Payroll · GST · CRA Remittances
Payroll & GST filing services in Calgary.
Pay runs, source deductions, T4s, ROEs, and GST returns, handled together so nothing falls through the cracks. Done by a CPA, not a payroll robot.
Full-cycle payroll
Pay runs to T4s, everything in between.
Pay runs
Bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, whatever schedule you’re on. Net pay calculations, paystubs to each employee, direct-deposit-ready CSV for your bank.
Source deduction remittances
CPP, EI, and federal/provincial income tax withheld from each pay, remitted to CRA on the PD7A schedule. Monthly for most small businesses, quarterly if you qualify.
T4s and T4 Summary
Annual T4 slips to your employees and T4 Summary to CRA, both due by February 28. Late T4s are penalized per slip per day, I file early so this never comes up.
ROEs (Record of Employment)
When someone leaves, retires, or goes on leave, you have 5 calendar days to issue an ROE. I file these directly with Service Canada via ROE Web. Your employee gets EI faster, you stay onside.
GST/HST filing
GST done quarterly or annually, however CRA assigned you.
GST collected
The 5% you charged your customers (or 13–15% for clients in other provinces if you sell across the country). Tracked in your bookkeeping, summed up by reporting period.
Input Tax Credits (ITCs)
The GST you paid on business expenses, supplies, fuel, software, contractors’ invoices. Claimed back against GST collected. Done right, ITCs reduce your remittance significantly.
Filing and remittance
I file your return through CRA’s My Business Account. If you owe, I tell you how much and when to pay. If you’re in a refund position (more ITCs than collected), CRA refunds you, common for new businesses or those buying lots of equipment.
Why bundled
Why I handle both together.
Payroll and GST aren’t the same thing, but they live next door. Same CRA Business Number. Same My Business Account login. Same compliance rhythm, remit, file, reconcile, repeat.
When the same person handles both, you don’t get the dropped-handoff problem where the bookkeeper thinks the accountant is filing GST and the accountant thinks the bookkeeper is. I check both inboxes. One point of contact. One quarterly check-in.
And if your corporate tax return is also with me, the year-end reconciliation between your books, your payroll register, your T4 Summary, and your GST returns happens automatically. More on corporate tax.
Compliance calendar
Deadlines I keep track of so you don’t have to.
PD7A
Monthly for most small businesses. Source deductions due by the 15th of the following month. Quarterly if you qualify based on average remittances.
GST return
Quarterly or annual filers, one month after period end. Monthly filers, same. I’ll know which one you are.
T4 + Summary
February 28 every year. Late filings cost up to $7,500 in penalties depending on how many slips and how late.
ROE
Within 5 calendar days of an interruption in earnings. Filed electronically through ROE Web.
Software
I work in what you already have.
Most of my payroll runs through QuickBooks Online Payroll or Wagepoint, but I’ve used most of them, Payworks, Knit, Ceridian, Sage. If you’re already set up somewhere, I’ll work there. If you’re not set up, we’ll pick the right one for your team size and pay schedule.
If you don’t have bookkeeping running yet either, that comes first, payroll without books underneath gets messy fast. See Bookkeeping.
Pricing
How a consultation works.
Payroll is priced per pay run and per employee. GST is priced per filing period. Together they’re cheaper than separately. On a 30-minute call I’ll ask how many employees, what your pay schedule is, your GST filing frequency, and where your books are. I quote upfront in writing.
Service areas
Calgary and nearby.
The office is in northeast Calgary, but most of my work happens by email, phone, and secure file upload. I take clients from across Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, and Cochrane, and a fair number from further afield once they’re used to working remotely.
- Calgary
- Airdrie
- Okotoks
- Cochrane
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss a payroll remittance?
CRA charges a penalty starting at 3% and climbing fast. Repeat misses get expensive and can trigger a Trust Examination. If you’re behind, tell me before CRA notices, voluntary catch-ups are treated better than ones they find on their own.
How do I know if I need to charge GST?
If your business made more than $30,000 in revenue over four consecutive quarters, you’re required to register and start charging GST. Some industries (taxis, ride-share) register from day one. If you’re close to the threshold, register voluntarily, it lets you claim Input Tax Credits on your expenses.
Can you do payroll for just one or two employees?
Yes. Most of my payroll clients have between one and five staff. If you’re an owner-manager paying yourself a salary, that counts too, same compliance obligations as paying anyone else.
What’s the difference between contractors and employees?
It’s not about what you call them. CRA looks at control, ownership of tools, chance of profit, and integration into your business. Calling someone a contractor when they’re really an employee is the most common payroll mistake I see, and it’s expensive when CRA reassesses. We can review specific arrangements on a call.
What if CRA sends a payroll review?
I represent you. You sign an authorization form, I deal with them directly, you stop getting their calls. Payroll reviews almost always come down to documentation: are you remitting on time, are T4s matched to your payroll register, are contractors legitimately contractors. More on CRA representation.
When are GST returns due?
Depends on your reporting period. Annual filers (most small businesses): three months after year-end. Quarterly filers: one month after quarter-end. Monthly filers: one month after month-end. CRA picks your frequency based on revenue, but you can ask to file more often.
What about WCB?
WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) in Alberta is separate from CRA payroll, but I can help you register and set up your annual payroll reporting. If you have employees, you almost certainly need WCB coverage.
Ready when you are.
Book a 30-minute call. I’ll listen to what you’re dealing with, ask a few questions, and tell you upfront what it’ll cost.