In most countries there are different types of taxes and levies that must be paid. There are often many variations that exist in states, countries and provinces all around the world. Taxes in Canada are no exception, as there are several sorts that exist that must be followed.

Companies and corporations pay tax on profit income and on capital. These make up a relatively small portion of total tax revenue. Tax is paid on corporate income at the corporate level before it is distributed to individual shareholders as dividends. A tax credit is provided to individuals who receive dividend to reflect the tax paid at the corporate level. This credit does not eliminate double taxation of this income completely, however, resulting in a higher level of tax on dividend income than other types of income. (Where income is earned in the form of a capital gain, only half of the gain is included in income for tax purposes; the other half is not taxed.) Corporations may deduct the cost of capital following capital cost allowance regulations.

Corporate tax is collected by the CRA for all provinces and territories except Quebec and Alberta. Provinces and territories subject to a tax collection agreement must use the federal definition of "taxable income", i.e., they are not allowed to provide deductions in calculating taxable income. These provinces and territories may provide tax credits to companies; often in order to provide incentives for certain activities such as mining exploration, film production, and job creation.

All resident corporations have to pay Canadian corporate tax and file the T2 return except charities that are registered. T2 return has to be filed by the corporation even if they have no corporation tax to pay and non-profit organizations, inactive corporations and tax-exempt corporations should file the returns mandatorily.

If you want to pay your corporation tax promptly and file the T2 return on time, you need to know the tax year end of your corporation. The fiscal period of a corporation or the corporation's tax year has to be less than 53 weeks. New corporation can choose the tax year end while filing the first T2 return and the subsequent tax year can be calculated according.

The final area of concern will be the importance of hiring a professional accountant. As a business owner, the CRA doesn't look kindly on businesses preparing their own taxes. You should have a professional accountant manage all of your books each and every year. In addition to professionally filing your corporate tax return, they will also be able to provide you with important tax advice that you should take advantage of.

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