Guide for Canadian Small Businesses

RC4070(E) Rev. 08

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Notice
This guide uses plain language to explain the most common situations. We regularly revise our publications to take into account changes in the law.

Table of Contents

• Before you start
• How this guide can help you
  • Internet access
  • About the CRA
• Chapter 1: Setting up your business
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • The Business Number (BN)
  • Keeping records
  • Bringing assets into a business
• Chapter 2: Goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized sales tax (HST)
  • What is GST/HST?
  • Types of goods and services
  • Registering for GST/HST
  • How to register for GST/HST
  • How to collect GST/HST on the taxable goods and services you provide
  • Input tax credits (ITCs)
  • Simplified accounting methods
  • Filing your GST/HST returns
  • Stop filing GST/HST returns temporarily
  • GST/HST Rulings
• Chapter 3: Excise taxes, excise duties and softwood lumber products export charge
  • What are excise taxes and excise duties?
  • Excise taxes
  • Excise duties
  • Softwood lumber products export charge
• Chapter 4: Payroll deductions and remittances
  • Do you need to register for a payroll deductions account?
  • What to deduct from your employees' remuneration
  • How to report payroll deductions
• Chapter 5: Income tax
  • Accounting for your earnings
  • Fiscal period
  • Income
  • Expenses
• Chapter 6: Audits
  • What is an audit?
• Chapter 7: Objections and appeals
  • What to do if you disagree with a tax assessment
  • Your rights, entitlements, and obligations
  • Taxpayer relief provisions
• Chapter 8: At your service
  • Electronic services for businesses
  • Bilingual service
  • Tax services offices
  • Tax centres
  • The International Tax Services Office
  • Advance income tax rulings and interpretations
  • GST/HST rulings and interpretations
  • Excise duty rulings and interpretations
  • Help for taxpayers with a hearing or visual disability or speech disorder
  • Seminars, trade shows, and workshops
  • Employer visits program
  • Service Canada
  • Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) investment tax credit
  • Canada Business Service Centres
  • Complaint resolution
  • Publications
• Summary of important dates for businesses
• Frequently used Web sites for small businesses
• Glossary of terms
• Your opinion counts!

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