J.A.I.K.S Blog

J.A.I.K.S. BLOG

Welcome to J.A.I.K.S. Blog, a place where we will provide you with a variety of resources on accounting, taxation and other related subjects suited for both individuals and/or their businesses.

We hope you can find the answers to your questions and/or curiosities, and always know we are here to help if you need more.

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Deducting Vehicle Expenses when Self-Employed

If you are self-employed, you may claim automotive expenses while conducting business. If you use your car for personal and business travel, only expenses for business can be deducted. If you use it exclusively for business, you can expense all costs.

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In Canada, are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

We thought it would be a good time to discuss the medical expense deduction on your tax return, as the end of the year is fast approaching.

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Shareholder Loans in a Corporation

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Shareholder loans refer to loans made by shareholders of a corporation to the corporation. The tax implications of such loans will vary depending on the jurisdiction, but usually, they are not considered taxable income to the shareholder.

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Investment fees on your tax return can be deducted

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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.

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How to Avoid Tax Time Scams About the CRA

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It’s tax time again. If you are like others, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. Sadly, scammers are aware of this and take advantage of people's fears by trying to steal money and gain unauthorized access to personal data and financial details. The Canada Revenue Agency has seen a dramatic increase in the sophistication of scam attempts, so it is essential that you learn the difference between legitimate communication and a scam from the CRA. The best way to protect yourself from potential fraud is by learning the signs.  

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Phone Scams at Tax Time

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Numbers from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre show that direct calls remain the number one means of solicitation for fraudsters.

Although the CRA may contact you via phone to review your income tax and benefit return, it's important to note that legitimate government employees will always identify themselves with their name, employee number, and phone number.

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CRA Email Scams in Tax Season

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The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) might email you:

  • to let you know that a new message is available on your CRA website account.
  • to send you a link for a webpage, form, or publication that you requested during a call or meeting with a CRA representative.  
  • to let you know about tax credits and benefits for individuals or online services such as My account.
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CRA Text & Mail Scams to be Aware Of

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The CRA will not send text messages, or instant messages (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp) to start a conversation with you under any circumstances.  

If you receive a text or instant message purporting to be from the CRA, prompting you to click on a link or requesting information, you can safely delete it.  

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You Still Must File Your Income Tax on Time!

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Even though there is currently a strike affecting the CRA, filing your Canadian income tax on time is essential to avoid penalties and interest charges. The strike has not changed the May 1st due date for filing your taxes.

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Canadians and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

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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:

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Steps for a Retroactive Disability Tax Credit Claim

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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.

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The Disability Tax Credit & Low-Income Canadians

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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:

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How Can a Bookkeeper Help Your Company?

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Bookkeepers also play an important role in helping companies manage their financial records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial information, and providing valuable insights that can drive strategic decision-making when combined with your accountant. Some of the ways bookkeepers contribute are:

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How Does My Bookkeeper Work with My Accountant?

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As we spoke about in our last post, as your bookkeeper, we handle the day-to-day financial transactions and record-keeping. Your accountant takes a more analytical and strategic role in interpreting the data, providing financial advice, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

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In Canada When Are Gifts or Inheritances Taxable?

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

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Gifts from an Employer May be a Taxable Benefit

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In Canada, gifts from an employer can be considered taxable benefits in certain circumstances. The taxation of employer-provided gifts depends on several factors, including the nature and value of the gift, the frequency of such gifts, and the specific rules set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

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Gifting Capital Property is a Disposition for Tax Purposes

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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.

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How Can I Minimize Taxes of a Deceased Taxpayer?

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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:

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Record-Keeping Best Practices for Small Business

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Effective record-keeping is crucial for the success of any small business. Proper records not only help you track your financial performance but also ensure compliance with tax regulations and provide valuable insights for making informed business decisions. Here are some best practices for record-keeping in a small business:

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Prepare for Income Tax at Year-End

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As tax laws and regulations change, it's crucial to consult with a tax professional or check the latest resources for the most up-to-date information.

Here are some common steps individuals may take at the end of the tax year:

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2024 Tax Changes to Expect in Canada

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We have compiled a list of Tax Changes and adjustments that are anticipated to affect most Canadians in 2024.

The details here offer estimates for elevated payroll taxes, mandatory contributions to the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. It also covers increases in carbon and alcohol taxes plus the effect of the possible Digital Services Tax.

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Taxes and the College Student in Canada

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How to maximize tax refunds as a college student in Canada

Maximizing your tax refunds as a college student in Canada involves understanding the tax credits and deductions available to you and ensuring you claim them correctly on your tax return. Here are some tips to help you maximize your tax refunds:

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New T3 Requirements for Joint Accounts

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Should you have established an in-trust-for (ITF) account for your minor child or hold specific assets jointly, such as a joint bank account or being added to the title on a home, you, and/or they, may now fall under the purview of recently implemented trust reporting regulations, effective for taxation years ending after December 30th. These regulations might necessitate the filing of a T3 Trust Income Tax and Information Return within 90 days of the year-end, irrespective of whether there's any income or activity to report. Given that trusts typically have a calendar year-end, the first tax return for 2023 would be due by April 2, 2024 (as March 30 falls on a Saturday, and April 1 is Easter Monday). Perhaps you have heard about this new trust reporting and do not know if it applies to you, please feel free to contact us. More information is below regarding the new trust reporting.

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File Tax Returns by April 30th to Avoid Penalties

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The deadline for filing 2023 tax returns and payments is Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Typically, personal income tax returns, excluding those with self-employment income, are due by April 30th, along with any outstanding payments. Late filings or payments may incur penalties and interest charges.

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Filing Your Personal Tax Return Benefits - Part 1

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

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