How to Deal with Auditing Discrepancies

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Tax filing is an integral part of running a business in Canada, yet it’s often fraught with complexities that can lead to errors. These mistakes can range from simple oversights to significant discrepancies, potentially resulting in penalties or audits by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Understanding and resolving these common tax filing errors is essential for Canadian businesses to ensure compliance and financial accuracy. This blog discusses common tax filing errors encountered by Canadian businesses and strategies to address them.

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Information

One of the most common errors in tax filing is submitting incorrect or incomplete information. This might include errors in basic details like business numbers, addresses, or incorrect financial data.

Resolution Strategy: Double-check all information before submission. Implementing a review process involving multiple checks can significantly reduce the risk of such errors.

2. Misunderstanding Tax Credits and Deductions

Businesses often miss out on beneficial tax credits and deductions due to a lack of understanding or misapplication. Conversely, claiming ineligible deductions can lead to penalties.

Resolution Strategy: Stay informed about eligible tax credits and deductions for your business type. Consulting a tax professional can provide clarity and ensure that you maximize your legitimate claims while staying compliant.

3. Errors in Payroll Taxes

Miscalculations or late remittances of payroll taxes, including CPP, EI, and income tax deductions, are common errors that can result in fines.

Resolution Strategy: Use reliable payroll software to calculate and remit payroll taxes accurately. Regularly review payroll reports and ensure timely remittance to the CRA.

4. Not Reporting All Income

Failing to report all income, whether intentionally or accidentally, can lead to significant issues with the CRA.

Resolution Strategy: Maintain meticulous financial records throughout the year. Regular financial reviews can help ensure that all income is accurately reported.

5. Incorrect GST/HST Reporting

Mistakes in calculating, collecting, or remitting GST/HST are common, especially for businesses that have transactions in different provinces with varying tax rates.

Resolution Strategy: Understand the GST/HST requirements for your business and the provinces you operate in. Consider using accounting software that automatically calculates GST/HST for transactions.

6. Filing Late

Late filing can result in penalties and interest. Businesses sometimes miss filing deadlines due to poor time management or lack of preparedness.

Resolution Strategy: Mark tax filing deadlines on your business calendar well in advance. Consider preparing tax documents well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute rushes.

7. Overlooking Carry-forward Amounts

Businesses often forget to include carry-forward amounts like capital losses or investment tax credits from previous years.

Resolution Strategy: Maintain comprehensive tax records that include details of any carry-forward amounts. Regularly review past tax returns before preparing current ones.

8. Not Seeking Professional Help

Attempting to manage complex tax filings without adequate expertise can lead to errors.

Resolution Strategy: If tax filing complexities are beyond your expertise, seeking professional assistance from accountants or tax advisors is advisable. Their expertise can help navigate the intricacies of tax laws and ensure accurate filing.

Conclusion

For Canadian businesses, avoiding and resolving tax filing errors is crucial for maintaining compliance and financial integrity. By implementing meticulous record-keeping, staying informed, using appropriate software tools, and seeking professional advice when necessary, businesses can navigate tax filing more confidently and accurately.

Helina Patience, CPA, CMA
Author: Iain Rogers, Founder & Advisor, BSc, MBA

My success as a business owner, sales & marketing executive comes from entrepreneurial vision and leadership, backed by an Ivy-League MBA and 15+ years of business leadership experience. I recognize new potential for products, technology and partnerships and take them to market while developing both strategy and people. Connect on LinkedIn.