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6 Key Tax Considerations for Start-ups and Emerging Corporations in Ontario


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As a start-up or growing corporation in Ontario, you're likely focused on innovation, growth, and market disruption. But amid all that energy, there’s one critical piece that can either boost your success or create serious headaches: your taxes. Ontario’s tax laws and regulations can be daunting, especially for entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities. That’s where having a tax expert on your side can make all the difference. At Roberts & Company Professional Corporation, we've been guiding start-ups and emerging corporations through Ontario’s tax maze for over thirty years. Our expertise in corporate tax preparation has helped countless businesses in Newmarket, the York Region, and the Greater Toronto Area maximize their returns while staying compliant.


Disrupt the Market, Not Your Taxes


Let's explore these six key tax considerations that every Ontario start-up should be aware of:


  1. Choosing the Right Business Structure Your business structure significantly impacts your tax obligations. Whether you're a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, each comes with its own tax implications. Our knowledgeable tax accountants at Roberts & Company Professional Corporation can help you navigate these options, ensuring you choose the structure that best aligns with your long-term goals and minimizes your tax burden.


  1. Taking Advantage of Tax Credits and Incentives Ontario offers a plethora of tax credits and incentives to boost innovation and growth. For instance, the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program can be a game-changer for tech start-ups. However, the application process can seem complex, and many businesses miss out on these opportunities due to a lack of awareness or expertise. This is where professional corporate tax preparation services like ours shine, helping you identify and capitalize on every available tax benefit.

  2. Navigating HST Complexities As your business grows, you'll likely need to register for and collect Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). HST rules can be tricky, with various thresholds and reporting requirements. Mishandling HST can lead to costly penalties. At Roberts & Company Professional Corporation, we ensure you're always compliant while optimizing your HST strategy.

  3. Managing Payroll Taxes As you expand your team, payroll taxes become a significant consideration. The calculations can quickly become overwhelming from Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions to Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. By hiring professional corporate tax preparation services, you can simplify this process, guarantee accuracy and compliance, and free up your time to focus on innovation and business growth.

  4. Planning for Corporate Income Tax Understanding and planning for corporate income tax is crucial for long-term success. The tax rates can vary based on your business size and industry. For example, some small businesses in Ontario can benefit from the small business deduction plan, allowing them a lower tax rate on their first $500,000 active business income. Our skilled tax accountant can help you strategize to minimize your corporate tax liability legally and ethically.

  5. Keeping Meticulous Records Solid record-keeping is essential for effective tax management. It’s not just about staying organized—it’s about being ready for audits and having the proof to back up every deduction and credit you claim. Partnering with one of our tax accountants will help you set up record-keeping systems that work for your business.


Get in Touch with Roberts & Company Professional Corporation


Don't let tax complexities hold your start-up back. At Roberts & Company Professional Corporation, we go beyond just filing taxes. We’re here to help you build proactive tax strategies that fuel your growth. Contact us today. Together, we can ensure your start-up flourishes and thrives in Ontario's dynamic business environment.


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