Small Business

Having outdated payroll knowledge is like trying to submit your taxes by fax (good luck).  At Wagefest 2025, some of the brightest minds in Canadian payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, and small business came together to share what’s new and what’s worth paying attention to across the industry.  Throughout two packed days, clear themes emerged, revealing where […]

Company vehicles can simplify operations, but before you hand over the keys to an employee, it’s important to understand how the tax implications will impact payroll. Between distinguishing business and personal mileage, calculating standby charges, and managing deductions, it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you time (and possibly penalties).  To get started — and […]

Providing employees with competitive benefits can boost morale and retention — but these perks come with tax implications that many Canadian employers overlook. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) closely monitors benefits for errors in taxability, calculations, reporting, and recordkeeping, which can lead to payroll liabilities, penalties, interest, and incorrect T4 reporting. Understanding CRA Benefits A […]

When your payroll and accounting tools don’t talk to each other, you’re stuck juggling spreadsheets, duplicate entries, and hours of reconciliation. Mistakes slip through, reports get messy, and cash flow feels like a guessing game that leaves you wondering if you’ll make your next payroll.  That’s why we’ve teamed up with FreshBooks — the Canadian […]

The last quarter of the year can feel chaotic for small business owners. Tasks are piling up, year-end reporting is looming, and it’s tempting to stick with what you know just to get through. But this is also the time many stop to ask: is it time to switch payroll providers? Staying in your comfort […]

Year-end payroll preparation can feel overwhelming for Canadian small business owners, making them feel like castaways adrift in a sea of payroll paperwork with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) looming on the horizon. It’s like being stuck on an island, Tom Hanks-style—frazzled, isolated, and just waiting for a volleyball named Wilson to show up for […]

Sometimes, you just need a straight answer to a payroll question that doesn’t sound like an accounting textbook (no offence, accounting textbooks). So, to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to tackle tax season for your small business, we’ve done the digging and teamed up with Wagepoint’s friendly payroll tax experts to […]

Payroll might look easy at first glance. Calculate hours, pay employees, and you’re done. But if you’ve been running a business for a while, you know the reality: payroll comes with a lot of moving parts, CRA deadlines, and compliance rules that can quickly make it feel overwhelming.  Choosing to outsource payroll to a bookkeeper […]

Trying to get in touch with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can feel a bit like navigating a maze, especially when you’re already juggling a dozen other tasks. Whether you’re chasing down a remittance issue, checking the status of an objection, or just trying to update a business address, knowing where (and how) to reach […]

As a business owner, what worked for a team of five might not cut it when you’re managing 50. A payroll system that once felt simple can quickly become a source of stress and even a business risk as your team grows. That’s why it’s important to revisit your payroll setup as you scale. Whether […]

Canada has seen a significant shift toward pay transparency legislation in recent years. For small business owners, understanding these laws — both current and upcoming — is critical to ensuring compliance, fostering equitable workplaces, and maintaining competitiveness. This article provides an overview of pay transparency trends across Canada and practical tips to ensure compliance. Pay […]

Choosing the right payroll software features is a big decision. For small businesses, it’s easy to focus on what makes your life easier — tools that save time, keep you compliant, and don’t require you to moonlight as a CPA to understand. But when you’re evaluating payroll software, it’s worth remembering: your employees don’t see […]

When economic uncertainty hits — whether it’s a dip in demand, rising costs, or global disruptions — Canadian small businesses often feel it first and hardest. Payroll is usually one of the largest expenses on your balance sheet, and managing it wisely can be the difference between weathering the storm and falling behind. As a […]

Mistakes happen. However, there are some lessons that are much better taught than experienced. Payroll is one of those. Payroll errors add up, literally. They aren’t just annoying or embarrassing, a wrong keystroke can carry heavy consequences for your business. It could mean wasted hours and resources to fix the problem — or worse, legal […]

Payroll data holds significant power for your small business. Typically, when thinking about payroll, things like T4s, remittance filing, and paying employees come to mind. But payroll data can be used to make valuable decisions for your small business, too. While it might not be immediately obvious how this kind of data can make an […]