Watts Advisors Accounting & Tax Blog
Important Dates for 2015 0
May 27, 2015I am a little late in posting the key dates this year, but better late than never, the following are several key dates in 2015 for both individuals and corporations. These dates are important, because if these deadlines are missed you may be subject to costly fines and penalties. Important Dates: January ...
Read MoreIncrease in Effective Tax Rate for Non-Eligible Dividends 0
December 4, 2013Starting in 2014 the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has changed the way that non-eligible dividends are taxed. This change will effectively increase the tax rate for non-eligible dividends. This will cause business owners to re-evaluate the way in which they draw income from their business (dividends vs. Salary). Let’s look ...
Read MoreCRA raises prescribed interest rates – 4th quarter 2013 0
December 2, 2013For the first time since the 2nd quarter of 2009 the CRA has increased the prescribed interest rates that it charges on overdue balances and pays out on overpaid remittances. These prescribes rates are determined on a quarterly basis and based upon a simple average of three month T-bills. The new ...
Read MoreLifetime Capital Gains Exemption 0
April 20, 2012The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption is one of the biggest tax breaks or incentives offered by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), most people are not aware of it and it is seldom used. This tax break offers Canadians an exemption to paying tax on capital gains of up to$750,000 (was ...
Read MorePrincipal Residence Exemption 0
April 13, 2012Recently I have received a few questions about the tax rules surrounding your principal residence. The general idea behind the Principal Residence Exemption is that you are not taxed on gains you realize when you sell your residence. But like many tax guidelines in Canada the rules are more complicated than that to ...
Read MoreDeductible Employment Expenses 0
March 27, 2012There are a few instances where you are able to deduct expenses against employment income. The content of this blog will just cover the most common expenses of standard employment arrangements. There are specialized rules for commission employees and other unique circumstances as well as more specialized expenses that will ...
Read MoreCRA Giving Out 20% Penalty for Missing Information 0
March 20, 2012Most people aren’t aware of one of the harshest penalties that the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) gives out. This penalty doesn’t necessarily relate to fraud or tax evasion, but can occur if someone is simply forgetful or unorganized. Over the last couple of years the CRA has started charging a 20% ...
Read MorePersonal Tax Return Checklist 0
March 6, 2012Below is a checklist that I have put together to help my clients organize and compile the information needed to complete their personal tax return. Slips All information Slips (T4, T3, T5, T4E, T4A, T4AP, T4RSP, T4RIF, T5013) Old Age Security and CPP benefits Other Pensions and Annuities Employment insurance benefits Social assistance payments Workers compensation Benefits RRSP ...
Read More