Practical articles on Canadian tax planning, CRA updates, and accounting strategies — written by Swift Accounting's Calgary tax professionals.
Freelancer, consultant, or small business owner? Learn what you owe — CPP both sides, business deductions, GST/HST registration thresholds, quarterly instalments, and when incorporating makes sense.
Read the guide →Everything you need for the 2026 tax season — key deadlines, new rules, and practical filing tips for individuals and small businesses.
Read guide →When to register, how to file, what qualifies as an input tax credit, and how to avoid the most common GST/HST mistakes.
Read guide →Employees, self-employed, and incorporated owners all have different home office rules. Here's exactly what you can deduct and how to calculate it.
Read guide →A complete walkthrough of the Canadian T1 filing process — what slips you need, which software to use, and when professional help makes sense.
Read guide →What CRA confirmed at the 2025 Roundtable — digital correspondence, audit priorities, cryptocurrency, and clarifications on contentious deductions.
Read guide →The VDP lets taxpayers correct past errors with reduced penalties. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and when it makes strategic sense.
Read guide →Insurance proceeds are often tax-free — but not always. Understand when premiums are deductible, when benefits are taxable, and how corporate policies work.
Read guide →CRA does negotiate — but only in certain circumstances. Learn what settlement options exist, how the Appeals process works, and when to escalate.
Read guide →Dental, prescriptions, medical devices, fertility treatments — a detailed look at which expenses qualify and how the 3% net income threshold works.
Read guide →CRA can waive interest and penalties in cases of financial hardship, illness, or CRA error. Here's how to apply and what to include in your request.
Read guide →Residency status, world income reporting, tax treaties, SIN applications, and which credits apply to you — a complete guide for new Canadians.
Read guide →Not every RRSP contribution is equally valuable. Understand marginal rates, the HBP, spousal RRSPs, and the optimal contribution strategy for your income level.
Read guide →CRA's mandatory e-filing requirements for T2 corporate returns — who is affected, exceptions, and how to ensure your corporation is compliant.
Read guide →Yes — even corporations with zero activity must file a T2. Here's what a nil return includes, the deadline, and the penalties for missing it.
Read guide →CRA has broad powers to demand documents, inspect premises, and require third parties to disclose information. Know your rights and obligations.
Read guide →Tax-free growth vs. upfront deduction — the right choice depends on your current income, expected retirement income, and timeline. Here's the full breakdown.
Read guide →CRA can ask your bank, employer, or business partners for information about you. Understand how these requests work and how to respond effectively.
Read guide →Flow-through shares pass exploration deductions to investors, creating powerful tax advantages. Here's how they work and who benefits most.
Read guide →If your business transacts with related foreign entities, CRA's transfer pricing rules require arm's-length pricing. Here's what Canadian businesses need to know.
Read guide →Non-residents buying Canadian real estate face the Underused Housing Tax, foreign buyer bans, and provincial surcharges. Know what applies to you.
Read guide →Rental income is fully taxable, but many landlords underreport expenses or miss deductions. Know exactly what CRA expects and how to maximize your deductions.
Read guide →Being selected for a CRA audit doesn't mean you've done something wrong — but it does mean you need to respond carefully. Know your rights and the process.
Read guide →The salary vs. dividend decision is one of the most impactful choices for incorporated business owners. The right answer depends on your province, income, and goals.
Read guide →Each type of investment income — interest, dividends, and capital gains — is taxed differently. Understanding the distinctions helps you invest more tax-efficiently.
Read guide →New 2024 rules restrict expense deductions for non-compliant short-term rentals. If you rent on Airbnb or VRBO, you need to understand these changes.
Read guide →The proposed increase to 2/3 inclusion rate changes the math on selling investments, real estate, and business assets. Plan ahead with these strategies.
Read guide →CRA is increasingly focused on unreported capital gains from real estate, crypto, and investments. Know the red flags and how to stay compliant.
Read guide →My Business Account is becoming the primary channel for CRA communications. Here's how to set it up, authorize your representative, and use its key features.
Read guide →GAAR is CRA's broad power to strike down transactions that technically follow the rules but defeat their purpose. Understand how courts have applied it.
Read guide →Child care costs can be deducted from income — but only by the lower-income spouse and subject to per-child limits. Know the rules to maximize your claim.
Read guide →The DTC is one of Canada's most valuable non-refundable credits — and it's often missed. Find out who qualifies, how to apply, and what other benefits it unlocks.
Read guide →The FHSA combines RRSP and TFSA benefits for first-time home buyers — contributions are deductible and withdrawals are tax-free. Here's how to use it strategically.
Read guide →Joint bank accounts, parent-child property ownership, and nominee arrangements may all be bare trusts requiring T3 filings. Are you caught by the new rules?
Read guide →CRA's audit powers expanded significantly in 2024. Understand what they can now demand, inspect, and penalize — and how to protect yourself.
Read guide →Communications with your lawyer may be protected from CRA. Understand what privilege covers, what it doesn't, and how to structure your team wisely.
Read guide →Non-residents renting Canadian property face a 25% withholding tax unless they elect under Section 216. Here's how the rules work and how to comply.
Read guide →Did you move for work or school? Many Canadians miss the moving expense deduction. Know what qualifies, what doesn't, and how to claim it properly on your T1.
Read guide →If you owe more than $3,000 in tax, CRA may require quarterly instalment payments. Know who must pay, the three calculation methods, and how to avoid interest.
Read guide →Two major omnibus bills enacted significant tax changes in 2024. Key provisions include GAAR reform, clean economy credits, and trust reporting rules.
Read guide →Not all goods and services are taxable. Understanding zero-rated vs. exempt supplies affects your ITCs and pricing strategy significantly.
Read guide →Ottawa expanded the GST new rental housing rebate in September 2023 to encourage purpose-built rental construction. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.
Read guide →Passing a business to the next generation involves capital gains, the LCGE, estate freezes, and the new Bill C-208 intergenerational transfer rules.
Read guide →The 2024 budget raised the capital gains inclusion rate, expanded the AMT, and introduced new housing and clean economy measures. Full analysis here.
Read guide →Disagree with a CRA reassessment? You have 90 days to object. Here's how to file a Notice of Objection, what happens next, and when to go to Tax Court.
Read guide →Sell a residential property within 12 months? It's now deemed business income, not a capital gain. Learn the rule, the exceptions, and the tax impact.
Read guide →Non-HST provinces updated their PST rules in 2024 — BC added software/SaaS, Saskatchewan expanded to insurance, Manitoba adjusted rates. Here's what changed.
Read guide →CRA waived the 2023 bare trust T3 filing requirement days before the deadline. What relief was granted, what changed for 2024, and who still needs to file.
Read guide →Canada now has three overlapping vacant home taxes. The federal UHT, Toronto's Vacant Home Tax, and Vancouver's Empty Homes Tax — here's what applies to you.
Read guide →Canada's anti-avoidance rule was significantly strengthened in 2024. Understand what crosses the line from planning into abuse — and the new penalties.
Read guide →Share purchase vs. asset purchase has very different tax implications for buyer and seller. Plus s.85 rollovers, s.86 exchanges, and corporate reorganizations.
Read guide →Our tax professionals offer a free 30-minute consultation. No pressure, just answers.