Managing the financial aspects of a non-profit organization can be challenging, but here are some accounting tips to help:

1. Understand Saskatchewan Non-Profit Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and reporting requirements for non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan. This includes understanding the rules set by the Saskatchewan Non-profit Corporations Act and any reporting obligations to government bodies such as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance or Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

2. Implement Proper Fund Accounting: Non-profits often use fund accounting to track and report financial activity for different programs, projects, or restricted funds. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your organization's funds and implement a proper fund accounting system to accurately allocate and track expenses and revenues for each fund.

3. Maintain Transparent Financial Reporting: Provide clear and transparent financial reports to your board of directors, members, and stakeholders. Ensure your financial statements accurately reflect the financial position, activities, and cash flows of your organization. This includes preparing financial statements such as the statement of financial position (balance sheet), statement of activities (income statement), and statement of cash flows.

4. Track and Report on Restricted and Unrestricted Funds: Differentiate between restricted and unrestricted funds and accurately track and report on how these funds are utilized. Clearly document donor restrictions, grant terms, and any specific reporting requirements associated with restricted funds.

5. Stay Compliant with Tax Regulations: Understand the tax obligations and compliance requirements for non-profits in Saskatchewan. This includes ensuring compliance with federal and provincial tax laws, such as filing appropriate tax returns, maintaining accurate records, and understanding tax-exempt status and eligibility for tax benefits.

6. Implement Internal Controls: Establish internal controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate financial reporting. This includes segregating duties, implementing approval processes, regularly reconciling accounts, and conducting periodic internal audits.

7. Budgeting and Financial Planning: Develop an annual budget that aligns with your organization's goals and priorities. Regularly review and update the budget to monitor performance and make informed financial decisions. Consider creating a reserve fund to address unexpected expenses or emergencies.

8. Seek Professional Assistance: Non-profit accounting can be complex, and it's advisable to seek professional assistance when needed. Consult with an accountant or financial advisor experienced in working with non-profit organizations to ensure compliance, accurate financial reporting, and effective financial management.

9. Track and Report on Grant Funding: If your non-profit receives grant funding, maintain accurate records of grants, including tracking expenses, meeting reporting requirements, and demonstrating the proper use of funds. Understand the specific reporting obligations associated with each grant and provide timely and accurate reports to the funding agencies.

10. Stay Updated on Changes: Keep abreast of any changes in accounting standards, tax regulations, or reporting requirements applicable to non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan. Regularly review updates from regulatory bodies and attend relevant workshops or seminars to stay informed about best practices in non-profit accounting.

Remember that these tips provide general guidance, and it's important to consult with an accountant or financial professional who specializes in non-profit accounting in Saskatchewan. They can provide personalized advice based on your organization's specific needs and help ensure compliance and effective financial management.

Accounting Services:

• Corporate Accounting 
• Farm Corporate Accounting
• Personal Accounting

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountant for your personal taxes or business accounting needs, contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants

Managing the financial aspects of a small business can be challenging, but here are some accounting tips to help small business owners:

1. Separate Personal and Business Finances: Maintain separate bank accounts and credit cards for your personal and business finances. This separation makes it easier to track business transactions, calculate taxes accurately, and maintain clear financial records.

2. Implement a Bookkeeping System: Establish a consistent bookkeeping system to track income and expenses. This can be done manually using spreadsheets or through accounting software designed for small businesses. Regularly update and reconcile your books to ensure accuracy.

3. Track and Organize Receipts: Keep a record of all business-related receipts, invoices, and expenses. Organize them by category to make it easier during tax time and to provide supporting documentation for deductions and expenses.

4. Stay on Top of Invoicing and Accounts Receivable: Promptly send out invoices to customers and clients, clearly outlining payment terms and due dates. Monitor your accounts receivable and follow up on overdue payments. Consider implementing an automated invoicing system to streamline the process.

5. Monitor and Control Expenses: Regularly review your expenses to identify areas where costs can be reduced or optimized. Look for opportunities to negotiate better terms with suppliers or find cost-effective alternatives. Managing expenses effectively can positively impact your bottom line.

6. Understand and Comply with Tax Obligations: Familiarize yourself with the tax requirements for your business, including income tax, sales tax (if applicable), payroll taxes, and any other relevant taxes. Stay updated on changes in tax laws and seek professional guidance if needed.

7. Plan for Major Expenses and Taxes: Anticipate major expenses and tax obligations in advance to avoid financial surprises. Set aside funds or create a budget to cover these expenses, such as annual taxes, equipment purchases, or lease renewals.

8. Seek Professional Assistance: Consider consulting with an accountant or tax professional who specializes in small businesses. They can provide valuable advice, assist with tax planning, ensure compliance, and help optimize your financial management.

9. Regularly Review Financial Statements: Understand and regularly review your financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These reports provide insights into your business's financial health, help track progress, and identify areas for improvement.

10. Continuously Educate Yourself: Stay informed about accounting and financial management principles relevant to small businesses. Attend workshops, webinars, or seminars, and consider joining industry associations or networking groups to learn from other small business owners.

Remember, while these tips provide general guidance, it's important to consult with a qualified accountant or financial professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific business needs and circumstances.

Accounting Services:

• Corporate Accounting 
• Farm Corporate Accounting
• Personal Accounting

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountant for your personal taxes or business accounting needs, contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants

Bookkeepers and accountants play distinct roles in managing financial records and providing financial support to businesses. Here's a comparison between bookkeepers and accountants.

1. Financial Reporting: Accountants prepare and present financial statements in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). They ensure accurate and timely reporting of financial information, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

2. Tax Planning and Compliance: Accountants in Canada assist individuals, businesses, and organizations in understanding and complying with Canadian tax laws and regulations. They help develop tax planning strategies to minimize tax liabilities and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, provincial, and territorial tax requirements.

3. Audit and Assurance: Accountants may perform external audits or provide assurance services to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial statements. They evaluate internal controls, assess financial risks, and provide recommendations for improvement.

4. Management Accounting: Accountants provide financial analysis and reporting to support management decision-making. They assist in budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and performance measurement to help organizations achieve their financial goals.

5. Advisory and Consulting Services: Accountants offer advisory services to individuals and businesses. They provide guidance on financial management, investment decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and risk assessment. They may also assist in business valuations and due diligence processes.

6. Financial Planning: Accountants help individuals and businesses develop financial plans and strategies. They analyze income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to assist in setting financial goals, retirement planning, and wealth management.

7. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Accountants ensure compliance with Canadian accounting standards, tax laws, and regulatory requirements. They stay updated on changes in accounting principles and regulations, such as those issued by the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

8. Professional Ethics and Standards: Accountants in Canada adhere to ethical standards established by professional accounting bodies such as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada). They uphold integrity, confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism in their work.

9. Technology and Systems: Accountants leverage accounting software and technology to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and improve efficiency in financial reporting and analysis. They may recommend and implement appropriate accounting systems to meet the needs of their clients or organizations.

10. Continuing Professional Development: Accountants engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and best practices. They participate in training programs, seminars, and workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Accounting Services:

• Corporate Accounting 
• Farm Corporate Accounting
• Personal Accounting

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountant for your personal taxes or business accounting needs, contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants

Bookkeepers and accountants play distinct roles in managing financial records and providing financial support to businesses. Here's a comparison between bookkeepers and accountants.

Bookkeepers:

Accountants:

Accounting Services:

• Corporate Accounting 
• Farm Corporate Accounting
• Personal Accounting

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountant for your personal taxes or business accounting needs, contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

Hounjet Tastad Harpham are Trusted Saskatoon Accountants

The Government of Canada implemented the Underused Housing Tax (UHT) on June 9, 2022, and as of December 31, 2022, it will impact certain residential property owners. 

A residential property owner who is not classified as an “Excluded Owner” must file the UHT return by April 30 of the following year. They may be required to pay an annual 1% tax on the Taxable Value or the Fair Market Value of the vacant or underused housing.  

Excluded Owners include Canadian citizens and permanent residents, so most individuals will not need to file a UHT return. However, all private corporations, partnerships and trusts (even those owned by Canadian citizens) who own residential property will be required to file a UHT return annually, even if they are exempt from the UHT.  

Failure to file a UHT return has significant penalties, starting at $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations. Further, failure to file could lead to the UHT being payable, even if an exemption should have applied.  

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (except in capacity as a partner or trustee), no action is required on your part. Anyone else who owns residential property, including individuals who own the property as a partner or trustee, may want to consider discussing your situation with your tax advisor.  

Exemptions

Accounting Services:

• Corporate Accounting 
• Farm Corporate Accounting
• Personal Accounting

If you are looking for a Saskatoon chartered professional accountancy firm contact the team at Hounjet Tastad Harpham today.

HTH is a Trusted Saskatoon Accountant 

& Tax specialist