Working with an accountant is an investment — and like any good investment, it should pay off.
At True North Accounting, we want our small business clients to get real, tangible value from working with us. That means doing the obvious things well: filing your taxes accurately and on time, keeping you compliant and saving you as much money as possible.
A great accounting relationship should also reduce stress, minimize surprises, streamline how your business runs and help you make better decisions as you grow. When things are set up properly, accounting becomes less about scrambling at tax time and more about clarity, confidence and control.
Why we care about education
We genuinely love small businesses, and we learn something new from our clients every single day. You’re out there building companies, testing ideas and navigating challenges — and we get to see what works (and what doesn’t) across dozens of industries.
That’s why we share what we learn.
Our blogs and newsletters are built from real client questions, real scenarios and real mistakes we’d love to help you avoid. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone had explained this before I started my business,” that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do.
Stay in the know: our newsletters and blog
If you want practical, no-nonsense advice for running a Canadian small business, our content is for you.
Our monthly Survival Guide newsletter delivers:
- Smart small business tax tips
- Answers to common accounting questions
- Entrepreneur life hacks that actually help
- Reminders about upcoming deadlines
Our blog goes deeper into topics that matter — from paying yourself properly to managing cash flow, choosing software and avoiding expensive tax mistakes.
Think of it as ongoing support between meetings.
We’re about more than taxes
Most clients come to us for corporate taxes and bookkeeping — and we’re very good at that. But accounting doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Almost every major business decision has tax and cash-flow implications, which is why we encourage clients to loop us in early.
Here are just a few ways we support small businesses beyond filing returns.
Software set-up and training
There’s no shortage of apps promising to “simplify” small business finances — but the right setup matters more than the tool itself. We help clients choose, configure and actually use software effectively.
We run a business too, so we’ve tested a lot of these systems ourselves. Whether it’s bookkeeping, payroll, or expense tracking, we’ll help you get set up properly and show you how to use it with confidence.
WCB annual tax returns
If you have employees or subcontractors covered by WCB, your annual return needs to reflect any changes. The deadline is February 28 — and missing or misreporting it can create issues later.
We can handle this for you so nothing slips through the cracks.
Corporate annual returns and minute books
If you don’t have a lawyer managing your corporate filings — or you’d rather avoid waiting at the registry — we can take care of your annual return and update your minute book with the required documentation and financial statements.
That said, if you already have a lawyer, they should usually be your first stop for this service.
Tax planning (not just filing)
Tax planning is where long-term savings really happen.
We help clients think through:
- When and how to pay themselves (salary vs. dividends)
- Managing tax brackets over time
- Structuring corporations efficiently
- Planning for large purchases or investments
Good tax planning isn’t about one clever move — it’s about making consistent, informed decisions year after year.
Loan and financing support
Applying for financing often means pulling together years of documents under tight timelines. We help prepare:
- Corporate and personal tax returns
- Financial statements
- Projections and business plans
- Personal net worth statements
Having these ready and well-organized can make the difference between a smooth approval and a frustrating delay.
Business valuations
Business valuations come up more often than people expect. Selling or buying a business, succession planning, estate planning, partner changes, raising capital — all require a clear understanding of what the business is worth.
We can prepare valuations or review and provide feedback on third-party valuations so you know what you’re working with.
Personal taxes (we can do both)
When we handle both your corporate and personal taxes, everything fits together properly. You’ll upload your documents, review your return, sign — and move on with your life.
Stress-free tax seasons are absolutely a thing.
Our network is your network
Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with lawyers, financial planners, payroll providers, software specialists and other small-business pros who genuinely understand entrepreneurship.
If you’re looking for support, ask us. There’s a good chance we can connect you with someone we trust.
Essential small business tools
Good systems save time, money, and sanity.
We help clients set up bookkeeping software with proper tax rates, chart of accounts, opening balances, and locked prior years — details that matter more than most people realize.
We primarily use Xero for bookkeeping. If we manage your books, we’ll connect your bank accounts so transactions reconcile in real time. You can snap photos of receipts on your phone and upload them instantly.
We also support QuickBooks Online (QBO) when it’s the right fit.
For payroll, we can:
- Handle calculations and CRA remittances for you
- Or set you up with a free payroll program and teach you how to use it
We also recommend:
The goal is simple: fewer spreadsheets, fewer lost receipts and fewer last-minute scrambles.
Why it matters
Our Chartered Professional Accountants stay on top of constantly evolving tax laws so you don’t have to. We help with deductions, write-offs, expenses, GST filings, compliance — but more importantly, we help you understand what’s going on in your business.
Because when your numbers are clear, decisions get easier.
Book an appointment with us and let’s see how we can help your business run better — not just file on time.
Read more about Corporate Tax topics relevant to you and your small business.
Like what you hear?
Are you on the hunt for a more proactive small business accountant? That’s us.
