Is this guide for you?

Are you starting a new small business in Canada? Are you operating one already? Then this guide is for you. It will introduce you to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) programs and online services you need to know about, and give an overview of your obligations and entitlements under the laws that we administer.

Many activities of a small business are subject to different forms of taxation. This guide will help you with each of these, and will explain how to plan for taxes, keep records, and make and report payments.

It will also explain the different kinds of business structures, goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST), excise taxes and excise duties and the softwood lumber products export charge, payroll deductions, income tax reporting and payment, how to prepare for and handle an audit, objections and appeals and electronic services.

Taxes can sometimes be complex. In such cases, we will refer you to more detailed publications—all free of charge and available at Forms and publications.

If you are not familiar with some of the terms used in this guide, refer to the Definitions.

The success of small businesses is an essential part of Canada’s economic growth. At the CRA, our goal is to provide all the support we can. We work closely with small businesses to improve services, reduce paperwork burden and the cost and time of compliance, and maintain confidence in Canada’s tax system.

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