Frequently Asked Questions

CRA Account:

If you have access to your CRA account, log in to check that all your tax forms are available, including:

• T4 for employment income
• T5 for bank interest/dividends
• T4A for contract work
• T2202 for tuition fees, etc.

If these forms are online in your CRA account, you don’t need to bring them; we can access them directly. Please bring any forms that are missing from your CRA account.

Medical Expenses:

Calculate the total amount of your medical expenses. We may not have time to add up individual receipts during the meeting.

For Corporation, Self-Employed or Rideshare Drivers:

Please refer to the checklist to see the information we need for your business tax preparation, and review the business tax page for further details.

For New Clients:

If it’s your first time with us, please also bring:

• A piece of ID for yourself and your spouse
• SIN numbers for yourself and your spouse
• Names and birthdays of your children
• Last year tax return and notice of assessment

For new clients, we start by collecting your personal information and submitting a representative authorization request to the CRA online. This authorization is usually granted immediately. Once authorized, we will auto-fill your tax return using the information available from the CRA website.

Communication is key to avoiding mistakes. We will discuss your tax situation with you, cross-referencing the information from the CRA with your records. We will also ask for additional details, such as donations, medical expenses, and other information not available through the CRA. During the appointment, we will address any questions or concerns you may have.

Finally, we will review the results of your tax return with you. If everything is accurate, you will sign the necessary documents and pay the fee. We will then e-file your tax return.

We generally prefer not to prepare tax returns solely through email, as it can be challenging to communicate effectively this way. However, you can book a phone appointment so we can discuss your tax situation and ensure mutual understanding. While we can handle digital signatures and documents via email, allowing you to complete your taxes without visiting our office, it is still important that we speak directly.

Our filing fee covers the service of preparing and filing your taxes. It does not include setting up or monitoring your CRA account, contacting the CRA on your behalf, or providing audit support. However, if you receive a letter from the CRA, you can contact us for assistance.

No, we do not offer instant refunds or collect payment for CRA.  

While we typically do not charge extra fees, we reserve the right to do so in certain situations:

• Lack of Preparation: If you do not provide the necessary tax information at your appointment and require additional appointments.
• Inaccurate Information: If you submit incorrect information that requires changes after your tax return has been prepared.
• Repeated Tardiness or Missed Appointments: If frequent lateness or missed appointments lead to extra time and effort on our part.

Your concern is valid—there are unfortunately some untrustworthy accountants, and we’ve had clients come to us needing help to correct past mistakes or deal with CRA audits from other firms. Rest assured, we are a fully legitimate business. We’re registered with the CRA and have a strong client base here in Ottawa.

Our Background: Solid Tax has been in business for over 10 years. We started small and have built our reputation and client base mostly through referrals.

Why Our Prices Are Lower: We focus on serving a high volume of clients, allowing us to keep prices lower without compromising quality.

Quality Assurance: We strictly follow CRA regulations and guarantee the accuracy of our tax filings. If any issues arise, such as CRA audit requests, we’re here to assist.

Feel free to check our Google reviews from real clients, and if you choose to work with us, we’d appreciate your feedback there as well!

• Employed with a Basic Return: Ensure all T4s and other slips are available. While these may be accessible in your CRA account, there can be delays, especially if you come in early at the start of the new tax season.
• Self-Employed, Corporation, Rental Property Owners, Moving Expenses, etc.: Please use the checklist to organize your tax information.
• Similar to Last Year? If your tax situation is similar to the previous year, gather similar tax information(e.g., donations, medical, child care).
• New Situations: If you have new tax scenarios and need guidance, please email or call us.

If you are booking a follow-up appointment, please make sure you book with the same accountant, as they have already begun working on your taxes. If you worked with one of our accountants last year, it is recommended to book with them again, as they are likely familiar with your situation.

If this is your first time doing taxes with Solid Tax, you can either choose a specific accountant or simply select the most convenient available appointment time.

We do not offer appointments longer than 30 minutes, and here’s why:

1. Most tax returns can be completed within 30 minutes.
2. We prioritize efficiency. During your appointment, we stay focused and make the most of the 30 minutes. Longer appointments may lead to inefficiencies.
3. To help us work efficiently, we ask for your cooperation. Please be prepared.
4. If your tax return is more complex, we will do our best to accommodate it or schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.

·        We strive to complete your tax return in a single appointment, as this approach is more efficient and reduces the likelihood of errors.

·        However, if your tax situation is complex—such as business taxes or multiple years' filings—we may require additional time to finish your return. During the appointment, we will gather and clarify your information, address your concerns, and answer any questions you have. Any remaining work will be completed after the appointment. We can communicate via email, or you can schedule another appointment to finalize your tax return.

·        Additionally, if we are unable to complete your tax return because you forgot to provide necessary information (such as medical expenses, donations, daycare expenses, etc.), another appointment will be necessary. In such cases, we reserve the right to charge an additional fee for the extra time required. Therefore, please be prepared and ensure all relevant information is available during your appointment.

No, we can complete two basic family tax returns within a 30-minute appointment.

Please cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 4 hours before the scheduled time. You can do this through the link provided in your email confirmation. Please avoid calling to cancel, as we are extremely busy during tax season and may not be able to answer or check all phone calls and voicemails.

We strongly recommend booking an appointment through our website at solidtax.ca. We prefer not to take bookings over the phone for the following reasons:

1. When booking by phone, details must be recorded manually, which increases the chance of errors.
2. Phone bookings do not provide confirmation or reminders, leading to confusion and missed appointments.
3. It is inefficient. As a small business without administrative staff, all of us are tax accountants managing over a thousand tax returns each year, so we need to make the best use of our time.

No, we don’t like to accept walk-ins. During tax season, our appointments are usually booked back-to-back. While there may occasionally be 5-10 minute gaps, serving a walk-in client could make us late for the next scheduled appointment, which is unfair to those who booked in advance.

After tax season, things slow down, and some of our accountants may choose to work from home. As a result, walking in without an appointment may mean you won’t receive the service you need.

1. Lost Time and Revenue: Each missed appointment could have been given to another client, causing the business to lose valuable time and potential revenue.
2. Disruption of Scheduling: Cancellations, especially last-minute ones, can disrupt the workflow, creating inefficiency and stress in managing back-to-back appointments.
3. High Demand During Peak Times: During busy periods (e.g., tax season), appointments are in high demand. No-shows prevent other clients from booking those slots, making it harder to serve everyone.
4. Professional Courtesy: The policy encourages respect for both parties' time. Consistently missing appointments can signal a lack of commitment, which might affect the service quality.
5. Operational Costs: Even when clients don’t show up, the business still incurs overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries, which are factored into scheduled appointments.
6. Fairness to Other Clients: Repeated no-shows can prevent other clients, who need the service, from being seen, leading to dissatisfaction and longer wait times for everyone.

1. Name your corporation:
   If you want to create a specific name for your corporation, you’ll need a NUANS report to check the availability of the name. The report is valid for 90 days. For more information, visit NUANS.
   If the name isn't important, you will be assigned a numbered company, which guarantees approval and doesn't require a NUANS report.
2. Incorporate your business online:
   Sign into the system using either a Government Key or your banking credentials via Sign-In Partner. To incorporate a federal corporation, follow this link.
3. Receive your Corporation Certificate and Business Number:
   After successfully incorporating, you’ll receive a Corporation Certificate via email from Corporations Canada. Within 1-2 days, you will also be assigned a business number (BN) from the CRA for your corporation.
4. Register for HST and Payroll accounts:
   HST and payroll accounts are not automatically assigned. If you need to charge HST or pay employees, you must contact the CRA or register through your CRA My Business Account to open these accounts.
5. Operate under your corporation:
   Going forward, all invoices and bills should be issued in your corporation’s name when conducting business.

1. Book an initial appointment.
   We need to understand your business, expectations, and concerns. Please book an initial appointment, which can be either a phone call or an office meeting, so we can discuss these details.
2. Authorize Solid Tax to access your CRA My Business Account.
   To prepare your corporate taxes, we need to know your CRA filing requirements, and review the previous year’s income statement and balance sheet. Please log in to your CRA My Business Account and provide us with Level 2 authorization by entering our Group ID: GTK3GX. If you don't have access to your CRA My Business Account, you'll need to register with the CRA first. If you've forgotten your username or password, please contact the CRA for assistance.
3. Provide your business financials.
   You can share your business financials in whichever way you're comfortable. This can be through a summary of spreadsheets, filling out our checklist, or giving us access to your QuickBooks account.
4. Review and submit your tax filings.
   We will review your tax returns together, discuss tax planning for future optimization, and submit all necessary filings (T2, T4, T5, and HST).

1. Provide us your Uber statement.
   You can download your Uber statement from your Uber account, the we can calculate your Uber income based on the statement, but since uber statement may cause confusion, you can also calculate your income by totaling all Uber payments made to your bank account.
2. Provide your business expenses.
   This includes vehicle expenses (gas, insurance, repairs), telephone bills, and supplies. We don’t need individual receipts. Please total each expense category for the entire year. You can use the business checklist available on our website to organize this information.
3. Provide one of the following information for your HST filing.

·       Business authorization: Log in to your CRA My Business Account and authorize us by following the instructions in the provided link.

·       Your last year’s HST filing report.

·       Your HST number, access code, and filing periods.

4. If you purchased a new vehicle for your Uber business, please bring the vehicle purchase agreement so we can claim depreciation on the vehicle.

Don't confuse it with GST/HST credits, which are paid quarterly to low-income individuals. Many businesses in Canada are required to charge GST/HST on sales and remit the balance—calculated as the HST collected from customers minus the HST paid on business expenses—to the Canada Revenue Agency.

In Ontario, the HST rate is 13%. If your business is registered for HST and you sell a product for $100, your customer must pay an additional 13%, or $13. However, this $13 is not part of your revenue—it is the HST you collect on behalf of the government and must remit to the Canada Revenue Agency.

• Taxi or Uber Drivers: You are required to register for a GST/HST number regardless of your sales volume.
• Businesses with Sales Over $30,000: If you provide taxable products or services and your annual sales exceed $30,000, you must register for a GST/HST number.
• Businesses with Sales Under $30,000: If your annual sales are under $30,000, registering is optional. However, once you register, you are obligated to collect HST from your clients until you close your HST account, even if your sales remain below $30,000.
• GST/HST-Exempt Businesses: If you offer GST/HST-exempt products or services—such as residential property rentals, insurance, financial services, or day-care services—you should not register for a GST/HST number. You cannot charge GST/HST or claim input tax credits for your business.

You can register for GST/HST on the CRA website (search for "CRA business registration") or by calling 1-800-959-5525. The CRA will ask for details about your business, including the type of business and your estimated annual revenue. You will also need to choose your GST/HST reporting period (annual, quarterly, or monthly) and your year-end, which can be December 31 or aligned with your corporation’s year-end. We typically recommend annual reporting to reduce your workload.

Regular Method:
In the regular method, you owe the CRA the difference between the GST/HST you collected from customers and the GST/HST you paid on business expenses.

Most business expenses, such as supplies, gas, phone bills, and tools, are subject to 13% HST in Ontario. However, some expenses—like bank charges, insurance, and salaries—are HST-exempt, meaning no GST/HST is paid on them. Be sure not to include GST/HST for these exempt items when calculating your expenses.

Quick Method:
The quick method simplifies GST/HST calculations for small businesses by applying a fixed remittance rate (8.8% in Ontario). This method may be beneficial for businesses with fewer expenses.

Example using the Quick Method:
If your consulting business has $100,000 in annual sales (before HST) and you charge 13% GST/HST to your clients in Ontario, the calculation would be as follows:

HST Owing = Sales (including HST) x Remittance Rate – Input Tax Credit (ITC) = $100,000 x 1.13 x 8.8% - $300 = $9,644

The $300 credit is a 1% deduction on the first $30,000 of revenue from eligible supplies. Under the quick method, you're entitled to a 1% credit on the first $30,000 of eligible revenue (including GST/HST) each fiscal year, which reduces your net tax payable.

Which Method is Better?
You can compare the HST owing under both methods to determine which saves you more money. Typically, for businesses with fewer expenses—such as IT consulting, management, or subcontracting businesses—the quick method results in lower taxes.

The following entities cannot use the quick method for HST reporting:

• Providers of bookkeeping, financial consulting, tax consulting, or tax return preparation services
• Providers of legal, accounting, or actuarial services
• Listed financial institutions
• Charities
• Public institutions
• Non-profit organizations receiving at least 40% government funding
• Municipalities or local authorities designated as municipalities
• Public colleges, school authorities, or universities established and operated on a non-profit basis
• Hospital authorities, facility operators, or external suppliers
• Businesses with annual revenue exceeding $400,000

To use the Quick Method for HST, you must elect it before it can be applied to your HST filings. The election must be made no later than three months after the start of your filing period. For example, if your HST filing period is from January 1 to December 31, you need to make the election by March 31 to use the Quick Method for that period.

To use the Quick Method for HST, you must make the election by the end of the third month after the start of your filing period. For example, if your filing period is January 1 to December 31 and today is February 1, 2024, you need to elect by March 31, 2024, to apply the Quick Method starting from January 1, 2024.

You can make the election through your CRA My Business Account.

The CRA should have your T4s on the system since all employers are obligated to submit T4s to the CRA system. Please book an appointment, so we can set up your file, obtain authorization and access your T4s.

In the meantime, please provide any medical expenses, donation receipts, and rent or property tax payments (for low-income individuals) that are not available in the CRA system. This will help us complete your tax filings.

According to the CRA, you can file your income tax return up to 10 years late and still receive your tax refund if you're entitled to one. However, if more than 10 years have passed, the CRA will not issue a refund. On the other hand, if you owe taxes, the CRA will still require you to pay.

For CPP and EI overpayments, which are included in your tax refund, you can only reclaim these amounts if the tax return is filed within 3 years of the original due date.

If you don’t owe taxes to the CRA, you won’t face penalties or interest charges. However, it’s still recommended to file your taxes to avoid missing out on potential benefits. Additionally, you may need a Notice of Assessment to prove your income for applications such as mortgages, Old Age Security pensions, or dental insurance.

If you didn’t file tax on time, the CRA my make an arbitrary assessment of your tax return, which is normally overestimated your income and make you owe taxes. In this case, you need to get your taxes done ASAP, then the CRA will re-assess your tax based on the information you provided and reassess your tax returns.

If you didn’t file your taxes on time, the CRA may issue an arbitrary assessment, which often overestimates your income and results in you owing taxes. In this situation, you should file your tax returns as soon as possible. Once you do, the CRA will reassess your taxes based on the accurate information you provide.

Yes, you can explore the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) and the Taxpayer Relief Provisions for possible relief.

Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP): This program provides relief on a case-by-case basis to taxpayers who voluntarily come forward to correct errors or omissions in their tax filings before the CRA contacts them. While you will still need to pay the taxes owed, plus interest (in part or full), the CRA may grant relief from penalties and prosecution if your application is accepted. visit the VDP website.

Taxpayer Relief Provisions: The CRA may grant relief from penalties or interest if you are unable to meet your tax obligations due to:

1. Extraordinary circumstances,
2. Actions of the CRA,
3. Inability to pay or financial hardship,
4. Other specific circumstances.

The CRA has resumed addressing taxpayer debt, and benefits, credits, or refunds may be applied to pay down outstanding balances. If your debt causes significant financial hardship, you should contact the CRA to discuss your options, even if you already have a payment plan. For more details, visit the Taxpayer Relief Provisions page.

We are unable to answer calls while meeting with clients, especially during tax season. If you’re an existing client, the best way to reach us is by emailing the accountant you’re working with directly.

If you prefer to leave a message, please include your name, phone number, and the reason for your call. If you’ve worked with a specific accountant, be sure to mention their name. For appointment bookings, please use our website’s booking system.

During tax season, we work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, assisting thousands of clients. If we haven’t answered your call or email immediately, it’s because we’re extremely busy, not because we’re ignoring you. Rest assured, we will get back to you as soon as we can!

You can contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through the following methods:

1. By Phone:
   • Personal tax inquiries: 1-800-959-8281
   • Business tax inquiries (HST, payroll, corporation, etc.): 1-800-959-5525
2. By Mail:
   Before sending documents, ensure they are sent to the correct address, as the CRA has different tax centers and addresses for various functions (e.g., payroll, HST, tax review). If you receive a letter requesting documentation, refer to the mailing address provided in the letter. Always avoid sending original documents or cheques without verifying the proper address.
3. Online Access:
   • CRA My Account (for individuals) and CRA My Business Account (for businesses) are the most convenient ways to communicate with the CRA.
   • You must register to use these services. Once registered, you can access your online mail, notices, payment information, and submit required documents.

No, the CRA does not accept communication via email. Use phone, mail, or their online platforms instead.

Through CRA My Account, individuals can access:

• Notices of Assessment (NOA) and Reassessment (NOR)
• RRSP and TFSA contribution limits
• Tax returns from previous years
• Payment history and balances owing
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and GST/HST credit details
• Direct deposit setup and update options
• Forms to adjust tax returns or provide required documents

To correct or change a filed tax return:

1. Use CRA My Account to submit a request for an adjustment online. You can modify previous returns by selecting “Change my return.”
2. File a T1 Adjustment Request (Form T1-ADJ) by mail, including the details of changes and supporting documents.
3. You can also use certified tax software to adjust your return if you originally filed using one.

While the CRA does not automatically claim tax credits for you, they may adjust your return for missing credits if you were entitled to them and did not claim them. However, it’s recommended that you submit a T1 Adjustment Request to claim any credits you missed. You can do this online via CRA My Account or by mailing in a form.

The CRA selects tax returns for review or audit using several methods:

1. Random selection: Some returns are selected at random for routine review.
2. Risk-based selection: The CRA uses a risk-scoring system, and returns that appear unusual or inconsistent compared to past filings may be flagged.
3. Targeted industry or group audits: Certain industries or groups may be audited based on compliance trends.
4. Comparison to third-party information: The CRA may compare your return to information provided by third parties (e.g., T4s from employers, T5s from banks) to check for discrepancies.