Report from the Hill - November 2009

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November 03, 2009

Seminars geared to assist new or expanding businesses

Following are some upcoming seminars geared to provide employers with important information about starting a small business, registering for a GST/HST account, payroll requirements, T4 slip preparation, and more. All the seminars listed below will be held at Canada Place Conference Centre, 9700 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton.

For more information or to register for any of the classes listed below, call 780-495-6376. You can also fax your name, phone number, seminar name, and the date you prefer to 780-495-6994 or send an email to outreach.pra-edm@cra-arc.gc.ca. You can also register online at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/vnts/ab/menu-eng.html.

Taxable benefit information seminar
This free two-hour seminar covers issues relevant to taxable benefits. Which benefits are taxable and which are not? How do you calculate and report the benefit? Topics covered include: allowances, employer provided vehicles, special work sites, remote work locations, travel assistance benefits, healthcare and insurance premiums, parking, professional dues, recreational facilities, interest-free loans, moving benefits and more.
Date/ Time: Wed, January 13, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. to noon (English) Room 201

Small business information seminar
This free seminar is presented in the three modules described below. As a result, you can focus on the subjects that interest you. Most clients attend the entire day.

Payroll module: Deductions--What do you need to take off of your employees' cheques; remittances--When are your payroll remittances due and what are your responsibilities; reporting--filing T4s. This module also outlines employment relationships to help you determine whether a worker is an employee or a self-employed individual.

Income tax module: record keeping, fiscal periods and accounting methods, rights and obligations, operating expenses, capital expenditures, motor vehicle expenses, overview of the business tax return. Specifics will vary depending on whether the session is for incorporated or unincorporated businesses.
GST/HST module: This module gives you general information about GST/HST. Do you need to register? How do you register? How to complete the GST/HST return. Note: If you have already attended a GST/HST New Registrant Evening Seminar, you do not need to attend this module as it covers the same topics.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dates: numerous dates available. Visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/vnts/ab/dm-smll-eng.html for a list of the seminars available.

GST/HST new registrant seminar
This two-hour Seminar covers issues relevant to new registrants. What is the GST/HST and how does it work? How do you report GST/HST? What do you need to put on your invoices? What can you claim? Where do you get help?
Note: This seminar is included as a module in the full-day Small Business Seminar, so you do not need to register for both.
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dates: numerous dates available. Visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/vnts/ab/dm-gst-eng.html for a list of upcoming seminars.

Registration is mandatory due to limited access to the building and you will not be able to be admitted and attend the seminar if not registered.

New employer's information session ( in English only)
This free seminar is in conjunction with Employment Standards, WCB and Employment Insurance.
1. Employment Standards: Wages are often the largest expense in a business. A good understanding of Alberta's Employment Standards leads to improved employer/employee relations. It also helps employers to establish appropriate company policy and avoid policies that may require time-consuming (and costly) corrections later. This seminar will help you understand your rights and obligations regarding the minimum standards for earnings, employment records, hours of work, overtime vacation, general holidays, termination, maternity and parental leave as well as, the regulated exemptions and exceptions.
2. Alberta Workers Compensation Board: Who we are, Principles and Special Features of WCB coverage, What WCB coverage offers workers, What WCB coverage offers employers etc.
3. Canada Revenue Agency: Payroll module: Deductions--What do you need to take off of your employees' cheques; Remittances--When are your payroll remittances due and what are your responsibilities; reporting--filing T4s. This module also outlines employment relationships to help you determine whether a worker is an employee or a self-employed individual.
4. Service Canada (Employment Insurance): Employment Insurance Module: Types of employment insurance benefits... What documents the employer must submit for the determination of these benefits... Employer Rights and Responsibilities...Possible penalties... Record keeping... Electronic Records of Employment...Other assistance available.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dates: Monday, November 16, 2009 (Room 201) (English only)

Scientific research and experimental development (sr&ed) program information seminars
Public seminars - These give a general overview of the program, explaining applicant and expenditure eligibility and how to file an SR&ED claim.
Industry-specific seminars - These explain how program eligibility criteria relate to specific industries.
These information seminars provide a general overview of the SR&ED program, covering: Eligibility Criteria; Qualifying Expenditures; How to prepare and file an SR&ED claim; and Supporting documentation,
These seminars are intended for claimants who are new to the program or are planning on filing a claim, and are suitable for an audience of both technical and financial staff. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is required, as seating is limited.
Dates: January 26, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. – Registration / 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Session

Tax information sessions
These seminars are offered by special request to Associations, Special Interest and Community groups. Certain conditions apply.