Year 2010 Income Tax Tips for Canadian businesses
Vehicle Expenses:
Most of the business owners use their vehicle for both the business and personal use. You need to determine the business portion of car usage. The way it is calculated is based on the Kilometers driven. Say, for example you drove your passenger vehicle 40000 kilometer in your tax year. However only 10000 km driving was for business purposes. In this case 25% of the expenses could be claimed. (10000 divided by 40000). Car expenses include: fuel, oil, interest or leasing, insurance, registration and licence, repair and maintenance. (Reference: Page 5 of Form T2125; Chart A)
Tax on Fuel:
In BC, we pay 5% HST on fuel. Every 3 months or every one year a business has to fill up Harmonized Tax Return Form (Assuming the annual gross income is greater than $30000). Only the business portion of the amount of HST paid for gasoline can be claimed in the HST Return Form. Imagine, I use my passenger vehicle 25% towards my business activity and I have paid a total of $200 HST for fuel during the tax year. Then the portion of fuel HST I can include in my HST Return Form (GST34 Form) is 25% of $200 or fifty dollars.
Employment Expenses:
If you are a earning income as a tradeperson, you may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools you bought in year 2010. The employer should be avilable to confirm the need for the tool purchase. Form T2200 will help you to fill the necessary data. I need to note that the communication devices like cellular phone are not considered tools unless it is strictly used for calculation and measurements, or locating. Government Guide T4044 explains more details.
Filing income tax deadline:
The deadline for filing your Canadian income tax return is midnight April 30. If you were self-employed you have until June 30 to file your income tax but if you have a balance due it must still be paid by April 30. Now you probably are asking, “how do I know how much I owe” Well, it is easy, make an instalment payment of an approximate amount by April 30 and the balance by June30.
Online Services:
Get your refund faster by filing electronically. You can Netfile, E-file or Telefile. If you choose to Netfile you must have an access code from CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) if you don’t have one, call CRA at 1-800-959-8281. If you choose to E-file, the tax preparation agency office is registered with CRA and they will have their own access code. If you choose to Telefile simply follow the instructions via telephone.
Investment as a Shareholder:
If you are a shareholder of a company and you make an investment into the company. Make sure the company doesn’t repay your investment more than the original amount.
Example: if your investment is $50,000. the company may pay you back up to the same amount.
If you receive $60,000, the extra $10,000 can become taxable income to you and be reported on your personal income tax. If you find yourself in that situation, please consult with an accountant.