel

Reviewer

Meet Daniel, a highly esteemed member of our team, whose accounting expertise spans back to 2015. Holding a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant designation and a post-graduate in Accounting (achieved in 2018) Daniel remains steadfast in catering to the needs of clients. Over the course of this distinguished career, Daniel has cultivated invaluable proficiency with an array of esteemed accounting software. Renowned for unwavering punctuality, Daniel consistently maintains a proactive approach, ensuring meticulous oversight of all deliverables.

Eric

Bookkeeper

Meet Eric, a distinguished professional with a Master of Commerce and a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant. He boasts three years of specialized experience in Canadian and US accounting, using software such as QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, and Dext. Eric’s proficiency shines through his seamless handling of onboarding, migration, clean-up, and catch-up projects. Renowned for his tech-savvy approach, Eric leverages his expertise in advanced Excel macro building to empower clients — enhancing their productivity and efficiency. Trust Eric to deliver unparalleled financial solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring excellence every step of the way.

Jess

Bookkeeper

Jess is a dedicated Bookkeeper, with a Bachelor of Accounting, who is proud to assist her clients with bookkeeping support, since 2020. Jess is well-versed in a suite of software programs with a focus on QuickBooks Online. Her expertise extends beyond conventional bookkeeping, encompassing Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable Management, Payroll processing, and adeptly managing the books as per client specifications and needs. She stands out for her swift file processing capabilities and streamlined financial processes at Fiscal Performance.

David

Task Manager

Meet David, Fiscal Performance’s Task Manager. A distinguished accounting & finance professional since 2014, David is adept in leadership roles. Known for his advanced skills in process implementation and continuous improvement, David works to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. With extensive experience spanning global markets including Canada, USA, UK, and Australia, he specializes in providing comprehensive CFO & bookkeeping services. Proficiency in a variety of accounting software enables him to tailor solutions to meet his clients’ needs effectively. David is detailed oriented and his ability to deal with conflicting priorities in high-pressure situations makes him an VIP at Fiscal Performance.

Chris

Reviewer

Introducing Chris, a Reviewer at Fiscal Performance and a seasoned professional in the accounting & finance industry. He boasts a career, starting in 2017, that includes executive roles to team leader positions. A post graduate in accounting, he is proficient in software such as QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Chris has honed his skills over the years, optimizing his bookkeeping processes by prioritizing accuracy and efficiency. Known for his dedication and meticulous approach, Chris consistently seeks out innovative solutions to streamline operations and deliver top-tier results. His commitment to excellence and his proactive attitude makes him an invaluable asset at Fiscal Performance.

Tracy Khamis

CPB, DFA – Bookkeeping Services Specialist™

Managing Director

Always wanting to learn and gain knowledge, Tracy has worked for multiple companies from various industries. Having the opportunity to work in varied industries from small companies to large organizations such as banks, accounting firms, schools, restaurants, construction, manufacturing and the arts has been extremely exciting. Each industry has different rules that apply, along with different government requirements. This experience has provided Tracy with extensive growth and understanding of bookkeeping, multiple software platforms, and in-depth financial report preparation. To know Tracy is to appreciate what she can do to put your books in order and keep them in a timely, relevant and professional manner.

Office: 1-905-662-9437
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