Because the Payment Date May Arrive First
Your T2, GST, instalments, and owner-pay records do not move on the same date. TNA brings them into one view. You can see what is due, what may be owed, and what needs attention first.
CPA-led corporate tax accountant review • Corporate CRA support available • Clear all-in pricing before work begins • Xero and cloud accounting expertise • Alberta and British Columbia support
Most Owners Do Not Begin With a Neat Tax Checklist
Most Corporate Tax Questions Start With One Urgent Issue
Maybe this is your first corporate return. Perhaps the books are unfinished, GST looks wrong, or a CRA letter arrived. You do not need to connect every piece before calling.
- Is this my first corporate tax return?
- When are the T2 return and tax payment due?
- Can we start if the year-end books are not finished?
- Why is the GST balance different from what I expected?
- Does my holding company need another return?
- Do I need tax planning before an owner-pay change?
Start with the part that made you stop. TNA will identify which corporate tax service should come first.
Because One Date Rarely Tells the Whole Year-End Story
Year-End Doesn't Mean Your Tax Obligations Are Finished
The bank balance may still look healthy after year-end. Then GST comes due. An instalment is approaching. An investment in equipment is made, and the owner takes a big bonus to buy a vacation property in the Okanagan. The T2 Return deadline may be months away, but some cash in the bank may need to be earmarked for the upcoming tax payment deadline. Corporate taxes are generally due 3 months after the year end, but the first instalment is also due the same day. It can be confusing, but TNA gives you a dashboard of all the payments and deadlines you need to put in your calendar for the year.
Corporate Tax Starts Long Before the T2 Is Filed
Small Business Corporate Tax Services and GST Support
First, the Records Need to Agree on What Happened
Corporate Tax Preparation, Filing, and CPA Review
Corporate tax preparation starts with the books, aka, the Trial Balance, which is a summary of all the income, expenses, assets, liabilities and shareholder balances. A CPA compiles the Trial Balance in financial statements, and reviews each balance sheet item before preparing the T2 Corporate Tax Return, and checks whether Alberta AT1 or BC reporting is required, before finalizing the Compilation Report, as required by CPA Canada.
Then the Return Reveals the Date That May Matter Sooner
Corporate Tax Payments, Instalments, and Cash Flow
The T2 Return is generally due six months after year-end, while the balance is often due within two or three months. True North Accounting confirms the dates, explains instalments, and, where included in your plan, helps schedule payments and keep the needed cash available. We also give you a clear schedule of your tax payment obligations in the TNA hub, your home base for all your business finance and tax info.
But the Corporate Balance Is Only One Account Moving
GST/HST Returns, Input Tax Credits, and BC PST
GST/HST follows its own reporting period, but usually works on the same fiscal year as your corporate tax year, and the GST return should still agree with the books, as the Trial Balance is the basis for both. True North Accounting checks taxable sales, tax collected, eligible input tax credits, and supporting records. Alberta has no PST. For BC clients, True North Accounting checks whether the business also needs separate PST support.
Owning Two Companies Means Managing Two Tax Files
Additional Corporate Returns and Holding Companies
An operating company and holding company do not become one tax file because they share an owner. Each needs its own Trial Balance to the keep the records separate, and they each need to file their own corporate income tax return. True North Accounting connects the dates and tax position across both entities and tries to keep things as straight-forward as possible. Intercompany transactions with tax implications can be complicated from a technical tax treatment, so it's important to have the right tax experts on the job.
What Leaves the Company Then Reaches the Owner's File
Personal Taxes, Dividends, Payroll, and T-Slips
Salary, dividends, shareholder loans, bonuses, payroll taxes, vehicles, and your home office, can all affect both company and personal taxes. True North Accounting loves saving business owners taxes! And its in the grey areas that tax savings are maximized. Tax grey areas are when an expense isn’t 100% business, but its not 100% personal. This is where professional judgement is required and where entrepreneurial CPAs thrive. An entrepreneurial CPA will ask a ton of questions as they try to connect the dots and unveil the story and the business case that supports the write-off. Clean paper trails and documented intentions go a long way to minimizing taxes both corporately and personally.
Even a Filed Return Can Create One More Question
CRA Follow-Up and Ongoing Client Support
If the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ever contacts you, you just tell that you’re busy and to call your accountant. True North Accounting will be listed on your account as your CRA Representative and they’ll call us and we’ll take it from there. If you ever get an email or letter from them, it's important that one of us follows up right away. They often give a 30 day window to respond, but sometimes it's shorter. We’ll review it and let you know if we need documents, or if more tax is payable – otherwise, you can go about your business with the peace of mind that True North is taking care of it. The CRA processes things slowly and can take from 3 to 6 months to get a tax adjustment processed and two years before an appeal is heard by a tax court judge! True North Accounting CPAs, accountants, and office managers are all available to answer your questions about the CRA process, explaining results and to walk you through the next steps.
The Difference Is Not Another Tax Checklist
It Is Seeing What Each Tax Task Changes Next
When the Return Sits on Its Own
- Filing begins close to the deadline
- GST is treated as a separate total
- Owner pay is noticed near slip season
- A second company becomes a late surprise
- More work changes the bill without warning
- The owner handles CRA follow-up alone
When TNA Connects the Work
- The year-end, payment, and filing dates are reviewed together
- GST records and eligible credits are checked against the books
- Tax planning keeps salary, dividends, and shareholder records connected
- Each corporation is identified before the scope is set
- TNA confirms the work and clears all-in price first
- Corporate CRA support is available within the agreed scope
Filing and payment dates checked together • GST/HST numbers tied back to the books • Owner pay connected to payroll and T-slip records • Operating and holding companies treated as separate files • CRA follow-up handled within the agreed service • Extra work discussed and priced before it begins
You Do Not Need a Perfect Tax File to Begin
Start With the Date, Record, or Letter You Already Have
1. Show Us What Is Coming Up
Bring the year-end, GST period, corporate records, or CRA request as it is.
2. Let a CPA Review the File
A corporate tax accountant checks the records, returns, dates, and compliance gaps.
3. Approve the Scope Before Work Starts
TNA recommends the work that should come first and gives you an all-in price for the agreed scope.
Sometimes the T2 Is Waiting on Something Else
The Right First Step May Sit Earlier in the Records
Connected accounting services work best with current books and clear owner records. If bookkeeping or tax planning needs attention first, TNA keeps the handoff tied to the same return, payment, or CRA question. We believe in clean source data and we keep the ledger for corporate tax aligned with the financial statements and GST filings. This simplicity and data integrity requires complete information and that’s why we request the documents we do. Its so we can keep the CRA off your back, and confidently explain any questions you have about your books.
Bookkeeping and Write-Offs:
We record the GST and the accounting code as we code each transaction in Xero or QBO. We request receipts for large transactions and ask for input on transactions we can’t easily determine the purpose. The balances of accounts are reconciled at year end to as much third-party statements as possible. We strive for integrity in our numbers, but we’re practical when its not available.
Dividends, Payroll, and T-Slips:
We’re sure to connect salary, dividends, payroll remittances, and shareholder loan activity of your corporate fiscal year (as per your financial statements and T2) to the Calendar year figures reported on your T4 slips, T5 slips and T1 Personal Tax Returns.
Personal Tax and Finances:
Prepare the owner’s Personal Taxes, and those of their family, are integrated with the tax strategies of the business. Long-term tax planning is minimizing the tax expense for our clients over the long-term – the combined tax obligation of personal and corporate – considering CPP, RRSP, TFSA, Corporate tax, non-eligible dividends, eligible dividends, RDTOH, Capital dividends, Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, SRED, deductible interest, Principal Residence Exemption, GST Rebates, Canada Child Benefits (CCB), Childcare deductions, Eligible Medical Expenses, Tuition, etc.
Small Business Advisory Services:
Use proactive tax planning for owner compensation, raising capital, business valuation, business M&A concierge services, Cash flow forecasts and cash flow models, or business structure strategy sessions before the decisions are made.
Local Corporate Tax Support
Find Corporate Tax Support in Your Area
Airdrie
Unit 3001
3 Highland Park Green NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 2L5
Bridgeland
210 7 St NE
Calgary, AB T2E 4C2
Nosehill
Unit 8240
2060 Symons Valley Parkway NW Calgary, AB T3P 0M9
Okotoks
84 Elizabeth St, Box 869
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A9
White Rock
PO Box 75286
Surrey, BC V4A 0B1
Yaletown
Virtual service for Yaletown and Vancouver, BC
What Clients Say
The Team Matters. The Client Experience Matters More.
Helpful, patient and knowledgeable
It's always a pleasure dealing with our year end at our firm. True North is always so helpful, patient and knowledgeable. Matt and Curtis are always great to deal with, but the whole team is always helpful and great to deal with. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone looking for accounting services for their small business.
Javier
Makes the difficult conversation of taxes and running a small-business easy
True North Accounting makes the difficult conversation of taxes and running a small-business easy. I cannot thank the staff at True North, particularly their accountant Curtis, enough for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise in a clear and concise way. As a young business owner with many questions to ask, I can say with confidence that True North genuinely cares about their clients, prospective or existing. Kudos to True North!
Ryan G.
Very professional, accommodating and prompt to address any questions
All the folks at True North have always been very professional, accommodating and prompt to address any questions or concerns we've have about our small business financials. I would recommend True North to anyone looking for financial services.
Darren
Finish the Year-End With More Than a Filed Return
Let TNA Take the File From Review to Filing
You do not need to wait for perfect books or a final tax balance. Bring the year-end, GST period, CRA letter, or payment question already on your mind. TNA will connect it to the records, identify what needs attention, and explain the work required to move the file forward.
A CPA-led review identifies the useful level of help. If the scope changes later, TNA will discuss it with you before completing the extra work.Frequently Asked Questions
What Incorporated Business Owners Usually Ask First
What Happens If My Corporate Return Is Late?
A late T2 Return can lead to penalties. Interest charges may also apply when tax or instalments are paid late. Timely filing helps you avoid added penalties. It’s also great for your credit score! We check every open return, balance, and CRA date. Then we file in the right order and bring your reporting obligations up to date.
Can TNA Support Me Through a CRA Audit?
Yes. CRA audit support starts with the notice and the records behind the filed amounts. A Chartered Professional Accountant can review what the CRA asked for and strategize with you on our response. We’ll help organize and document the response and ensure its submitted on time. We provide support within the agreed scope. Clear books improve audit readiness and reveal tax exposure sooner.
Should I Get Advice Before a Major Transaction?
Yes. Tax laws can affect a land or business transaction significantly and the laws are constantly changing these days. Transactions can even occur unintentionally that may require special elections or tax filings. An ownership change, or asset sale or share re-purchase, can all trigger taxable events that require expert advice – and timing is important. Proper tax planning works best before proposed transactions are final. We review the transaction and the business goals, flag areas where added expert guidance is required and help avoid any pitfalls.
How Do I Know How Much Tax to Save?
Entrepreneurs' finances are often scattered across entities, cards, and accounts, with inconsistent income and expenses — which is why a trusted accountant who knows your full business and personal picture matters. The more complete the information, the less tax you pay and the better the advice. We review business projections and owner compensation to schedule tax payments, protect credit scores, and minimize penalties and surprises. Clients keep us updated through the TNA Hub — logging new accounts or cards, viewing tax payments, instalments, and payroll remittance schedules under the Tax Payments tab, and booking meetings anytime. Regular reviews are encouraged, with ad-hoc meetings available. We help growing businesses manage their tax burden, protect cash flow, and stay ahead of tax time.
Can You Help With Several Unfiled Tax Years?
Yes. Our corporate tax accounting services can cover missing T2 returns, GST/HST filings, slips, and payments. We’ll bring your CRA Account to current and help address any recent CRA audit issues. Then our experienced CPAs explain what can move first. Catching up helps you stay compliant and avoid more penalties. There can be efficiencies in doing multiple years at once, but it comes with very high and ever-increasing tax penalties and interest.
Does Every Canadian Corporation Need a T2 Return?
Yes, most resident corporations must file a T2 for each tax year, even when no tax is payable. Some exceptions apply. We confirm the entity type, year-end, province, and reporting duties before filing. A holding company and operating company usually need separate returns.
Still Not Sure What Comes First?
Start With the Corporate Tax Question You Have Now
It may be a year-end, GST balance, CRA letter, payment date, or unfinished set of books. Bring TNA the part you already know. A CPA will review the connected records, explain what comes next, and provide a clear price for the agreed work.



