397 Taxes, Write-Offs and Running a Small Business - CPA, Course Creator & Speaker, Jami Monte
Apr 17, 2024
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Jami Monte, CPA and founder of Chill Books, is here to demystify the world of small business taxes in Canada. She shares crucial updates for 2023 tax filings and dives into the often-overlooked business write-offs, like cell phone bills and home office deductions. Jami also discusses common pitfalls in sales tax registration, especially for content creators, stressing the importance of understanding tax obligations. With practical insights on bookkeeping and financial management, she empowers self-employed individuals to navigate their finances confidently.
Effective tax preparation and organized financial documentation are crucial for small business owners to avoid last-minute stress during filing season.
Staying updated on changing tax obligations, such as new brackets and the end of COVID-related credits, is essential for compliance.
Establishing strong bookkeeping practices and investing in financial education can significantly improve a small business owner's ability to manage taxes efficiently.
Deep dives
Early Tax Season Preparation
Tax season highlights the urgency for individuals to complete their personal income taxes before the deadline. With rising questions around tax obligations, especially for small business owners, understanding these processes is essential. The podcast emphasizes that timely tax preparation can prevent last-minute stress, especially for solopreneurs who may not have organized their records throughout the year. As the deadline approaches, individuals should prioritize their financial documentation to facilitate a smoother filing experience.
Common Tax Questions for Small Business Owners
Many small business owners face uncertainties regarding tax responsibilities, especially about sales tax obligations and required documentation. The discussion points out that new tax brackets and increased federal personal amounts may benefit those filing this year. Specific updates, such as the discontinuation of COVID-related tax credits, also indicate shifting requirements that taxpayers must navigate. This evolving landscape prompts solopreneurs to stay informed about changes impacting their filing processes.
Effective Bookkeeping Practices
Establishing strong bookkeeping practices from the outset is critical for small business owners to avoid costly mistakes. The podcast emphasizes the importance of maintaining organized financial records, including receipts and transaction documentation, to streamline tax preparation. It advises entrepreneurs to avoid co-mingling personal and business finances by creating distinct accounts for each. A strong emphasis is placed on proactive financial management to prevent small issues from escalating into major financial headaches.
Understanding Sales Tax Obligations
Sales tax registration can be daunting, but understanding when and how to charge is crucial for compliance. The podcast explains that businesses must register for sales tax once they surpass the $30,000 sales threshold in four consecutive quarters. Guidance is provided on how to calculate taxes based on location, underscoring the importance of knowing local regulations. This knowledge helps mitigate risks and ensures small business owners are prepared for audits or inquiries regarding their tax practices.
The Importance of Continuing Education in Financial Management
Investing in financial education is portrayed as a vital step for small business owners to succeed and efficiently manage their taxes. The podcast encourages individuals to familiarize themselves with essential financial concepts to make informed decisions throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Resources, such as courses on bookkeeping and taxation, are highlighted as tools that can bolster financial literacy. By prioritizing education and engagement with financial resources, entrepreneurs can enhance their understanding and management of their business finances.
If you're self-employed in Canada, listen up because this episode is for you! Since posting some videos about setting up a small business and figuring out income tax and sales tax on my YouTube channel years ago, I still get questions about write-offs, tax rules, and registering a business on the daily. But I'm not an accountant, so often I have to tell people to seek professional advice from a CPA. Enter my next guest Jami Monte who is a CPA and has a ton of great resources including a course all about how to set up your small business properly in Canada.
In this episode, she shares some new tax updates if you haven't filed your 2023 taxes yet, but for the most part, we just do a deep dive on the most common questions I get from self-employed folks about bookkeeping, accounting and making sure they are doing everything right.