5 Tips For Business Owners Filing Tax Returns With Free Software

The free CRA-certified software products found on the website are listed according to the type of computer they can be used on, such as PC, Mac and mobile devices. Check to see that your computer can support the software. Also look to see that you choose a free program; some programs list charge a fee. The list of products also names what the exclusions are for each software download. Some free programs do not process form T1273 for the AgriStability and AgriInvest Programs, and some are based on your income level. Also make sure you’ve selected the most current version of the software.

Before you put finger to keyboard, gather all your information for your employment earnings and for your self-employed and professional earnings. As a small-business owner or professional using CRAs Netfile system, you declare both employment and self-employment income on the same return. Ensure you have a pen, some paper and a calculator at hand, although most free tax software preparation programs will do the calculations for you. You may require a scanner to input any slips or other forms into the program.

Some business owners may opt to use the cash accounting method instead of the accrual method for reporting income using Netfile. Using the accrual method, you report your income when you bill your customers. With the cash method, you claim your income when you receive your payment, not when you invoice it. This keeps your accounting simple and makes it easier to input your information into the software program. The cash method is generally used for farmers, fisherman and self-employed commissioned sales agents. If you have any questions about which method you should use, contact CRA’s helpline.

You may want to calculate your allowed home-based business deductions before starting your tax preparation program. CRA allows you to deduct a portion of your house costs from your business tax return if the building in which you conduct your business is your principal place of residence. You can deduct part of your utility costs, maintenance costs, cleaning materials, property taxes, home insurance, mortgage interest, rent and applicable depreciation on business equipment. To calculate the portion of your home and expenses you can claim in your software tax return, use CRA’s “Calculation of business-use-of home expenses” chart on Form T2125. You can download it from CRA’s website. You can’t deduct these amounts elsewhere on your free preparation program. Enter the final amount of your calculation from line 3 of the T2125 chart on line 9945 of the program’s tax return.

By law, CRA requires your business to keep and maintain originals or legible copies of all receipts, invoices and supporting documentation to back up all claims and deductions that you make on your tax returns. “You don’t have to send all your documentation to CRA when you use a free tax software program,” explains Caroline Thompson, president of Thompson Accounting and Tax in Fort Erie, Ontario. “CRA can access this information, like payroll slips, T4s, EI slips and other relevant documentation you use to complete your business return, through their computer systems. Other support documentation, such as rental receipts and mileage, you need to keep in case the request it. CRA will notify you by mail if they do,” adds Thompson.