The Ask the CPA library is a growing collection of short, cited answers to owner-manager tax questions we field on client calls. Each answer stays under 400 words, cites the CRA rule number, links canada.ca and cra-arc.gc.ca sources where applicable, and closes with a Bader byline noting Licensed Public Accountant (Ontario) attribution under Public Accounting Act 2004. Use this hub to browse by topic or search the site for a specific question.
How to use this library
Every entry answers exactly one question. If you need a wider walk-through, jump to the Guides hub. If you need worked numbers, use one of the free calculators (HST filer frequency, section 85 rollover eligibility, sole prop vs incorporation, CCPC passive-income trap, small business deduction, home office deduction). If you have a fact pattern rather than a general question, book a paid consult via the intake form — under CPA Ontario Rule 208 we cannot give personalized advice through a public Q&A format.
Methodology
Answers are drafted against the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, CRA Interpretation Bulletins, Income Tax Folios, and GST/HST Memoranda. When the question turns on a case law precedent we cite the case name and year. When a rule changed under Budget 2024 or 2025 we flag the effective date. Values we quote are current for the 2026 tax year (LCGE $1,275,000, CPP YMPE $74,600, CPP YAMPE $85,000, TFSA cumulative room $109,000, HST 13% Ontario). If a value is stale in the answer, flag it via the contact form.
Browse by topic
HST and GST
Filing frequency thresholds, place-of-supply rules, ITC claims, quick-method eligibility, voluntary disclosure for missed returns.
Corporate tax
T2 filing deadlines, RDTOH mechanics, GRIP tracking, active business income vs investment income, small business deduction grind at $50K passive income.
Reorganizations (s.85, s.86, s.88)
Section 85 rollover mechanics, section 86 estate freeze, section 88 wind-up, section 84.1 non-arm’s-length share sale limits.
Owner-manager compensation
Salary vs dividend integration, ineligible vs eligible dividends, RRSP contribution room from T4, TFSA limits, IPP considerations.
Real estate
Principal-residence exemption, change-of-use, short-term rental HST issue, flipping rules (2023+), UHT filing, section 45(2) election.
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Need a fact-pattern answer?
Public Q&A cannot substitute for licensed public accounting advice on a specific client fact pattern. If you want a scoped answer on your situation, book a paid consult via the intake form — a 45-minute working session with the LPA-signed answer emailed after.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute personalized tax or accounting advice. Consult a Chartered Professional Accountant licensed as a Licensed Public Accountant in Ontario before acting on it. Insight Accounting CPA Professional Corporation is a Licensed Public Accountant firm under the Public Accounting Act 2004 (Ontario).
— Bader A. Chowdry, CPA, CA, LPA