Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Canadian tax services and CRA procedures

Common Tax Questions

We've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about our services, Canadian tax regulations, and CRA procedures. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.

Our personal tax returns start at $95 + GST for standard situations. The final cost depends on complexity—rental properties, self-employment income, investments, and multiple provinces may increase the fee. We always provide a clear quote before starting work, so there are no surprises. Business tax returns and accounting packages are customized based on your specific needs.

Yes! While our office is located in Edmonton at 17923 78 Street NW, we serve clients throughout Calgary, Alberta, and across Canada. We offer virtual consultations and secure document sharing, making it easy to work with us no matter where you're located. We're experienced in handling tax returns for clients in all provinces and territories.

Three key differences: Transparent pricing with no hidden fees (you know what you'll pay upfront), an expert team including CPAs and tax lawyers who stay current with Canadian tax regulations, and fast, responsive service. We combine big-firm expertise with small-firm accessibility and personal attention. Plus, we're available year-round, not just during tax season.

For most Canadians, the tax filing deadline is April 30th. If you or your spouse/common-law partner are self-employed, your deadline is June 15th—however, any taxes owed are still due by April 30th. If you miss the deadline and owe taxes, the CRA charges penalties and interest. We recommend filing early to avoid stress and get your refund sooner.

Absolutely. We regularly help clients catch up with CRA, file late returns, address outstanding balances, and set up payment plans. The sooner you address unfiled returns, the better—penalties and interest accumulate over time. Our team will assess your situation, file all outstanding returns, and negotiate with the CRA on your behalf if needed. We handle this discreetly and professionally.

Yes. Our team includes tax lawyers who can represent you during CRA audits, reviews, and disputes. We review CRA notices, prepare responses with proper documentation, communicate with CRA auditors on your behalf, and advocate for your interests. If you receive any correspondence from the CRA, bring it to us immediately—timing is often critical in these situations.

Common documents include: T4 (employment income), T5 (investment income), T4A (self-employment/pension), RRSP contribution receipts, charitable donation receipts, medical expense receipts, childcare expense receipts, tuition receipts (T2202), and moving expense documentation. If you have rental properties, investments, or self-employment income, you'll need additional documentation. We'll provide a personalized checklist based on your situation.

For straightforward personal returns with all documents provided, we typically complete preparation within 3-5 business days. More complex returns (self-employment, rental properties, investments, corporate structures) may take 7-10 business days. During peak tax season (March-April), turnaround times may be slightly longer. We file electronically whenever possible for faster processing with the CRA.

Business & Corporate Tax Questions

Questions about business structures, corporate taxes, and accounting services

It depends on your income, liability concerns, and future plans. Incorporation offers tax advantages (lower corporate tax rates, income splitting opportunities), liability protection, and professional credibility. However, it involves more administration and costs. Generally, incorporation makes sense when your business income exceeds $50,000-$75,000 annually. We provide personalized consultation to assess your specific situation and recommend the best structure.

Our small business package (starting at $500/month + GST) includes: monthly bookkeeping, financial statements (balance sheet, income statement), corporate tax return (T2), GST/HST filing, basic tax planning advice, and unlimited email support. We customize packages based on transaction volume, complexity, and your specific needs. Additional services like payroll processing can be added.

Corporate tax returns (T2) are due 6 months after your fiscal year-end. However, any taxes owed must be paid within 2-3 months of your year-end (2 months for CCPCs eligible for the small business deduction, 3 months for others). Missing deadlines results in penalties and interest. We track deadlines for all our business clients and send reminders well in advance.

You must register for GST/HST if your business revenue exceeds $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters. You can also register voluntarily even if you're below this threshold—this allows you to claim input tax credits (ITCs) on business expenses. In Alberta, only GST (5%) applies, not HST. We help you register and manage all GST/HST filing requirements.

You can deduct ordinary and reasonable expenses incurred to earn business income, including: office supplies, equipment, rent, utilities, insurance, professional fees, advertising, vehicle expenses (business portion), home office expenses, travel, meals and entertainment (50%), and employee wages. Expenses must be properly documented and reasonable for your type of business. We help you maximize legitimate deductions while ensuring CRA compliance.

Yes, we offer complete payroll services. We handle: employee setup and payroll registration with CRA, calculating gross pay, deductions (CPP, EI, income tax), net pay, issuing pay stubs and direct deposits, remitting deductions to CRA, preparing T4 slips at year-end, and ensuring compliance with all federal and provincial employment standards. This ensures accuracy and lets you focus on running your business.

CRA Procedures & Filing

Understanding the Canada Revenue Agency processes and requirements

If you file electronically (which we do), the CRA typically processes refunds within 2 weeks. Paper returns can take 8 weeks or longer. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund—usually within 5-10 business days of CRA processing. If your return is selected for review, processing may take longer. You can check your refund status on the CRA My Account portal.

File your return on time even if you can't pay—late filing penalties are much higher than late payment penalties. The CRA offers payment arrangements for taxpayers who can't pay immediately. We can help you: negotiate a payment plan with the CRA, request taxpayer relief for penalties and interest in special circumstances, and develop a strategy to manage your tax debt. Ignoring the problem leads to collection action, so address it proactively.

Yes, if you worked from home more than 50% of the time for at least 4 consecutive weeks, you can claim home office expenses. You can use the temporary flat rate method ($2 per day worked from home, up to $500) or the detailed method (calculating actual expenses like rent, utilities, internet). Your employer must complete Form T2200 confirming you were required to work from home. We help you choose the best method and maximize your claim.

Common triggers include: unusually high deductions relative to income, significant changes from prior years, cash-intensive businesses, home office or vehicle expense claims, rental property losses, large charitable donations, inconsistencies between your return and information slips, and random selection. The best defense is accurate record-keeping, reasonable expense claims, and proper documentation. If you're selected for review, our team will handle all communication with the CRA.

The CRA can reassess your return for up to 3 years after the initial assessment (longer in cases of fraud or misrepresentation). Keep all supporting documents (receipts, invoices, statements) for at least 6 years from the end of the tax year they relate to. For businesses, keep records for 6 years from the end of the last tax year they relate to. We recommend digital backups for important documents to prevent loss.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team is here to help. Book a free consultation or give us a call—we're happy to answer any questions about your tax situation.