As a student, you might wonder whether filing a tax return is necessary, especially if you didn’t earn much income. However, even if you’re not required to file, doing so can come with major financial benefits. From refunds to valuable tax credits, here’s why you should always file your taxes as a student.

1. Get a Tax Refund – Even If You Didn’t Earn Much
If you worked part-time, had a summer job, or earned money from a co-op program, chances are some taxes were deducted from your paychecks. Filing a tax return allows you to claim back any overpaid taxes, which could mean a refund in your bank account!
💡 Tip: Check your T4 slip from your employer to see how much tax was deducted.

2. Claim Tuition, Education, and Textbook Credits
One of the biggest advantages of being a student is the ability to claim tuition tax credits. These credits reduce the amount of tax you owe. Even if you don’t need them this year, you can:
✅ Carry them forward to use in future years when your income is higher.
✅ Transfer them to a parent, grandparent, or spouse to help them save on taxes.
💡 Tip: Your school will provide a T2202 slip (Tuition and Enrollment Certificate), which you need to claim your tuition credits.

3. Qualify for Government Benefits & Tax-Free Payments
Even if you have little or no income, filing your taxes allows you to receive tax-free government benefits, including:
🔹 GST/HST Credit – A tax-free quarterly payment for lower-income individuals.
🔹 Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) – A refundable credit for low-income workers.
🔹 Provincial and Territorial Benefits – Some provinces offer extra benefits for students.
💡 Tip: These payments are automatically calculated when you file your return, so there’s no extra paperwork!

4. Build Your RRSP Contribution Room for the Future
As a student, you might not be thinking about retirement yet, but filing your tax return helps you in the long run. Any earned income adds to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contribution room, which you can use in future years when you start making more money.
💡 Tip: Unused RRSP room carries forward indefinitely, allowing you to make tax-deductible contributions when it benefits you the most.

5. Interest on Student Loans? You Can Deduct It!
If you have government student loans, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible. This means you can reduce your taxable income and potentially get a refund. If you don’t need the deduction this year, you can carry it forward for up to five years.
💡 Tip: Private loans and lines of credit don’t qualify, so make sure your loan is from a government program like OSAP, Canada Student Loans, or provincial student aid programs.

How to File Your Taxes as a Student?

1. Gather Your Documents:
   • T4 (employment income)
   • T2202 (tuition fees)
   • Student loan interest statements
   • Rent receipts (if your province offers a credit)
2. Choose How to File:
   • Use a free tax software like TurboTax Free, Wealthsimple Tax, or H&R Block Free
   • File online through NETFILE
   • Visit a free tax clinic for students
   • Hire a professional 🙋‍♀️ Us!
3. Submit & Track Your Refund:
   • If you’re set up for direct deposit, your refund will arrive within two weeks if you file online.
   
   
   

Final Thoughts: Filing as a Student is Worth It! 
Even if you don’t earn much, filing your tax return ensures you don’t miss out on free money, tax credits, and future benefits. Plus, it builds good financial habits that will help you in the future.

Need Help? We’re Here for You! 
​We specialize in helping students maximize their tax refunds and claim all available credits.

Contact us today to get started!

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

This one of the questions I get asked the most during tax season: Do I need to report my Foreing Properties?

There is no "easy" way to say it, it's complicated. Yes, you need to report your "specified foreign property" if the total value at any time of the yaer sums more than CAD 100,000

The T1135 form, "Foreign Income Verification Statement", is a tax reporting requirement in Canada for individuals, corporations, and certain trusts who own specified foreign property. It is filed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to ensure proper reporting of foreign assets and income.

Who Needs to File the T1135?
You must file the T1135 if:

• You are a Canadian resident (individual, corporation, or trust).
• At any time during the tax year, the total cost of your specified foreign property exceeded CAD $100,000.
• This threshold is based on the original purchase cost of the foreign property, not its current market value.

What is Specified Foreign Property?
The following types of foreign assets are considered specified foreign property:

• Funds or bank accounts held outside Canada.
• Shares of non-Canadian corporations (even if held in Canadian brokerage accounts).
• Debt securities like bonds or debentures issued by non-Canadian entities.
• Real estate outside Canada (e.g., rental property, but not personal-use property such as a vacation home).
• Interest in partnerships that own foreign property.
• Trusts or other foreign investments where you hold an interest.
• Other property (e.g., intangible property) located outside Canada.

What properties are excluded from "specified foreign property"?

• Personal-use property (e.g., vacation homes or vehicles).
• Foreign investments held in registered accounts (e.g., RRSPs, TFSAs).

Here is a link with more questions and answers from the CRA website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/international-non-residents/information-been-moved/foreign-reporting/questions-answers-about-form-t1135.html

Contact us today if you need to file your T1135, or you are not sure yet!☕

Tax season is here again, and if you're wondering what’s new for your 2024 Canadian personal tax return, you’re in the right place. From higher tax brackets and capital gains changes to updates on the Home Buyers’ Plan and Alternative Minimum Tax, there are a few key things to keep in mind this year. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a quick rundown of what’s changing so you can file with confidence (and maybe even save some money). Let’s dive in!​

Capital Gains Inclusion Rate: Effective June 24, 2024, the capital gains inclusion rate has increased to two-thirds. However, for capital gains of $250,000 or less, a new reduction ensures the effective inclusion rate remains at one-half. Additionally, the lifetime capital gains exemption has been raised for dispositions occurring after this date. However, with the prorogation of government and the fact that the actual amendment to the Income Tax Act bringing the rule into effect has not yet passed, many wondered if these changes would apply to your 2024 tax return.
canada.ca

Home Buyers' Plan (HBP): The withdrawal limit for the HBP has been increased from $35,000 to $60,000 for withdrawals made after April 16, 2024. Furthermore, temporary repayment relief allows participants who made their first withdrawal between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, to defer the start of the 15-year repayment period by an additional three years.
canada.ca

Tax Brackets and Basic Personal Amount: For 2024, the federal tax brackets have been adjusted for inflation with an indexation rate of 4.7%. The basic personal amount (BPA), which is the income you can earn tax-free, has also been adjusted:

• Tax Brackets:
  • 15% on taxable income up to $55,867
  • 20.5% on income over $55,867 up to $111,733
  • 26% on income over $111,733 up to $173,205
  • 29% on income over $173,205 up to $246,752
  • 33% on income over $246,752
• Basic Personal Amount:
  • $15,705 for individuals earning $173,205 or less
  • $14,156 for those earning $246,752 or more
  • For incomes between these amounts, the BPA is adjusted gradually. 

Filing Deadlines: The general tax filing deadline is April 30, 2024. For self-employed individuals and their spouses or common-law partners, the deadline is June 17, 2024, since June 15 falls on a Saturday. However, any balance owing is still due by April 30 to avoid interest charges.

Paper Tax Return Instructions: Starting in 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will no longer include line-by-line instructions in the paper tax return package. This change was made based on feedback indicating that most individuals rely on prior year returns and the "What's New" section rather than detailed instructions.

Keeping up with these updates will make filing your 2024 Canadian personal tax return easier and stress-free, helping you stay on track and maybe even save some money along the way!

Download here your 2024 Personal Tax Checklist to start collecting your documents and let us know when you are ready! ☕

As we are quickly approaching the 2024 personal tax season, now is the time to start collecting your documents, banking statements, and receipts for your tax filing. Having your records ready in advance will help you file quickly and avoid any potential delays in completion.

What you can do to optimize your refund or pay less?

1. Maximize RRSP contributions
2. Claim all possible decutions
3. Claim all the tax credits you are entitled to
4. Review your business tax obligations
5. Pay Attention to deadlines
   
6. Organize all your records - electronic records work 100%

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help individuals and business owners wrap up the tax year efficiently while minimizing stress.

1. Maximize RRSP contributions:  The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is powerful tool for to reduce taxable income. Contributions made before the deadline (usually 60 days into the new year) can be deducted from your taxable income. Check your last Notice of Assesment (NOA) to see your available room and make the most of this saving tool.
2. Claim all possible decutions: You can help lower your taxable income if you maximize your deductions. here is a list of them:
   1. Work-from-Home Expenses: if you work from home and your employer provides you with the T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment you can claim this deduction to reduce your income
   2. Childcare Costs: Eligible childcare expenses can be deducted, including daycare fees, babysitting, and after-school programs.
   3. Union and Professional Dues: fees paid as a member of a union or professional association
   4. Moving Expenses: If you moved at least 40 km closer to a new job or school, certain moving expenses may qualify for tax deductions.
3. Take advantage of tax credits like Charitable donations, Medical Expenses, Tuition and Education credits, Ineterest Paid on Student loans, Disability tax credits, etc.
4. Review your business tax obligations:
   
   1. If you are in business make sure to pay any instalments for income tax, payroll Liabilities, GST/HST amounts, 
   2. Compile your receipts and make sure you are claiming all the expenses you are entitled to - advertising, meals with clients, office expenses, rental, utilities, intyernet and phone services
   3. Review your mileage and vehicle expenses
   4. Make sure to claim and depreciate all the Assets you acquired during the year
5. Pay Attention to deadlines, here are the most important dates for the 2024 Personal tax season:
   1. For Self-employees individuals:
      1. Deadline for Filing Income Tax and Benefit Returns: June 15, 2025
         
      2. Payment Deadline: April 30, 2025, for balances owing
         
      3. Instalment Payments: due on March 15, June 15, September 15,
         December 15 in 2025
         
   2. For Individuals:
      1. April 30, 2025, is the due date for filing income tax returns for most Canadians.
         
   3. The last day to make RRSP contributions you can claim on your 2024 taxes is March 03, 2025
      
6. Organize ALL your records, the sooner the better!!! You can send and keep electronic copies, just make sure to include them all.
   

Always plan in advance: your financial goals, investments, and plan to save the most on taxes! we are here to help!
If you have any questions or require assistance, let us know immediately and we will act quickly before it is too late. Don't delay, start today.

Landlords and property managers have a lot of information to administer everyday: legal documents, credit screening, income to collect, dealing with complains, repairs and maintenance to follow-up, an much more. Each one of this transactions will create a record that transalate in an legal/accounting transaction. Each record then needs to kept and store for future reference. 

All the financial records genetared by your business needs to be kept properly, to be in complance with the tax governance offices and be able to generate reports that help you achieve your invenstments goals. This is were you need a professional bookkeeper on your side. 

How a bookkeeper may help? Bookkeepers track all business's financial transactions. The services include recording what money comes into and flows out of a business, recording all sales and invoices, bill payments and payroll calculations. A professional bookkeeper also provides you with accurate and timely reports.

What are the main advantages to you?

• Getting help with the day-to-day financial transactions
• Ensuring compliance with CRA
• Making accurate budgeting possible
• Helping you be ready for taxes
• Helping you set goals and monitoring them

​
Wheter you decide to use a bookkeper or do your own books, there are several strategies that you may want to consider to have proper systmens. Here are 6 Bookkeeping Strategies that we use and our clients are benefiting from:

1. Organization is KEY: you need to maintain organizaed records, full of details and that proves to be business income and expenses. If you run a multi-property management business organization will be your best ally. Keep separated files (pyshical, or electronics) for each property.
2. Automate Bookkeeping: use cloud systems and online software that will keep track of transactions, giving you the opportunity to record all the financial transactions, reconcile the accounts, run payroll and create accurate records. Find the software that best serves you: connect your bank accounts and upload your daily transactions. Use also software where you can upload your receipts automatically. Will save you a ton of time and headaches when you need to locate a receipt.
3. Use Classes to track properties: once you decide to go with the online bookkeeping you can maintan all your bookkeeping records in "one place" using CLASSES to classify Income and Expenses, and create the reports you need to review. Tis will make your life so easier.
4. Have separated bank accounts: you may choose to track everything from one business account but depending on your business structure or level or organization you should have at least one bank account for each property. If you investment venture is structured as a soleproprietorship in Canada you may keep only one account for varios properties, if you keep accurate accounting records. If you run your property management as various corporations we recomend you to have a separated bank account for each property, even when you manage all properties from one main bank account.  
5. Use Cash Flows: beside the regular Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statements, you may want to use the Cash Flow statements to predict the money in and out, and how much you actually will have at a certian point. This report will show you in a summary how any changes in the Balance sheet account and income/expenses will affect your cash. You can also break and see the transactions as: operating, investing and financing activities to make the position clearer.
6. Use Budgets: as business owners we are use to budgets, but we recommend to see past events and plan for future "Unexpected Expenses" impacting the business: replacing furniture and appliances, pest treatment, air conditioning replacements. Expenses that may occur at any time, that;s why we call them "unexpected".

Currently we are using online bookkeeping software and online receipt collection software to helps us complete all the monthly bookkeeping task and help our clients with their accounting books. We use a combination of Quickbooks Online - Dext Prepare and Builium (for clients with multiproperty status). This strategy give you all the tools you need to reduce the need for manual entry of data, save time, and reduce the possibility of error.

As you already know, Property Management includes a lot of tasks, let's us help us with your daily bookkeeping and you will focus better on your investments growth. One less thing to worry about.

​Let's work together. Book a call today!

As you are preparing for tax season 🤦‍♀️ we are ready to help you make this process as simple and painless as possible.

When you can start filing?🕐
At this point you started compiling documents already. Good for you. The start date to start filing is Feb 19, 2024. Just wait until you have all your documents from your employer, contractor, bank institutions, charities, political parties, your pharmacy! 

When you can start sending us your documents?🕐
As soon as you are ready! Please let us know of any changes: new babies, new houses, if your marital status has changed, etc.

When is the last day to send your documents?🕐
We are closing on April 15, 2024! Please get ready before the due date. We will be contacting our clients.

How you can send us the documents? 🤷‍♀️
Go to our website: www.dcastro.ca and Click on the CLIENT PORTAL button, you will be directed to the E-courier.ca 📲 message, just type your email address, a description and attach your documents. And say Hi!! 

We use E-courier as our SECURE deposit box to keep all your documents safe and secure. All your messages are processed by encrypted email and files are kept confidential, because your privacy is important to us! No password required to send the documents and you will get a confirmation message as soon as we receive the message and when is opened.

All our processes are Online, from receiving documents, to preparing, sending back for review, signing and filing. We use encrypted and secure emails.

What's new for the 2023 tax season? 
 The main changes are: 

1. Disability tax credit – For 2021 and later tax years, an individual diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is deemed to have met the two times per week and an average of at least 14 hours per week requirements for life-sustaining therapy.
2. First-time home buyers’ tax credit – The amount used to calculate the first-time home buyers’ tax credit has increased to $10,000 for a qualifying home purchased after December 31, 2021.
3. Home accessibility tax credit – The annual expense limit of the home accessibility tax credit has increased to $20,000 for the 2022 taxation year. 
4. Labour mobility deduction – The labour mobility deduction provides eligible tradespeople and apprentices working in the construction industry with a deduction for certain temporary relocation expenses. Eligible individuals may be able to deduct up to $4,000 in eligible expenses per year.
5. Medical expense tax credit (for surrogacy and other expenses) – The list of eligible medical expenses has been expanded to include amounts paid to fertility clinics and donor banks in Canada to obtain donor sperm or ova to enable the conception of a child by the individual, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner, or a surrogate mother on behalf of the individual.
6. Request to deduct federal COVID-19 benefits repayment in a prior year – You are able to claim any benefits repayment you made in 2023. The CRA will then automatically reassess your return(s) to apply the deduction so that you do not need to make a separate request to change your prior year return(s).
7. Increase in unpaid tax penalty:  From now on the penalty for unpaid tax after the due date (April 30) is 10% + 2% of the blance for each month you are late!
   Solution? 👉 File on time and save the regular amount you have to paid to keep the costs down!
8. Tax brackets have changed due to inflation: In an attemp to account for inflation and the rising of cost of living the federal tax brackets and various contributions and limits have been increased. The Basic Personal amounts for 2023 is now $15,000. These changes mean that Canadians may get a bigger refund and they may be paying less taxes as they went lower on the previous year's tax brackets.
9. The COVID "work from home" expense is not longer available

To help you compile the documents we added the 2023 Personal Tax Checklist with the documents you may need to prepare and file.
​
Be proactive, send us a message today to secure your spot! 
​

Here we are again: tax season!  🤦‍♀️ But don't stress out, we are here to help you make this process as simple as possible.

When you can start filing?🕐
At this point you started compiling documents already. Good for you. The start date to start filing is Feb 20, 2023. Just wait until you have all your documents from your employer, contractor, bank institutions, charities, political parties, your pharmacy! 

When you can start sending us your documents?🕐
As soon as you are ready! Please let us know of any changes: new babies, new houses, if your marital status has changed, etc.

How you can send us the documents? 🤷‍♀️
Go to our website: www.dcastro.ca and Click on the CLIENT PORTAL button, you will be directed to the E-courier.ca 📲message, just type your email address, a description and attach your documents. And say Hi!! 

We use E-courier as our SECURE deposit box to keep all your documents safe and secure. All your messages are processed by encrypted email and files are kept confidential, because your privacy is important to us! No password required to send the documents and you will get a confirmation message as soon as we receive the message and when is opened.

All our processes are Online, from receiving documents, to preparing, sending back for review, signing and filing. We use encrypted and secure emails.

What's new for 2022?📢
While there are not many changes for this 2022 Tax return campaign, the changes made are significants:

• Amounts received related to COVID-1: If you received federal, provincial, or territorial government COVID-19 benefit payments, such as the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), or Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB), you will receive a T4A slip with instructions on how to report these amounts on your return.
• COVID-19 benefits repayment in a prior year: Complete and attach Form T1B, Request to Deduct Federal COVID-19 Benefits Repayment in a Prior Year, to your 2022 Income Tax and Benefit Return to request to have the amount of federal COVID-19 benefits that you repaid in 2022 deducted on your 2020 or 2021 return or split between your 2022 return and the return for the year that you received the benefit. The CRA will then automatically reassess your return(s) to apply the deduction so that you do not need to make a separate request to change your prior year return(s).
• Air quality improvement tax credit: If you were self-employed or a member of a partnership in 2022, you may be eligible to claim a refundable tax credit equals to 25% of your total ventilation expenses to improve ventilation or air quality at your place of business. 
• Disability tax credit For 2021 and later tax years, an individual diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is deemed to have met the two times and 14 hours per week requirements for life-sustaining therapy. 
• First-time home buyer's tax creditThe amount used to calculate the first-time home buyers' tax credit has increased to $10,000 for a qualifying home purchased after December 31, 2021. 
• Home accessibility tax credit The annual expense limit of the home accessibility tax credit has increased to $20,000.  
• Medical expense tax credit (for surrogacy and other expenses): The list of eligible medical expenses has been expanded to include amounts paid to fertility clinics and donor banks in Canada to obtain donor sperm or ova to enable the conception of a child by the individual, the individual's spouse or common-law partner, or a surrogate mother on behalf of the individual. In addition, certain expenses incurred in Canada for a surrogate or donor are considered medical expenses of the individual.

Send us a message today to secure your spot! 

The New Year always bring new hopes and opportunities. We go back to what we did the last year, and ​plan repeating what we did well and correcting the wrong actions.

The best resolutions often enrich your emotional path, but as a business owner having resolutions to build up your business is a priority as your business is your way of life. Focusing on your business health is really important becasue the better your business do, the best rewards you can take out.

How to create a list that help you and you are going to actually complete:

• Review your "WHY" and focus your efforts around it
• List Attainable Goals that you can track and meassure your progress
• Limit resolutions to a managable amount, break your big dreams into actionable steps
• Be specific and as clear as possible
• Allocate the funds or resources you are going to need to follow-up
• Review your resolutions monthly to check your progress.

A big part of fullfilling Resolutions is Accountability, you could find a partner or another business owner with similar goals to share your resolutions with and help you review and celebrate your wins.

I am choosing you as my accountability partner! Today, I'm sharing my 10 Business Resolutions for 2023

1. Review and update my Financial Projections for 2023 - DONE!
2. Automate my business as much as possible: Email list building, social media, onboarding clients and employees.
3. Commit to a social media routine  with daily and weekly post depending on the platform.
4. Read at least one book per month - I am back again with the Thought Readers Club with Lisa Larter
5. Provide stronger Employeei ncentives and training programs
6. Listen Closely to my customers
7. Create a membership program for clients looking to grow profits
8. Prioritize more my Work-Life balance
9. Be an active Leader
10. Become a better communicator

I'd reviewed and broke down these resolutions in small actions to achieve what I hope for in this 2023. Time to commit and take action.

What are you planning to achive in this New year? Have you write down your Resolutions already? 
Well, here is your chance to make it happen. Can you share your list with us?

As you run your business you plan and act daily! How to see the results of these decisions? By reviweing your Financial Statements.

Your business numbers give you a picture of the past operations, but can also help you predict where you are going, and most importantly, correct behaviors to change the results.

What are the most typical Financial reports you need to review with your bookkeeper/accountant?
✔Balance Sheet
✔Profit & Loss
✔Cash Flow
✔Accounts Payable Reports
✔Accounts Receivable Reports

Don't panic. Here is more information about these staments:

• Balance Sheet: is a statement of a business's assets, liabilities, and owner's equity as of any given date. A balance sheet gives you a snapshot of your company's financial position at a given point in time. It gives you information on the business resources (assets) and its sources of capital (equity and debt) at a specific point in time.
• Profit and Loss: According to Investopedia, “a profit and loss statement is a financial statement that summarizes the revenues, costs and expenses incurred during a specific period of time, usually a fiscal quarter or year.”. This report is also known as Income Statement and give information regarding the business "results", or the capacity that your business have to create profits, during a specific perior of time, not at a point in time. 
• Cash Flow: this report shows the real movement of your money, what actually happened to your "cash"  during a specific period. It compile all the inflows (sales, collected funds, loans, all the money in) and the outflows (expenses, loan payments, payment od debts, all the money out) This report can show your business' liquidiy position.

These 3 Financial Statmenets will help business owners evaluate their company's financial standing.

• Accounts Payable Reports: this report includes all your debt. It helps you track all business expenses to ensure accurate financial data, and more importantly, when you have to pay them. This report shows your overdue balance to vendors. 
• Accounts Receivable Reports: this report provides information on outstanding sales, bad debt, etc at a specific period in time. How much money is owed to you.

The Bottom Line? Financial Statements are a really important tool to manage your business. Why? Beacuse by knowing your numbers you can:

✔Make better investment decisions.
✔Know the financial structure, the company's growth capacity, its stability and profitability.
✔Evaluate the solvency and liquidity of the company and its ability to generate funds.
✔Guarantee suppliers and creditors fair compensation for their investment or allocation of resources or credits.
✔Diagnose the company's ability to generate income from its operating activities.
✔Identify the financial resources of the organization.
✔Show the results of resource management performed by administrators.

Ready to learn more? Comment with your questions.

Photo by Myriam Jessier on Unsplash

I am in business to serve, to find ways to help my clients do better and work with less stress and improve their finances. That's why I am happy to announce our new partnership with Canadian Financial with the goal of helping more clients business to grow and succeed.

Canadian Financial offers access to traditional & alternative lending options plus access to dealer programs, insurance programs and leading edge financial technology options. With access to over 25 programs and 230 lenders, Canadian Financial is here to help you reach your goals!

What solutions can you find here?

• Consumer Financing
• Insurance Porgrams
• Business Financing
• Fintech Platforms

Check here to look for a solution for your needs: 
 
Contact us for more details!