Tips to reduce your income tax for small businesses

With the tax deadline fast approaching, it’s time to start planning now. To help you get prepared, we’ve provided a few quick tips to reduce your business tax bill. Some of them can be applied immediately and will definitely help reduce the amount of income tax you would have to pay.

1.       Take advantage of your business deductions

All expenses that you incur during business operations can be tax deductible. They can range from parking, postage, or even coffee. As long as you collect your business receipts, you can maximize your deductions when filing your return. 

If you either have a home office or lease a place, there are a few deductions that you can make that can help you reduce your income tax.  For home-based businesses, expenses such as insurance, electricity, phone, Internet are all expenses that can be claimed by you. According to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), any expenses that are incurred while operating your business – be it home or elsewhere, are tax deductible.

   

2.       Use your RRSPs to your full advantage

Using your RRSP is one of the best ways you can reduce your small business income tax. It’s unique in that it’s designed to be used as a long term savings vehicle while reducing your tax rate at the same time. So, if in one year you have a high income, you can determine how much you want to contribute into your RRSP as the more you contribute, the more your income tax is reduced. In a low income year, making an RRSP contribution won’t help so you might as well let the unused contribution carry forward when you need it, so that you can make a larger contribution.

3.       Donate to charitable causes                                                       

When you donate to charities, you receive tax credits from the government. By giving more to any registered charity, you’ll be able to maximize the tax credits resulting in a lower tax income rate. 

4.       Pay your family by splitting your income

By splitting your income, you get to take advantage of the different tax rates especially if your income is high. When your income is high, you’re placed on a higher tax bracket, however, if a portion of your income is transferred to your spouse or your child (if they are in a lower tax bracket), you’d be able to reduce your tax rate on your income. 

So if your child is going to university, by transferring a portion of your income, you would be able helping them with their school expenses while reducing your tax rate at the same time. Likewise, you can also gift your children any appreciable assets such as stocks, bonds or property. Any capital gains that they receive are taxed in the lower tax bracket.

5.       Write off your car expenses

If you use your vehicle for your business, you are allowed to claim any automobile costs such as:

-          Car insurance

-          Gas

-          Parking

-         Car maintenance

You have to be aware of some requirements before you can claim any automobile expenses: 

• You must have an employee agreement between your business and employee that the car is used for work purposes; 

• The government requires you to fill out form T2200, stating this agreement.

These tips will help you lower your tax burden – however, we highly recommend speaking with your accountant about other ways to save on taxes.

Canadian Tax Deductions to Keep in Mind

Get ready, Canada – April 30th is rapidly approaching. As most Canadians are aware, this auspicious date heralds the end of the tax season for the previous year. It is your last opportunity to make any adjustments to your taxable income and, hopefully, reduce the tax due.

Tax deductions exist within the legal system to allow a degree of parity amongst taxpayers and create a balance between earned income and the relevant taxes. However, as most accountants will point out, although the government will allow you legal deductions on your tax return, they will not contact you to point out possible deductions that you missed claiming. Therefore, research and consulting may be worth money in your pocket.

Here are a few sample deductions you may have missed:

Certain adult family members living at home can reduce your taxable income. If you have a relative over 18 with a physical or mental disability, and they live with you, you can deduct more than $4,000 of your taxable income for the expenses incurred for them.

Do you work from home in your rented apartment? If you have dedicated workspace at home, and work there at least 50% of your time, a portion of your rent and maintenance expenses may qualify as a tax deduction

If you are required to use your own car for business purposes, and do not receive a nontaxable allowance from your employer, you can deduct a portion of your auto expenses including lease payment, loan interest, maintenance, licence and repairs.

Who ever thought that your hobby may be tax deductible? If you earn some side income from your hobby and travel in order to do so, a portion of the travel expenses can be claimed against your taxable income.

A person who drives for a living can claim a portion of their food expenses while traveling. Similarly, when you travel for work, it is expected that you need lodging and showers. These, too, are deductible expenses.

If you are filing a simple return, it may not be necessary for you to incur the expense of a professional tax preparer. The Canada Revenue Agency maintains a highly informative website. On the other hand, if you feel you may be missing something, consult with a professional. After all, as honest hardworking Canadians, we all pay our taxes. But, we wouldn't mind paying just a little less.

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