Personal taxes
ACCURACY PLUS TAX SERVICE: FINANCIAL PLANNING IN KINGSTON & NAPANEE
Accuracy Plus Tax Service can take care of your finances. As experts, we make it our mission to provide intelligent financial solutions, ranging from bookkeeping to financial planning in Kingston and the surrounding areas. We also serve both residential and commercial clients.
OUR SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE:
- Farm tax returns
- Tax planning
- Insurance and estate planning
- Business tax returns
- HST housing rebates
Accuracy Plus Tax Service is proud to have two locations (in Kingston and Napanee) to better serve you. If you feel overwhelmed by your monthly bank statements, tax returns or about choosing the right mutual funds, relax: we can help!
Latest News
Succession Planning for Business Owners
Business owners deal with a unique set of challenges. One of these challenges includes succession planning. A succession plan is the process of the transfer of ownership, management and interest of a business. When should a business owner have a succession plan? A succession plan is required through the survival, growth and maturity stage of a business. All business owners, partners and shareholders should have a plan in place during these business stages.
Life Insurance after 60- is it necessary?
You may have had life insurance for as long as you can remember. You knew it was important to make sure that your family would be taken care of and be able to pay their bills if anything happened to you.
But now that you’re over 60, your children are grown, and your mortgage is paid off, you may feel you don’t need life insurance anymore. However, there are some circumstances under which it may still make sense for you to have life insurance:
• You still have substantial debt.
• You have dependent children or grandchildren.
• You want to be able to leave a financial legacy.
Easy Exit: Business Succession in a Nutshell
Getting into the world of business is a meticulous task, but so is getting out of it Whether you’ve just hit the ground running on your business or if you’ve been at it for a long time, there is no better time to plan your exit strategy than now.
Estate Planning for Young Families
Having a family is a blessing and can also bring a lot of worry. A lot of this worry can stem from not being prepared for a disaster like if something were to happen to you or your spouse.
We've put together an infographic checklist that can help you get started on this. We know this can be a difficult conversation so we're here to help and provide guidance.
Importance of a Buy-Sell Agreement
Working as a partnership between 2 or more individuals is never an easy task, and the situation only gets more complicated when one or more of them exits the business. Protecting not only the business, but your personal interests, as well as your family’s future are very important objectives for any business owner, and should not be overlooked.
Estate Freeze
An estate freeze can be an integral part of your estate planning strategy. The purpose of an estate freeze is to transfer any future increase in your business's value (generally shares) that you own to someone else.
Federal Budget 2021 Highlights
On April 19, 2021, the Federal Government released their 2021 budget. Our article contains highlights of the various financial measures in this budget, divided into three different sections:
• Business Highlights, including an extension to COVID-19 Emergency Business Supports, new programs to support job creation, and a change in interest deductibility limits.
• Individual Highlights, including details on the tax treatment and repayment of personal COVID-19 benefits (such as CERB), eligibility changes to the Disability Tax Credit, an increase in OAS for those 75 and up, and support for job skills retraining.
• Additional Highlights, including a proposed federal minimum wage of $15, changes to the GST New Housing Rebate conditions, and new or increased taxes in areas such as luxury goods, tobacco, and Canadian housing owned by non-resident foreign owners.
What’s new for the 2021 tax-filing season?
Tax season is upon us once again. But since 2020 was a year like no other, the 2021 tax-filing season will also be different. Due to all the changes in both where and how Canadians worked, the Canadian government has introduced some new tax credits and deductions to keep pace with these changes. Our article covers all of the following:
• How to claim home office expenses
• The new Canada Training Credit
• Pandemic emergency funds
• New digital news subscription tax credit
Group Insurance vs Individual Life Insurance
While it’s great to have group coverage from your employer or association, in most cases, people don’t understand the that there are important differences when it comes to group life insurance vs. self owned life insurance.
Extended COVID-19 Federal Emergency Benefits
On Friday, February 19, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension to:
- Canada Recovery Benefit
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
- Employment Insurance
Self-employed: Government of Canada addresses CERB repayments for some ineligible self-employed recipients
Great news for some ineligible self-employed Canadians who received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
TFSA vs RRSP – What you need to know to make the most of them in 2021
Both TFSAs and RRSPs can be significant savings vehicles for your clients. We've put together an article to help your clients easily understand the differences between them – with one section focussing on differences in deposits and one focussing on differences in withdrawals.
The deposit section focuses on:
• How much contribution room is available each year
• How carry forward works for TFSAs and RRSPs
• Tax deductibility of contributions
• Tax treatment of growth
The withdrawal section focusses on:
• Conversion requirements
• Tax treatment of withdrawals
• Impact of withdrawals on government benefits
• Impact of withdrawals on contribution room
2021 Financial Calendar
We’ve put together a financial calendar for 2021. It contains all the dates you need to know to make the most of your government benefits and investment options. Whether you want to bookmark this or print it out and post it somewhere prominent, you’ll have everything you need to know in one place!
Government of Canada to allow up to $400 for home office expenses
For the 2020 tax year, the Government of Canada introduced a temporary flat rate method to allow Canadians working from home this year due to Covid-19 to claim expenses of up to $400.
Business Owners: 2020 Tax Planning Tips for the End of the Year
It's a great time to review your business finances now that we are nearing year-end. We have listed some of the critical areas to consider and provide you with some helpful guidelines to make sure that you cover all the essentials. We have divided our tax planning tips into four sections:
- Year-end tax checklist
- Remuneration
- Business tax
- Estate
Highlights of the 2020 Federal Fall Economic Statement | Additional $20,000 CEBA loan available now
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently provided the government's fall economic update. It included information on the government's strategy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its plan to help shape the recovery. We've summarized the highlights for you:
• Corporate Tax Changes, including extensions to subsidy programs.
• Personal Tax Changes, including additional Canada Child Benefit Plan payments and a new "Work from home" tax credit.
• Indirect Tax Changes, including the proposal to charge GST/HST on services provided via digital platforms, as well as the temporary removal of GST/HST on face masks and shields.
For business owners, as of December 4th, the CEBA loan has been expanded by an additional $20,000.
Personal Tax Planning Tips – End of 2020 Tax Year
To help our clients, we’ve put together a comprehensive article filled with great tips on how to get ready for 2020 tax season. Here’s a summary of our personal tax tips article:
• Details about the different COVID-19 benefits programs and the tax ramifications of them
• Information about family tax issues including the Canada Child Benefits and tips on how to split income.
• Managing investments. Details about contributing to various savings plans such as a TFSA, RESP, or RDSP. Also tips on how and when to donate to charity and how to time the purchase or sale of investments.
• Retirement planning. How to make the most of your RRSP, things to know if you’ve turned 71, and tips on RRIF conversion.
Applications for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy starts today!
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is open for applications today! Unlike the previous program, this subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
CERS covers up to 65% of rent for businesses, charities and non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
An additional 25% Lockdown Support is available during a public health lockdown order.
Defined Contribution vs. Benefit Pension Plan for Employees
As an employer, you may be thinking about offering your employees a pension plan. If so, you have two main options: a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution pension plan. A defined benefit pension plan offers your employees a set amount of money when they retire, whereas a defined contribution pension plan does not.
We walk you through the differences between the two types of pension plans.
Applications for Canada Recovery Benefit now open!
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is now open for applications.
If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.
If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
New Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy | Wage Subsidy extended | CEBA additional $20,000 loan
Great news for businesses! The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy will be available directly to business owners who need rent relief. The Wage Subsidy has been extended to June 2021. And the CEBA has been expanded to provide up to $20,000 interest-free loan.
Applications for Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and Caregiving Benefit starts today!
Starting October 5, 2020, the Government of Canada will be accepting online applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).
The Difference between Segregated Funds and Mutual Funds
Segregated Funds and Mutual Funds often have many of the same benefits however there are key differences you should consider like Maturity and Death Benefit Guarantees.
Throne Speech: Recovery Plan Highlights
On September 23rd, in a speech delivered by Governor General Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the Federal government's priorities.
CEBA extended to October 31st. Expanded to include more businesses.
On August 31st, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to October 31st, 2020. This will give small businesses 2 additional months to apply for the $40,000 loan.
In addition, the Federal Government said it was working with financial institutions to make the CEBA program available to those with qualifying payroll or non-deferrable expenses that have so far been unable to apply due to not operating from a business banking account.
The Best Way to Buy Mortgage Insurance
Before buying insurance from your bank to cover your mortgage, please consider your options. What does the insurance cover?
CERB transitions to NEW Recovery Benefits and EI
On August 20th, the Federal Government announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by one month and the transition to the Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and a simplified EI.
Details of the EXPANDED Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
On August 11th, the Government of Canada updated the calculator and Canada.ca with the changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
If you're a business owner who has suffered losses as a result of COVID-19 and did NOT qualify previously for CEWS, you may now qualify.
Accessing Corporate Earnings
One of the financial planning issues that business owners face is how to access their corporate earnings in a tax efficient way. Please contact us to learn how we can get more money in your pocket than in the government's.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy expanded to include more businesses!
On July 17th, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced proposed changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) that will expand the number of businesses that qualify for the program.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended into December!
On July 13th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until December.
Insurance Planning for Business Owners
For business owners, making sure your business is financially protected can be overwhelming. Business owners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing risk. Insurance can play an important role.
CERB Extended | Business Owners who did not qualify previously – expanded CEBA starts June 19th
Great news for Canadians out of work and looking for work. The CERB will be extended another 8 weeks for a total of up to 24 weeks.
The expanded CEBA will begin June 19th.
Insurance Planning for Young Families
For young families, making sure your family is financially protected can be overwhelming, especially since there’s so much information floating online. This infographic addresses the importance of insurance- personal insurance.
Small Businesses! Applications for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance starts May 25th
The Application portal for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) opens at 8:00am EST on May 25th
Expanded eligibility for CEBA $40,000 interest-free loan
The Prime Minister outlined the expanded eligibility for the Canada Emergency Business Account and highlighted companies such as hair salon owners, independent gym owners with contracted trainers and local physio businesses will now be eligible.
"If you are the sole owner-operator of a business, if your business relies on contractors, or if you have a family-owned business and you pay employees through dividends, you will now qualify." - PM Justin Trudeau
Apply starting Friday for Canada Emergency Student Benefit! Help on the way for seniors.
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19.
Extended! Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended beyond June
On May 8th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that they will extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond June.
Guide to Covid-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada
The intention for our "Guide to Covid-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada” is to help businesses and individuals to cut through the noise and make sure they’re getting all the help they can receive from the federal and provincial programs.
75% Commercial Rent Assistance Program
On April 24th, the Federal Government in partnership with the provinces and territories unveiled the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance which provides rent relief to businesses.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit: Students will be eligible for $1,250 a month from May through August
Great news for students worried about financially making ends meet. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit which provides $1,250/month from May through August or $1,750/month for those taking care of someone else or have a disability.
For students looking to volunteer to help fight COVID-19, the Canada Student Service Grant provides $1,000 to $5,000
Apply for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy starting April 27th | Calculate your subsidy
On April 21st, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Canada Revenue Agency will accept applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) starting Monday, April 27th. This new measure gives qualifying employers up to $847 per employee each week so they can keep people on the payroll.
New Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance | Canada Emergency Business Account Expanded
On April 16th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced support for to help small businesses with their rent for the months of April, May and June.
The program is being worked out with the provinces and more details will be available shortly.
Expanded eligibility for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) & Boosted wages for Essential Workers
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced:
"Today, we're announcing more help for more Canadians. This includes topping up the pay of essential workers. At the same time, we'll also be expanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to reach people who are earning some income as well as seasonal workers who are facing no jobs and for those who have run out of EI recently. Expanding the CERB to include people who earn up to $1,000 per month. Maybe you're a volunteer firefighter, or a contractor who can pickup some shifts, or you have a part-time job in a grocery store."
Applications for the Canada Emergency Business Account starts TODAY!
The new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is available starting TODAY and is available through major banking institutions.
The CEBA will provide qualifying businesses an interest-free loans of up to $40,000 until December 31, 2022.
Rules changed to allow more struggling business owners access to CERB, Wage Subsidy. Summer jobs program increased to 100%
A big win today for some small business owners who previously did not qualify for the $500/week Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
Accepting Applications starting April 6th – Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The sheer volume of applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will likely overwhelm the system. If you or someone you know need to apply for this benefit, we suggest you prepare TODAY before the applications begin:
Double check your myCRA account username and password
Setup Direct Deposit with CRA
Ontario Support for Families portal is LIVE!
Today, Ontario launched the portal for parents to apply for a one-time COVID-19 payment to help offset the costs of keeping children entertained and engaged during this time away from school.
Under this new program, parents are eligible for a one-time per child payment of:
$200 for children aged 0 to 12
$250 for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs
Do I Qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit & EI?
To help Canadians through this difficult time, the Federal Government created the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and made changes to the Employment Insurance Program (EI). For those whose employment has affected by the Coronavirus, we have created a chart to help you figure out which program you qualify for and provide links to apply for each program.
Help for Small/Medium Businesses & Entrepreneurs – 75% wage subsidy, $40,000 interest-free loan & more
March 27, 2019 - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced programs and measures focused on helping Small & Medium Sized Businesses and Entrepreneurs cope with the economic consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With these new measures, our hope is that employers being pushed to laying off people due to COVID-19 will think again,” Trudeau said. “And for those of you who have already had to lay off workers, we hope you will re-hire them.”
Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
$2,000/month for 4 months - Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
How to apply for EI benefits for COVID-19 quarantines and other support programs
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
Support for Business Owners and Employees Covid 19
We know that clients have questions about the Federal government's economic response plan, we have included a summary of the information below specifically for business owners and employees.
Coronavirus & Market Uncertainty – $82 billion in aid for Families and Businesses
On March 18th, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced a further $82 billion in support including $27 billion in direct support for Canadian workers and businesses. This is in addition to the $20 billion announced days earlier which includes $10 billion available through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to help small and medium-sized businesses.
Coronavirus & Market Uncertainty – Federal Government $20 billion economic aid package
On March 13th, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, outlined Canada's response to COVID-19 including new investments to help protect Canadians and businesses. The total value of an aid package could be up to $20 billion across the country which includes $10 billion available through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to help small and medium-sized businesses. Here are some details of the programs they are funding:
Salary vs Dividend
As a business owner, you have the ability to pay yourself a salary or dividend or a combination of both. In this article and infographic, we will examine the difference between salary and dividends and review the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Comparing TFSAs and RRSPs – 2020
We examine the difference between RRSP and TFSA in the deposit and withdrawal stage.
RRSP Tax Savings Calculator for the 2019 Tax Year
The 2019 RRSP Tax Savings Calculator
2020 Financial Calendar
Financial Calendar for 2020- All the deadlines you need to know to maximize your benefits!
Business Owners: 2019 Tax Planning Tips for the End of the Year
If your corporate year end is December 31, it’s a great time to review your business finances. With the federal election over and no major business tax changes for this year, 2019 is a good year to make sure you are effectively tax planning. Please keep in mind that your business may be affected by the recent tax on split income (TOSI) and the passive investment income rules given they came into effect in 2018. These rules can be complicated, please don’t hesitate to consult us and your accountant to determine how this can affect your business finances.
2019 Tax Tips for Employees
Now that we are nearing year end, it’s a good time to review your finances. With the federal election over and no major tax personal tax changes for this year, 2019 is a good year to make sure you are effectively tax planning.
10 Essential Decisions for Business Owners
Business owners can be busy… they’re busy running a successful business, wearing lots of hats and making a ton of decisions. We've put together a list of 10 essential decisions for every business owner to consider.
Retirement Planning for Business Owners – Checklist
As a business owner, one of your challenges is learning how to balance between reinvesting into the business and setting money aside for personal savings. Since there are no longer employer-sponsored pension plans and the knowledge that retirement will come eventually, it’s important to have a retirement plan in place.
We've put together an infographic checklist that can help you get started on this.
6 Steps to Retirement Success
Retirement planning can be challenging, we’ve outlined what we feel are 6 steps to retirement success. Talk to us about a complimentary comprehensive review of your retirement plan.
Estate Planning for Business Owners
What happens when the children grow up and they are no longer dependent on their parents? What happens to your other "baby"- the business? Estate planning for business owners deals with the personal and business assets.
When and Why You Should Conduct an Insurance Audit
As our lives grow and change with variable circumstances, new additions, and job transitions, our needs for insurance will also evolve. Additionally, economic fluctuations and external circumstances that influence your insurance policy will need frequent re-evaluation to ensure that you are making the most appropriate and financially favorable decisions. Talk to us we can help.
Real Estate or Investments?
One of the age-old financial quandaries asked of financial advisors is “shall I invest in property or funds?”. Predictably, the answer is not at all straightforward and depends on many factors, including your own financial style, personality and circumstances. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each choice to help you to be better informed about which could be the most lucrative option for you
Do you REALLY need life insurance?
You most likely do, but the more important question is, What kind? Whether you’re a young professional starting out, a devoted parent or a successful CEO, securing a life insurance policy is probably one of the most important decisions you will have to make in your adult life. Most people would agree that having financial safety nets in place is a good way to make sure that your loved ones will be taken care of when you pass away. Insurance can also help support your financial obligations and even take care of your estate liabilities.
2019 Ontario Budget
The 2019 Ontario budget highlights include CARE tax credit, Estate administration tax and reviews about current tax measures.
Shared Ownership Critical Illness
Shared Ownership Critical Illness offers business owners and incorporated business professionals a way to access the retained earnings in their corporation or provide benefits to a key employee.
Talk to us to see how we can help you.
2019 Federal Budget
The 2019 budget is titled “Investing in the Middle Class. Here are the highlights from the 2019 Federal Budget.
Tax Lines to Look Out for 2018 Income Tax Year
An outline of the key lines to look out for in the 2018 Income Tax Year.
Financial Planning for Business Owners
Financial Planning for business owners is often two-sided: personal financial planning and planning for the business.
Business owners have access to a lot of financial tools that employees don't have access to; this is a great advantage, however it can be overwhelming too. A financial plan can relieve this.
A financial plan looks at where you are today and where you want to go. It determines your short, medium and long term financial goals and how you can reach them. For you, personally and for your business.
RRSP Tax Savings deadline – March 1, 2019
If you want to see how much tax you can save contributing to your RRSP for the 2018 tax filing year, enter your details!
Comparing TFSAs and RRSPs – 2019
If you are seeking ways to save in the most tax-efficient manner available, TFSAs and RRSPs can both be effective options for you to achieve your savings goals more quickly. However, each plan does have distinct differences and advantages / disadvantages. Let’s take a look at their key features
Retirement Planning for Business Owners
Retirement planning can be a complex process for us all, but if you are the owner of a small business it may can get even more complicated, due to the various factors and circumstances that you have to take into consideration. A common mistake made by small business owners is reinvesting extra money to grow their business, at the expense of putting it aside to save for their retirement.
2019 Financial Calendar
Financial Calendar for 2019- All the deadlines you need to know to maximize your benefits!
Tax Planning Tips for End of 2018
Now that we are nearing year end, it’s a good time to review your finances. 2018 saw a number of major changes to tax legislation come in force and more will apply in 2019, therefore you should consider available opportunities and planning strategies prior to year-end.
2 Locations to Serve You
KINGSTON
6-775 Strand Blvd
Kingston, ON K7P 2S7
613-887-2234
Kris@acplusaccounting.ca
NAPANEE
#4-140 Industrial Blvd
Napanee, ON, K7R 3Y9
613-354-2385