Letter from the Editor in Chief

Dear Valued Clients & Subscribers,


As we welcome the dawn of a new year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the trust and loyalty you have placed in us. Your aspirations inspire our dedication, and it is with this shared vision that we continue to serve you. "Navigate," our meticulously curated newsletter, stands as a testament to our commitment to guiding you through the complexities of the financial and economic landscapes that define our times and impact your enterprise.

Reflecting on the year past, we acknowledge the resilience of the Canadian economy amidst global volatility. With the BDC's affirmation of stronger-than-anticipated performance in 2023 and the creation of around 430,000 jobs, the economy demonstrated a robustness driven by substantial population growth. However, as RBC and TD forecasts suggest, we must brace for a year where economic growth steadies itself. The Bank of Canada's anticipated easing of interest rates by the summer of 2024, as per BDC's outlook, will likely bring some relief, but the approach to the neutral rate is expected to be gradual, with the full transition not forecasted until 2025.


In this year's "Navigate," we delve into the implications of these economic currents for your businesses. Our sections on Tax Reorganizations and Tax Law will explore the latest developments and provide insights into navigating these changes effectively. The updates from CRA and Finance Canada are designed to keep you informed of policy shifts that may impact your financial planning. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to not only safeguard but also capitalize on the opportunities that arise from economic shifts.


Inflation remains a focal point for 2024, with the BDC projecting rates to linger between 2% and 3%. This will undoubtedly influence business strategies, particularly in cost management and pricing. In "Navigate," you will find in-depth analysis on how to adapt to inflationary trends, particularly in sectors that offer tax incentives such as Housing, which are expected to see higher rates of price increase. Furthermore, sections on Financial Statements and Bookkeeping will guide you through optimizing your financial records in light of these economic conditions.


The diversity of Canada's provinces and industries means the economic slowdown will be experienced unevenly, as highlighted by the BDC. Our Newsletter will therefore include international tax considerations, enabling businesses wishing to expand to tailor their strategies accordingly. Whether it’s leveraging the strong U.S. dollar for export advantage or navigating interest rate-sensitive sectors like real estate, we will provide you with targeted advice.


We recognize that small and medium-sized businesses, as well as family-owned enterprises, are navigating a unique set of challenges. With this in mind, sections on Financial Literacy, Consulting and Advisory, and Retirement & Estate Planning will offer pragmatic advice to bolster your business through these times, ensuring you emerge stronger and more competitive.


As we step into 2024, let us confidently embrace the journey, armed with the insights and guidance from your monthly subscription to "Navigate." We support every step of your financial journey, ensuring that the path to your ambitions is clear and well-informed.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story. Here's to a year of growth, stability, and success.



Warmest regards,

 

Nizam Shajani, CPA, CA, TEP, LL.M (Tax), MBA

Editor-in-Chief - Navigate by Shajani CPA



January 2024 Newsletter

DEADLINES


Please note the following important dates are estimates only. Please confirm your deadlines directly with your professional advisor. For general inquiries contact [email protected]




January 15, 2024 – December payroll remittances due (including 2024 bonuses paid in December 2023)

January 18, 2024 CEBA Loan Repayments Due for Loan Forgiveness

January 31, 2024 – Fiscal year ends October 31st tax payments due

January 31, 2024 – Fiscal Year end July 31st tax filings are due

February 15, 2024 – January payroll remittances due

February 28, 2024 – T4 filings due

February 29, 2024 – RRSP deadline for 2023 deduction to count

February 29, 2023 – T5 filings due

February 29, 2024 – Fiscal year ends November 30th tax payments due

February 29, 2024 – Fiscal Year end August 31st tax filings are due


January is a great time to understand the Top 10 Key Aspects of Tax Accounting and How Shajani CPA Can Help.


TAX REORGANIZATIONS


Section 85 Rollover

Top Three Tax Reorganizations

Using a CPA and Lawyer for Tax Reorganization 

TAX ACCOUNTING


T4 Deadline

T5 File on time

T4A

T4A NR

T5018


TAX LAW


Global Minimum Tax Rate

Case Law - Duke of Westminster

TOSI

FINANCE CANADA & CRA


Government Tax in the News

Calgary City Tax Hike

Carbon Tax Inflation

Tax Approach Short Term Rentals

KPMG's Tax Sham Case


CRA Update

What the CRA Said

Department of Finance Updates

TRUSTS


Classification of Trusts

Power of Attorney for Property

Personal Directive


RETIREMENT & ESTATE PLANNING


IPP

Insurance as Retirement Savings Strategy

Retirement Transition Planning  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Balance Sheet

Income Statement

Statement of Retained Earnings

BOOKKEEPING


Bank Reconciliations

The Trial Balance and General Ledger

The Smart Ledger

CONSULTING & ADVISORY


Financial Analysis Consulting

A Healthy Balance Sheet

Industry Benchmarking

FINANCIAL LITERACY


RESP

RRSP

TFSA

First Home Savings Account 

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