If you are starting your own company, an accountant is an invaluable resource. Depending on how you set up and run your business, it can save you money and time when tax season rolls around. Read on for three important questions to bring up with your accountant to ensure you are setting your company up for success!
1. what Structure is Best for my Company?
Depending on your start-ups circumstances and projected profitability, your accountant can recommend the best business structure. Whether you go with a sole trader, partnership or limited company, your accountant can advise you of any potential benefits or drawbacks to each structure.
Common Types of Business Structures
- Sole Proprietorship
- Limited Liability Company
- Cooperative
- Corporation
- Partnership
- S Corporation
2. What Records do I Need to Keep?
Keeping up to date business records is sure to make your life easier when it comes to tax time or even worse – an audit. Some of the most common things you’ll need to keep track of include:
- Business expenses
- Bank & credit card statements
- Tax filings
- Payroll
- Income
- Invoices
- Purchase orders
- Inventory
Other common questions surrounding this topic usually include where should you store these records, and how long do you have to keep them for. Your accountant can give you answers to all these questions are more, as well as offer some tips on how to streamline your record keeping. Here at Liu & Associates, we offer bookkeeping services that can keep this kind of stuff off your plate entirely!
3. Do I Need to Register for a GST/HST Number?
If you provide a taxable property or service in Canada and you no longer qualify as a small supplier, you will need to register for a GST/HST number.
What Qualifies as a Small Supplier?
If you have sales under $30,000 in the current calendar quarter, as well as the last four calendar quarters, your business has small supplier status. This means that you do not have to collect and pay GST/HST. Once you exceed $30,000 in a single quarter, you lose small supplier status and must begin to collect and pay GST/HST.
Regardless of your business’ income, you can voluntarily register for a GST/HST number. A GST number will allow you to claim input tax credits. Your accountant can explain when the best time to register for a GST/HST number is depending on your business’ situation.
Contact an Accountant Today!
Regardless of what stage of business planning you are in, the expert team at Liu & Associates can help! Give us a call to book a consultation with one of our accountants today.