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News & Tips

Messy Bookkeeping Impacts Your Taxes
I often hear from business owners who only realize their books are messy when tax time comes around. By that point, things feel rushed, confusing and stressful. Messy bookkeeping can quietly inflate your tax bill, increase your audit risk, and create costly delays—especially in Canada, where the CRA closely scrutinizes inconsistencies and missing documentation. Clean, accurate records aren’t just “nice to have”; they directly determine how much tax you pay and how smoothly t

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Apr 12 min read
What Business Owners Need to Do to Prepare for Tax Season
Tax season has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized business owners. One minute you’re focused on growth, customers, and day‑to‑day operations—then suddenly it’s tax time, and you’re digging through receipts like it’s an archaeological dig. The good news is that preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right systems and a bit of foresight, you can turn it into a smooth, predictable part of your business rhythm. Below are the essential steps e

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 223 min read
Common Tax and Business Scams (and How to Avoid Them)
Scams targeting Canadians—especially around taxes and small businesses—are becoming more sophisticated every year. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, hundreds of millions of dollars are lost annually to fraud, affecting thousands of victims. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, freelancer, or business owner, understanding how these scams work is your first line of defence. 1. CRA Impersonation Scams One of the most widespread fraud types involves scammers pretendi

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 173 min read
The Connection Between Personal Finances & Business Success
Managing a business requires more than just a great idea or a solid business plan. One factor that often gets overlooked is how your personal finances influence your business outcomes. The way you handle your money in your personal life can directly affect your ability to grow and sustain a successful business. Understanding this connection can help entrepreneurs make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls. How Personal Finances Affect Business Stability Your personal fi

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Nov 24, 20253 min read
When Is The Last Time You Cleaned Up Your Chart Of Accounts? It May Be Time!
Cleaning up your chart of accounts (COA) is an essential step for maintaining accurate, efficient, and meaningful financial reporting....

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Oct 7, 20253 min read
Bookkeeping mistakes with potentially costly fixes.
Bookkeeping isn’t always the most exciting part of running a business. But here’s the truth: ignoring it, or getting it wrong, can end...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Sep 28, 20252 min read
How Small Business Can Reach Break-Even
Every business owner should know their break-even point. It’s the number that tells you how much you need to sell before you begin...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Sep 16, 20253 min read
Scrambling to pay bills last minute? Time to set up a bill payment routine!
Tired of scrambling to pay bills at the last minute? Or worse, getting hit with late fees that eat you’re your profits? The secret to...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Aug 10, 20253 min read
Thinking About Switching Accounting Software?
One of the questions we get often, is “How do I know if it’s time to switch accounting platforms?” Switching accounting software can be...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Jul 12, 20251 min read



K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Jun 28, 20250 min read
Running A Seasonal Business: What Every Owner Should Know
1. Understand Canada's Seasonal Realities Weather-Dependent Timing : Canada's diverse climate means your season's start/end dates may...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Jun 22, 20253 min read
Preparing For A Loan Application? Understand Your EBITDA.
In Canada , banks and other lenders primarily consider EBITDA , not net income, when assessing a business's ability to service debt....

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Jun 1, 20252 min read
Is Your Business Budget Still Working For You?
Most business owners create a budget once, feel good about it and then don’t look at it again until the following year. But, if you’re...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
May 17, 20252 min read
Why Are More Business Owners Choosing Virtual Bookkeepers?
More business owners are choosing virtual bookkeepers for several compelling reasons: 1. Cost Savings Lower overhead: No need to pay for...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
May 14, 20251 min read
Is it Time to Rethink Your Pricing? Here’s How to Know
Let’s talk about something many business owners avoid….pricing. If your profit margins feel too tight, your revenue isn’t matching your...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
May 3, 20252 min read
"How to Maximize Your Tax Savings: Tips for Individuals and Small Businesses"
Reducing taxes in Canada legally involves taking advantage of deductions, credits, and tax-efficient strategies. Here are some practical...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 29, 20252 min read
Accountant Retiring? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is your accountant retiring? Not sure what to do next? Don’t panic! There are a few key steps you can take to ensure a smooth...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 24, 20252 min read
Top 10 Invoice Hacks for Canadian Businesses to Increase Payment Speed
Cash flow is crucial for every business, and unpaid invoices can cause financial stress. Late payments make it harder to cover expenses,...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 15, 20253 min read
It's Time To Add A Bookkeeper To The Team....Do you hire or outsource?
When deciding between hiring an in-house bookkeeper or outsourcing the service, there are several factors to consider, such as cost,...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 11, 20253 min read
Business Resilience in Uncertain Times
Keeping your business resilient during economic uncertainty is essential for long-term success, especially in a market like Canada where...

K. McLaren CPA, CGA
Mar 1, 20253 min read
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