When deciding as to whether a salary should be paid to a family member, or more specifically to one’s spouse, numerous questions arise. On one side, there is the question of the risk involved that the salary may be unreasonable and having the expense being disallowed. On the other side, there is the benefit of […]
If you run your own business or you are self-employed, you may be tempted to report only part of your income to the tax authorities. Or you might consider suppressing information about your activities.
If you are audited by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) you should consider this. The CRA auditor has access to the Internet. […]
If you owe money to any of the tax authorities because you failed to file a return for one or more years, you can make a voluntary disclosure. You will pay only the tax due plus interest. No penalties will be assessed. You have to make a complete disclosure. The information can be less than […]
Unless your last name is Bezos, Buffett, or Gates, you likely won’t have the answers about how to run a successful business, and you’ll have to figure things out the hard way. Fortunately, those who have already been down that road can offer some pieces of advice aimed at steering you clear of some all-too-common […]
One of the more common expenses claimed by taxpayers are automobile expenses (applies to any motor vehicle such as a van, bus, pickup truck, station wagon, SUV, or other truck). Many individuals use their automobile for work or business and incur personal expenses in doing so. It is important to note that only expenses of […]
Management of your personal finances can be challenging. However, it is a necessary skill for those whose goal is to live debt-free and acquire wealth. There are specific and necessary steps to follow if financial independence is your goal.
Get Organized
If you are disorganized in your everyday life, you are apt to have difficulty following a […]
As a first-time home buyer, you may be able to claim $5,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home in 2017.
To qualify for the home buyers’ amount, you cannot have lived in another home owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner that year or in any of the preceding four years.
The qualifying home […]
If you think that paying for your employee’s disability premiums is always a good thing, think again. If you provide your employees disability as a nontaxable fringe benefit, payments they receive upon their disability will be, in most cases, FULLY taxable to them!
Payments received due to disability are not taxable if:
Your employees paid the […]
One of the most disruptive things to happen in your life is a financial hardship. These can come in many different forms, like losing your job, poor investments, natural catastrophes and illness. It is important, if you should find yourself in any of these situations, to remain invested in identifying your next steps and making […]
Dear Uncle Bean:
My husband and I have decided to end our marriage. We have been married for 7 years and have two small children. How will this affect my taxes?
Distressed and Disturbed
Dear Distressed and Disturbed:
I am so, so sorry to hear about your situation. Sometimes soul mates turn into soul duds. Unfortunately, ending a marriage […]
