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How to Keep Clean Records for CRA Audits and Reviews
For small business owners in Canada, one of the most important aspects of financial management is keeping accurate, organized records. Not only does clean bookkeeping make tax filing smoother, but it’s also your best defense if the CRA ever conducts an audit or review. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can request supporting documents for income, expenses, and deductions, sometimes going back several years. Failing to maintain proper records can result in fines, reassessments,

Onyx Accounting
Jan 163 min read


How to Get Your Business Books Ready for Tax Season
Tax season tends to sneak up faster than most business owners expect. Between gathering receipts, balancing books, and double-checking records, it can quickly turn into a scramble—especially if your bookkeeping hasn’t been a top priority throughout the year. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. A little preparation now can make your tax filing smoother, faster, and more accurate. Here’s a 5-step guide to get your business books tax-ready before the deadline. 1. Get Your Books

Onyx Accounting
Jan 133 min read


How to Close Your Books for the Year
As the year comes to an end, closing your books is one of the most important financial tasks for any small business. Proper year-end bookkeeping ensures your financial records are accurate, helps you prepare your taxes, and gives you a clear picture of your business’s performance. While the process can feel overwhelming, following a structured approach makes it manageable and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to closing your books for the year. 1. Reconcile All Account

Onyx Accounting
Dec 19, 20253 min read


6 Financial Tasks to Complete Before December 31
As the year draws to a close, small business owners have more on their plates than holiday preparations. It’s also the perfect time to get your finances in order and set yourself up for a strong start in the new year. Completing key financial tasks before December 31 can save you headaches, help you maximize tax savings, and give you a clear picture of your business’s health. Here are six essential year-end financial tasks every small business should prioritize. 1. Review You

Onyx Accounting
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Should You Incorporate Before the New Year? Pros and Cons
As the year winds down, many business owners start thinking about tax planning and long-term growth. One common question that comes up around this time is: “Should I incorporate my business before the new year?” Incorporation can bring major advantages, but it’s not the right move for everyone or every business stage. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating, and how timing might impact your taxes and operations.

Onyx Accounting
Nov 24, 20253 min read


How to Plan Year-End Bonuses Without Breaking the Bank
The end of the year is the perfect time to celebrate your team’s hard work and accomplishments, but for many small business owners, figuring out how to offer year-end bonuses can feel stressful. You want to show appreciation and boost morale, but you also need to stay mindful of your budget and cash flow. The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can reward your employees without putting financial strain on your business. Here’s how to plan meaningful, afforda

Onyx Accounting
Nov 18, 20253 min read


6 Tips for Budgeting for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest and most financially challenging times of the year for many small businesses. Whether you’re managing higher inventory costs, increased payroll for seasonal staff, or planning client appreciation gifts, expenses can quickly add up. The key to staying profitable (and stress-free) through the holidays is having a smart, realistic budget in place. Here are some practical tips to help small business owners prepare their finances for the ho

Onyx Accounting
Oct 27, 20253 min read


6 Things You Should Know Before Hiring Seasonal Workers
As the holiday season approaches, many small businesses find themselves busier than ever. Retailers see higher sales, service-based companies handle more appointments, and offices often face year-end deadlines. To manage the extra workload, hiring seasonal staff can be a great solution, but it’s not without its challenges. Before you bring on short-term employees, it’s important to understand the HR and payroll implications that come with seasonal hiring in Canada. Here’s wha

Onyx Accounting
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Top 5 HR Mistakes Small Businesses Make and How to Avoid Them
When you’re running a small business, HR often takes a back seat to more immediate priorities like sales, customer service, and...

Onyx Accounting
Sep 12, 20252 min read


The Benefits of Cloud Accounting Software for Small Businesses
Running a small business is exciting—but it also comes with plenty of moving parts to manage, especially when it comes to your finances....

Onyx Accounting
Sep 4, 20253 min read


6 Ways to Prepare Your Business for Q4
As the year winds down, the last quarter can feel like both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it’s the final push to hit your...

Onyx Accounting
Aug 27, 20253 min read


6 Financial Tasks to Prioritize This Fall
Summer often brings a slower pace, but as fall begins, business activity picks up and year-end starts to feel closer than ever. That...

Onyx Accounting
Aug 20, 20252 min read


How to Catch Up on Your Bookkeeping If You’ve Fallen Behind
If bookkeeping has slipped to the bottom of your to-do list this year, you’re not alone. Many small business owners get caught up in the...

Onyx Accounting
Jul 28, 20252 min read


Protecting Your Business from Fraud: 6 Red Flags to Watch For
Fraud can happen to any business, regardless of size or industry. For small businesses, the impact of fraud can be especially devastating...

Onyx Accounting
Jul 17, 20252 min read


Mid-Year Financial Check-In: What Should Be on Your Radar?
We’re halfway through the year—and it’s the perfect time to hit pause, take a step back, and check in on your business’s financial...

Onyx Accounting
Jun 25, 20252 min read


How to Pay Yourself as a Business Owner: Salary vs. Dividends
One of the biggest perks of running your own incorporated business is the flexibility to decide how you pay yourself. But with that...

Onyx Accounting
Jun 18, 20252 min read


When to Consider Incorporating Your Small Business
As your small business starts to grow, you might wonder if it’s time to incorporate. Incorporation can offer several advantages, but it’s...

Onyx Accounting
May 26, 20252 min read


Missed the Tax Deadline? Here’s What to Do Next
Life gets busy, and sometimes tax deadlines sneak up on us. If you missed the April 30, 2025 personal tax filing deadline in Canada,...

Onyx Accounting
May 22, 20253 min read


Avoiding an Audit: Red Flags the CRA Looks For
Filing your taxes is an important responsibility—but for many individuals and small business owners, there’s an extra layer of anxiety:...

Onyx Accounting
Apr 16, 20253 min read


How to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely
Getting a tax refund can feel like a small windfall—whether it’s a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, it’s always tempting to treat...

Onyx Accounting
Apr 10, 20253 min read
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