5 Ways For Business Owners To Pay Less Tax In Canada

Reducing tax liabilities is a key concern for many business owners in Canada. Knowing how to implement strategic measures can lead to significant corporate tax reductions and savings. But how exactly can you ease your yearly corporate income tax returns? Here are five ways for business owners to pay less tax and optimize the corporate tax filing process: 1. Hire a Family Member One strategy for corporate tax reduction is to hire a family member. This allows you to leverage income-splitting opportunities, a legal and effective way of redistributing income within the family unit. By hiring family members, business owners ...Read More

The 2023 Guide To Year-End Tax Planning for Businesses

As we approach the end of the year, it's a crucial time to focus on something that directly affects your financial health—year-end tax planning. Understanding and managing corporate taxes might seem complex, but it's all about strategic business planning and making smart financial choices. This will save you money now and set you up for long-term success. Review Your Payroll When preparing for year-end tax obligations, a thorough review of your payroll is necessary. Be sure to accurately report employee income, deductions, and benefits. Assess compliance with tax regulations, and make necessary adjustments to avoid penalties. Utilize available tax credits ...Read More

Start Smart: Tax Planning Strategies for New Businesses in Alberta

Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with certain responsibilities, including corporate tax planning. Proper tax planning strategies can help you maximize your deductions, minimize your tax liabilities, and ensure compliance with the tax regulations in Alberta. At Liu & Associates, we are here to help you through the complexities of corporate tax planning so you can focus on what really matters - your business. In this article, we will discuss essential tax planning considerations for new businesses in Alberta, guiding you toward making informed decisions to optimize your tax situation. Getting Organized With Taxes When you ...Read More

Meal & Travel Expenses for Corporate Tax Filing

woman reading text messages on a cellphone while sitting alone at a counter in a cafe enjoying a meal

Meal expenses are a common tax deduction for many individuals, but determining what is and isn't taxable can be confusing, especially when it comes to corporate tax planning. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sets out specific rules and regulations for what can be claimed as a meal expense, and it's important to understand these guidelines to avoid any tax complications. In this article, we'll explore what is and isn't taxable when it comes to meal and vehicle rates, the difference between meal, travel, and entertainment expenses, the limits to meal expenses, how to claim meal expenses on your tax return, ...Read More

Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners

Small family restaurant owners discussing finance calculating bills and expenses of new small business

When running a small business, it is important to plan ahead and understand your tax obligations. Understanding small business tax planning strategies can help minimize your tax burden. But numbers can sometimes be confusing, and you want to focus your time and energy on growing your small business. We at Liu and Associates understand that, and we're here to help! Here are some tax planning strategies that will help with your small business: Keep Accurate Records Keeping accurate records is an essential part of tax planning for a small business. Here are some tips to help you keep your records ...Read More

6 Important things to know about corporate tax planning in Alberta for 2023

A lady signing a contract with a ballpoint pen.

Corporate tax planning involves understanding and utilizing the various tax laws and regulations to minimize tax liability.  Planning ahead for taxes also means keeping an eye on new provisions that could benefit your business while monitoring the tax rules and regulations as they can change. To make sure that your company is utilising the tax breaks available, it's crucial to consult with a tax expert. Here are some important things to know about corporate tax planning in Alberta: 1. Corporate income tax rate  Federal and provincial corporate income taxes are levied against corporations in Alberta. Currently, Alberta's corporate income tax ...Read More

How Much Should My Business Donate to Charity This Year?

businessman donates to charity on phone while sitting at desk

Charitable giving is an amazing opportunity for Canadian businesses to support causes that matter most to them. Donating to charity is an excellent way for your business to connect with your community and improve team morale among your employees. It can also have financial benefits as well when it comes to corporate tax planning. Here is more information on charitable giving and how much your business should donate to charity this year: How Does Charitable Giving Affect Corporate Taxes? Tax Deductions Unlike personal taxes, a donation made by a corporation can be used as a deduction against the business’s income ...Read More

How Much Should I Donate to Charity This Year?

woman donating to charity on her laptop

Did you know that Albertans gave around $1.47 billion to charities in 2013? Out of all the provinces, Alberta taxpayers had the highest median charitable donation amount in the country! Although there are many reasons you should make a charitable donation, getting relief on your annual personal taxes is one you shouldn’t ignore. Charitable tax credits can help you reduce your owing tax amount, and we can help you figure it out! Liu & Associates is here to help you understand how charitable giving affects taxes and how much you should donate to charity this year: How Does Charitable Giving ...Read More

What To Know About Being A Landlord in Alberta

couple of tenants shaking hands with landlord, receive house key, making rent deal

Becoming a landlord in Alberta requires a significant amount of responsibility - and a lot of money. If you’re wondering if it’s worth it to become a landlord, Liu & Associates is here to tell you what it takes. From how to be a good landlord to how rental income affects your taxes, this guide will help you determine if becoming a landlord is the right choice for you! Is Being A Landlord Worth It Financially? Becoming a landlord begins with investing in real estate, which involves factors such as a down payment and mortgage, as well as repairs and ...Read More

What To Know About Rental Income in Alberta

In Canada, rental income is the income you earn from a rental property that you own and rent to someone else. Typically, rental income comes from renting apartments, houses, and rooms but also includes office space and other commercial properties. In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about rental income in Alberta as an individual (not a business or trust). While earning an income rental seems like a quick and easy way to make more money, there are many factors that you have to take into consideration, such as how to determine your rental ...Read More