Friday, 31st August 2018 | Accounting
Six best practices for paying Canadian business taxes
Your small business’ year end has just wrapped up and you’ve finished your team’s T4s. Now what? It’s time to prepare your business’ income taxes. Regardless of your profits, Canadian small-business owners must declare their company’s income details on their tax returns. As a financial services company that works with many Canadian small businesses, we know that tax season can be a stressful time of year. To help, we’ve compiled some best practices that will help you seamlessly file your submission.
Your small business’ year end has just wrapped up and you’ve finished your team’s T4s. Now what? It’s time to prepare your business’ income taxes. Regardless of your profits, Canadian small-business owners must declare their company’s income details on their tax returns. As a financial services company that works with many Canadian small businesses, we know that tax season can be a stressful time of year. To help, we’ve compiled some best practices that will help you seamlessly file your submission.
1) Confirm which tax forms are required
The first step in the process involves determining the income tax return form that is required for your business. For Canadian sole proprietors or partnerships, your operations’ income tax is declared on the T2125 form in the T1 package, in conjunction with your personal income tax forms. If your business is incorporated, you will use the T2 form.
Many businesses are eligible to file their returns online. Confirm with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if your business qualifies for corporation internet filing. In Canada, if your business has a gross revenue of more than $1 million per year, then you must complete internet filing for your corporate income taxes.
2) Record expenses eligible for tax deductions
It will benefit your business financially if you determine early on which expenses are eligible for tax deductions. For example, mileage incurred for business travel can be written off at 100 per cent, whereas food purchased to entertain clients can be written off at 50 per cent. It’s important to keep all of your receipts and record your business mileage throughout the year. You can learn more about eligible business expenses on the CRA’s website.
In the early days of running a small business, it’s all too easy to blur the lines between business and personal expenses. From the get-go, get into a habit of keeping your finances separate with distinct bank accounts (and credit cards) for each. While credit card expenses are easier to track with monthly statements, ensure you’re keeping record of any cash transactions, too. Avoid creating a growing pile of receipts on your desk or a shoebox in your car. Create a tracking system either on your phone or on your computer that will keep you organized year-round. Here are three accounting software systems we love, and why.
3) Apply for any applicable tax credits
Various Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) may be available to your small business. These credits allow Canadian businesses to claim a specified percent to the cost of eligible expenses and property purchases. For more information on eligibility, time limits and how to apply, visit the CRA’s ITC web page.
4) Take note of your tax return deadline
Your business will meet costly consequences if you don’t meet your tax submission deadline. In Canada, sole proprietors and partnerships have until June 15 to submit their filings. On top of this, you, as the business owner have until April 30 to file your personal income taxes.
Business income tax is required to be filed within six months of your business’ fiscal year end. So, if your company uses a year-end of Dec. 31, you are required to file your tax return by June 30 of the following year.
5) Remain up to date with record-keeping
A reliable record-keeping system is imperative to keeping your small business’ finances on track. Ensure all of your paperwork, including receipts, invoices and employee payments are organized and easy to retrieve.
Remember, if your business is selected for an audit, the CRA may require up to six years worth of paperwork. So be sure to keep all of your receipts and records until they can safely be destroyed after this time period.
6) Hire a professional accountant or bookkeeper
Great bookkeeping practices—when implemented from the get-go—are the key to keeping your small business surviving and thriving. We’ve seen ill-managed finances can cause a host of problems, including poor cash flow, improper tax filings and more. If you’re not an accounting aficionado, hire a professional to manage your books year-round. While they’re at it, they may be able to suggest business improvements and areas of cost savings, which will further benefit your business during tax season.
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Embracing AI: Small Business Marketing Success
Venturing into Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like treading uncharted waters, but it's an opportunity for small businesses to revolutionize marketing strategies and spark growth. Much like the buzz surrounding ChatGPT, AI tools offer myriad capabilities, ranging from task automation to personalized customer experiences. In fact, research shows that 39% of small businesses have already invested in AI tools to innovate their customer engagement and retention strategies, leveraging AI to save both time and money.
Unlocking the Power of AI Tools
AI tools span a wide spectrum of applications to streamline processes, analyze data, and optimize marketing campaigns. Let's explore some key AI tools commonly embraced in small business marketing:
Data analysis
AI-powered analytics programs sift through vast volumes of marketing data, distilling valuable insights and trends that inform strategic decisions and fuel campaign optimization. This enhances efficiency and facilitates cost savings, with 25% of businesses using these savings to increase wages and benefits.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP technology empowers chatbots and virtual assistants to engage customers in natural conversations, enriching customer service and sales interactions.
Automated decision-making
AI algorithms offer actionable recommendations, guiding marketing strategy decisions to ensure resource allocation aligns with business objectives and budget constraints.
Content generation
AI-driven tools churn out written content, such as blog posts and social media captions, at scale, freeing up time for creative endeavours while maintaining quality and consistency.
Real-time personalization
Leveraging customer data, AI enables personalized marketing experiences by delivering tailored recommendations and offers, thereby enhancing engagement and driving conversions.
Leveraging AI for Marketing Success
Incorporating AI tools into the marketing toolkit can yield substantial benefits for small businesses. Here's a roadmap to harnessing AI for marketing success:
Harness data insights
Utilize AI analytics platforms to extract actionable insights from marketing data, empowering informed decision-making and continuous optimization.
Elevate customer engagement
Deploy AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer experiences, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.
Make informed choices
Rely on AI-driven recommendations to shape marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics.
Streamline content creation
Utilize AI content generation tools to produce high-quality written content efficiently, maintaining relevance and resonance with the audience.
Deliver tailored experiences
Leverage AI to deliver real-time personalized marketing messages and offers, nurturing deeper connections and driving conversions.
Designing an AI Marketing Strategy
Designing an effective AI marketing strategy requires careful planning and strategic execution. Here's how to do it:
Identify Business Requirements
Assess business needs and objectives to determine how AI can support marketing goals.
Decide AI Framework
Choose AI tools and technologies that align with business requirements and budget constraints.
The Right Approach
Adopt a strategic approach to implementing AI in the marketing strategy, focusing on areas where it can deliver the most significant impact.
Evolve
Continuously monitor and refine the AI marketing strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and emerging trends.
By embracing the power of AI, small businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With careful planning and strategic implementation, AI can be a game-changer for small business marketing, driving engagement, loyalty, and business success. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and seize the opportunities that AI has to offer.
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Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
As we embark on a new year, the ever-evolving digital landscape presents opportunities and challenges. In 2024, one of the paramount challenges demanding attention is the persistent threat of cyber attacks.
Safeguarding your business against these threats is not just advisable—it's imperative. Let's explore the crucial cybersecurity strategies every small business should adopt for a secure and prosperous journey throughout 2024.
Understanding the Landscape
The IBC’s 2023 Cyber Security Survey revealed a concerning trend among small businesses. Despite over 60% considering their size immune to cybercriminal attention, small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees experienced a surprising 43% of yearly cyber attacks in 2023.
Crucial Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
Educate Your Team
Empowering your team with effective cyber threat identification skills is essential. Regular training sessions can equip them to recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and identify potential security risks. A well-informed team serves as the first line of defence against cyber adversaries.
Ensure your training addresses these common security issues:
1. Phishing attacks: Deceptive tactics to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or deploying harmful software.
2. Malware attacks: Cyber threats involving malicious software executing unauthorized actions.
3. Ransomware: Malicious software designed to deny access to files, demanding a ransom for decryption.
Employee Training and Awareness Programs
Acknowledge that your employees are not just integral to your business—they are the first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs inform your team about the latest cyber threats and preventive measures. Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness where every team member actively contributes to the protection of your business.
Strengthening Your Digital Shield
Crafting an impenetrable shield for your small business involves developing good cybersecurity habits through daily practices:
1. Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems and security applications, up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
2. Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in your systems.
3. Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, promoting the use of complex, unique passwords.
4. Require long, varied passwords for sensitive accounts.
5. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Invest in Cybersecurity Technology
As cyber threats advance, upgrading defences is crucial. Invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to serve as your digital guardians, actively monitoring and thwarting potential threats.
Proactive Preparedness
Craft a comprehensive incident response plan that includes:
1. Communication Protocols: Clearly define communication channels during a cyber incident.
2. Data Backup Strategies: Regularly back up critical data to minimize the impact of potential data loss.
3. Mitigation Steps: Establish procedures to mitigate potential damage during and after a cyberattack.
The Stakes Are High
In 2023, small businesses accounted for a significant portion of annual cyber attacks, emphasizing the need to view cybersecurity not as an expense but as an investment. Cybersecurity is not a luxury—it's a prerequisite for sustainable success. As you navigate the intricate web of business operations in 2024, remember that a secure foundation is key to achieving your goals. Despite the challenges in the digital realm, informed decisions and proactive measures can help your business emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
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The Top 10 Small Business Trends for 2024
As small business owners, anticipating the shifts that shape success is always on your agenda. In the ever-changing business landscape of 2024, specific trends will be crucial to staying relevant and thriving. Let's recap the top 10 trends that should be on your radar for the coming year:
1. Tech Integration for Maximum Efficiency:
Small businesses are unlocking the power of technology to streamline operations. From intuitive software to smart automation tools, embracing these innovations can enhance efficiency, trim costs, and keep you at the forefront of your industry.
2. Sustainability and Climate Change:
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. Small businesses are discovering the benefits of eco-friendly practices, not only for the environment but also for their bottom line. Going green can set you apart and resonate with conscious consumers.
3. Flexible Work Models:
The 9-to-5 office setup is evolving. Small businesses are embracing flexible work arrangements—remote work, flexible hours, and hybrid models—opening doors to a global talent pool while fostering a healthier work-life balance for your team.
Related: A shortened workweek: fad or the future of work?
4. Personalized Customer Experiences:
In an era where personalization reigns supreme, small businesses are customizing customer experiences. From targeted marketing to personalized products and services, understanding and meeting individual customer needs are keys to success.
5. Continued Growth of E-commerce:
E-commerce is not slowing down. Small businesses are seizing the opportunity to reach a broader audience, implement targeted marketing, and offer convenient purchasing options. Investing in a robust online presence is no longer a choice—it's a necessity.
6. Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being:
A healthy work environment is essential. Small businesses are putting employee well-being first, introducing initiatives like employee assistance programs, flexible schedules, and wellness benefits to create a thriving and productive workforce.
7. Digital Marketing, Content Creation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Stay ahead in the digital era by creating valuable content, engaging with customers through social media, and implementing SEO strategies. Integrate AI to streamline content creation processes, adding a layer of innovation to your marketing strategy.
Related Article: 7 ways how AI empowers small businesses to achieve more in less time
8. Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
In the digital age, safeguarding your business is crucial. Invest in strong cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Shockingly, small businesses, including those with 1,000 or fewer employees, account for 43% of annual cyber attacks in 2023. This data underscores the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to fortify your defence against potential threats.
9. Innovative Payment Solutions:
How we pay is evolving, and your business should evolve with it. Consider offering various payment options, including mobile wallets and contactless payments, to cater to diverse customer preferences.
10. Agile Business Models:
Agility is the cornerstone of success in 2024. Be responsive to market changes, adapt swiftly to challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Flexibility in operations and decision-making will give your business a competitive edge.
Incorporating these trends into your business strategy isn't just smart; it's the key to staying relevant and successful. Keep these considerations in mind as you navigate the dynamic landscape of 2024.
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