Good Compliance Habits for Small Business

Getting all your ducks in a row doesn't have to be a chore. Done right, it's almost like breathing ... you aren't even aware you are doing it.

Check out the latest articles below ... right after the intro.

Beyond the Spreadsheet ... Because Life Happens

Make this the year you incorporate self-care into your daily routine so you are around for your family!

  • Establish clear work boundaries and follow them by outlining your availability and response times to alleviate any confusion. You deserve one full day off a week to recharge your batteries, maybe even two days in a row.
  • Remember every once in a while to stop, stretch, and JUST BREATHE!
  • Think about reinstating recess this year if you work indoors. Get outside for 15 minutes to let natural light energize you.
  • Eat breakfast. Don't have time? Try out Dr. Will's fast, easy, and healthy breakfast smoothie.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water to stave off fatigue and concentration issues.
  • Schedule exercise time three times a week (maybe try a HIIT routine; they are quick and effective).
  • Reach for progress not perfection with your business work habits as well as with your diet routine by making choices that are just a little bit better based on where you are now
  • Striving for thirty (30) plant points a week makes improving your diet easy. Incorporate a variety of plant based foods (nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables) into your existing eating habits to have a healthier gut biome. You'll feel better which means you'll get more done with less effort.

  Enjoy Your Visit! Laura

The Blog Feed Starts Here

Apr 18, 2026

The Platform Economy | Why CRA Is Watching Online Income in 2026

Seller checking Amazon marketplace app on smartphone

The platform economy is one audit trigger in the spotlight. CRA has this on their 2026 audit project list, meaning gig income will receive higher scrutiny.

Continue reading "The Platform Economy | Why CRA Is Watching Online Income in 2026"

Apr 15, 2026

CRA Compliance Filing Basics | Canadian Self-Employed

Self employed filing compliance return online late hours in the night at home

Explainer on CRA compliance filing basics, why it matters, getting organized, along with next steps when something goes sideways for you.

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Apr 06, 2026

Tax Compliance for Small Business | Canadian Filing Deadlines

Get all your ducks in a row so you file on time!

Tax compliance filing deadlines for small business owners - GST HST returns, payroll remittances, income tax returns and instalment payments, subcontractors

Continue reading "Tax Compliance for Small Business | Canadian Filing Deadlines"

Mar 30, 2026

Why Amend Your Tax Return? Avoid CRA Interest Charges

Female freelancer reviewing tax documents on laptop at home coffee table with papers and coffee nearby.

Unreported income? Canadian solopreneurs, learn how to amend your return before CRA finds the error and avoid a costly 20% penalty. Act fast.

Continue reading "Why Amend Your Tax Return? Avoid CRA Interest Charges"

Mar 30, 2026

How To File And Pay Taxes Online | Using The CRA Online Portal

Candle resting on a book in the dark depicting burning the midnight oil

Learn how to file and pay taxes online using CRA's portal. A plain-English explainer for Canadian solopreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed business owners.

Continue reading "How To File And Pay Taxes Online | Using The CRA Online Portal"

Mar 30, 2026

What to Do When You Can't Pay Your Taxes in Canada

Can't Pay Your Taxes?

Filed your return and can't pay the balance? Here's what Canadian solopreneurs need to do first to avoid costly CRA penalties.

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Mar 30, 2026

Canadian Small Business Tax Obligations | It's All About The Rules

Self employed filing compliance return online late hours in the night at home

Deadlines, rates, thresholds. A quick “what applies to me” router for Canadian solopreneurs and small employers … simple habits that lead to audit-ready books.

Continue reading "Canadian Small Business Tax Obligations | It's All About The Rules"

Mar 20, 2026

Financial Resilience 101 | Fundamentals For Canadian Solopreneurs

View of fog lifting through a forest. You can see the forest for trees from this elevation.

A stability-first framework for Canadian solopreneurs already in business - 6 fundamentals, quick desk checks, and next steps for an uncertain economy.

Continue reading "Financial Resilience 101 | Fundamentals For Canadian Solopreneurs"

Feb 26, 2026

Prescribed Interest Rates Hold Steady For Q2 2026

The CRA's prescribed interest rates remain unchanged for the second quarter of 2026.

As a home-based solopreneur, these rates touch your life in two different ways.

(1) If you owe the CRA money, interest accrues and compounds daily. So paying your unpaid tax balance down quickly saves you real money.

(2) It also has tax planning opportunities for income splitting.

Click here to see the rates for overdue taxes, shareholder loans, and spousal loans.

Continue reading "Prescribed Interest Rates Hold Steady For Q2 2026"

Feb 24, 2026

Canada U.S. Tariff Timeline 2025-2026 | Updates for Canadian Small Biz

Tariffs Ahead road sign with Canada US flags symbolizing 2025 trade war impact on cross-border business

Track Canada–U.S. tariff changes by date and sector, what’s in effect now, and simple next steps for Canadian solopreneurs (records, pricing, suppliers).

Continue reading "Canada U.S. Tariff Timeline 2025-2026 | Updates for Canadian Small Biz"

Feb 22, 2026

Solopreneur Two-Bank Strategy | Combine Traditional & Online Banking

A businesswoman considering using the Solopreneur two-bank strategy

The smart business guide to a solopreneur two-bank strategy. Learn how to combine traditional and online banking for maximum business benefits.

Continue reading "Solopreneur Two-Bank Strategy | Combine Traditional & Online Banking "

Feb 22, 2026

Cash Management Strategies to Protect Your Money | Canada Solopreneur

Port Stanley Ontario winter beach at sunset — navigating economic uncertainty

Take back control of your cash flow. With tariffs shifting costs overnight, you need to protect your money with practical, simple cash management strategies.

Continue reading "Cash Management Strategies to Protect Your Money | Canada Solopreneur"

Feb 22, 2026

Protect Yourself from Financial Stress | Self-Employed Canada

Double rainbow over calm ocean with lighthouse on rocky coast symbolizing hope and guidance after financial storms

Practical strategies to manage money stress, build financial resilience, and secure your retirement as a Canadian solopreneur. Move from stress to success.

Continue reading "Protect Yourself from Financial Stress | Self-Employed Canada"

Feb 22, 2026

CRA SimpleFile Service | 2026 Tax Filing Season

CRA SimpleFile service is a streamlined service to make the process of filing tax returns easier for Canadian taxpayers. It opens Mar 9, 2026 for 2025 tax year.

Continue reading "CRA SimpleFile Service | 2026 Tax Filing Season"

Feb 21, 2026

CRA Audit-Ready Books For The Self-Employed | 10 Point Checklist

Responding to a Tax Audit Notice

What audit-ready books mean for the CRA, 10-point checklist, and common audit issues for self-employed Canadians. Next steps if you’re behind or starting fresh.

Continue reading "CRA Audit-Ready Books For The Self-Employed | 10 Point Checklist"

Feb 20, 2026

How Governments Raise Revenue

Puzzle Pieces

Discover the three ways governments raise revenue and why understanding Canadian tax policy helps you make better strategic decisions for your business.

Continue reading "How Governments Raise Revenue"

Feb 17, 2026

T2125 Self-Employed Tax Deductions | 2026 Canadian Tax Filing Season

A winding highway road with guardrails in the Rocky Mountains

Filing your T2125 for 2025? Start here. Whether you're organized or overwhelmed, this checklist routes you to the right guide. Plus what's new this year.

Continue reading "T2125 Self-Employed Tax Deductions | 2026 Canadian Tax Filing Season"

Feb 16, 2026

Navigating Change as a Self-Employed Canadian | Protect Your Business

Wet road shown disappearing in dense fog.

Tariffs, debt, uncertainty ... navigating change as a self-employed Canadian means protecting your business and yourself. Here's how to do both.

Continue reading "Navigating Change as a Self-Employed Canadian | Protect Your Business"

Feb 11, 2026

RRSP Tips and Traps | Small Business Owners

Future You Ready to Retire

RRSPs can be a valuable tool for small business owners in Canada to save for retirement. Some RRSP tips and traps to keep in mind to maximize their benefits.

Continue reading "RRSP Tips and Traps | Small Business Owners"

Feb 10, 2026

Year-End Tax Rescue Guide | For Disorganized Self-Employed Canadians

Simple Cash Management System

Didn't keep books all year? No judgment. This rescue guide shows disorganized self-employed Canadians how to get tax-ready fast ... from shoebox to sorted.

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Feb 02, 2026

Why Canada Is Changing Trade Strategy | What Solopreneurs Need to Know

View of Highpoint at Vancouver Port

Confused by Canada's changing trade strategy? I was too. Here's what PM Carney is doing, why it matters, and how it affects your business.

Continue reading "Why Canada Is Changing Trade Strategy | What Solopreneurs Need to Know"

Feb 02, 2026

Work Life Balance: Solopreneur's Handbook to Sustainable Success

Build a support network

Achieve work life balance and sustainable business success as a Canadian solopreneur. Discover self-care tactics to boost productivity, keep books audit-ready.

Continue reading "Work Life Balance: Solopreneur's Handbook to Sustainable Success"

Jan 28, 2026

How Tariffs Impact Canadian Small Business | An Introductory Primer

Tariff Trade Tensions

A practical primer on how tariffs impact Canadian small business. Covers basics, compliance, cash flow effects, and actionable steps to dealing with tariffs.

Continue reading "How Tariffs Impact Canadian Small Business | An Introductory Primer"

Jan 28, 2026

Canadian Prescribed Interest Rates | Shareholder Loans

Shareholder Loans

Quarterly prescribed interest rates issued by CRA for overdue & overpaid taxes and taxable benefits. Spousal interest payments are due annually by January 30th.

Continue reading "Canadian Prescribed Interest Rates | Shareholder Loans"

Jan 24, 2026

NSF Fees Canada 2026: New $10 Cap | Cash Management for Solopreneurs

Frustrated business owner on the phone with bank

In March 2026, NSF fees capped are at $10 for Canadian personal accounts. What's changing, why it affects your business, and how to avoid these fees entirely.

Continue reading "NSF Fees Canada 2026: New $10 Cap | Cash Management for Solopreneurs"

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