
How to Decide Between Paying Bonuses vs Retaining Earnings
Bonus or retained earnings? It is one of the most important year-end decisions for an incorporated business owner. Here is how to think it through.
At Strata-G, we offer startup accounting services built to grow with your business - whether you're just getting started or are getting ready to celebrate your next big milestone. We proudly help businesses across Canada with reliable, bookkeeping, tax filings, and easy-to-understand accounting that always keeps you one step ahead.
Running a business means making decisions every day, and your numbers should always back you up. Our bookkeeping for startups gives you a crystal clear view of where things stand, what’s coming in and going out, and how much cash you actually have on hand. With everything handled on a monthly basis, you’ll know exactly where your money’s going, how much you can spend, and when to plan your next move.
Here’s what’s included each month:
Know exactly where your money’s going, how your business is performing, and what’s coming next. With our online accounting support, you can track every dollar without having to dig through receipts or spreadsheets.
We make payroll stress-free for you and your team. Everything’s calculated, filed, and remitted automatically, meaning no surprises, and no extra work.
Whether you’re filing your corporate tax return, claiming GST/HST, or handling more complex reporting, we make sure that nothing gets missed. And we’re always looking ahead to help you take advantage of available credits and deductions.
Bookkeeping Help Starts Here
No founder starts a business so they can stress about tax deadlines or filing rules…but staying compliant is non-negotiable. At Strata-G, we make it easy by keeping you ahead of every filing and remittance, without having to scramble. From sales tax to payroll to your year-end return, everything is tracked, prepared, and submitted on time, so there are never any surprises.
We also keep you updated on what applies to you, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of all of the small business programs and credits that are available. Whether you’re incorporated or operating as a sole proprietor, we’ve got your back.
You only need to register for GST/HST once your business hits $30,000 in revenue in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Once you’re registered, we handle your filings, track input tax credits (ITCs), and help you determine if you qualify for the Quick Method…a simplified way to calculate what you owe.
If you’re also dealing with provincial sales tax (PST), we’ll make sure those filings are covered, too.
Are you getting ready to hire your first employee? We’ll help you open a payroll remitter account with the CRA, figure out your deduction schedule, and stay on top of payroll remittances and T4s. That includes calculating CPP, EI, and income tax at source, so that there’s never any guesswork.
We also ensure your slips (like T4s for employees and T5s for dividends) are sent out correctly and on time.
Whether you’re filing a T2 corporate tax return for your company or a T2125 as a sole proprietor, we handle the forms, deadlines, and CRA correspondence for you. We’ll also explain how the small business deduction works and make sure you’re getting the full benefit if you’re a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC).
At Strata-G, our goal is simple – no missed filings, no more stress, and a whole lot more time for you to focus on your small business success.
If your team is building something new, improving a process, or solving a tough technical problem, you may be eligible for the SR&ED tax credit. At Strata-G, our team is always ready to help you claim it without any of the guesswork.
From the first assessment to final filing, we offer full SR&ED claim support that makes the process simple, accurate, and worth your time. You focus on the work, and we’ll handle all of the forms, the documentation, and the communication with CRA, if needed.
Here’s what that includes:
Many founders don’t realize how much of their innovation work can qualify. Even small process improvements or software development may be eligible under CRA’s R&D tax incentives program. Here, at Strata-G, we make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
At Strata-G, we work with startups, small businesses, and freelancers across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re building something new, are in the process of expanding, or are just getting started, we’re here to help you with your bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and financial guidance that fits your world.
Here are just some of the industries we work with:
Not sure if your business fits into one of these? It probably does! If you’re earning income, running a team, or just need help making sense of the numbers…Strata-G has got you covered.
At Strata-G, we use smart, cloud-based tools to make your accounting easier, faster, and way less stressful. These systems help us stay connected, keep your books current, and give you real-time insights without any of the unnecessary back-and-forth. Everything we use is built to help remote teams and growing businesses like yours, all across Canada.
Here’s a look at what’s in our tech stack:
At Strata-G, we use smart, cloud-based tools to make your accounting easier, faster, and way less stressful. These systems help us stay connected, keep your books current, and give you real-time insights without any of the unnecessary back-and-forth. Everything we use is built to help remote teams and growing businesses like yours, all across Canada.
Here’s a look at what’s in our tech stack:
We choose the tools that make life easier for you, and we’re always open to bringing on new ones that fit your setup. If you’ve already got a system in place, we’ll work with it. If you’re starting from scratch, we’ll help you step-by-step.
We know that startups move fast, and we’re here to make sure that your accounting keeps up. At Strata-G, we’ve spent 18+ years helping early-stage businesses, so we understand what founders really need…clarity, consistency, and people who actually get it and are ready to lend a hand.
We keep things simple with fixed monthly fees, clear communication, and no surprise invoices. You’ll know exactly what’s being handled, when it’s due, and how it will help your next stage of growth. Whether it’s your first GST/HST filing or your first T2 corporate return, we’ve got you covered.
Your information stays safe with encrypted file transfers, secure cloud tools, and a remote-first team that works across the country. We’re here for your monthly close, year-end filings, payroll, and financial planning, and you can count on us to do the job right.
When you work with Strata-G, you’re not getting just another bookkeeper. You’re getting a startup-savvy accounting partner who helps you stay ready for whatever comes next.


You’re required to register once you cross $30,000 in revenue in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Until then, you’re considered a “small supplier” and registration is optional. Once you pass that threshold, it becomes mandatory.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most founders consider incorporating when their income grows beyond personal needs, they want legal separation from the business, or they plan to access tax benefits like the small business deduction. Talk to your accountant before making the move because it affects tax filing, payroll, and more.
To qualify, your project needs to involve experimental development or a systematic investigation to overcome a technological uncertainty. That includes developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical problems, especially in software, manufacturing, or engineering.
Setting up payroll with the CRA usually takes 1–2 business days once your business number is active. You’ll need to register for a payroll account, choose your remittance schedule, and make sure you understand source deductions like CPP, EI, and income tax.
ASPE (Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises) is typically used by privately owned businesses in Canada. IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) is required for public companies and those with global operations. ASPE is simpler and often better suited for small to mid-sized private companies.
You’re required to keep all tax and business records for at least six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to. If you file late or amend a return, that six-year clock starts from the date of filing.
● T2 is the corporate tax return for incorporated businesses.
● T2125 is used by sole proprietors and unincorporated partnerships to report business income as part of a personal tax return (T1).
Which one you file depends entirely on your business structure.
The small business deduction lowers the corporate tax rate on the first $500,000 of active business income earned by Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs). It’s one of the most important tax benefits available to growing businesses.
Start by making sure your books are up to date. Reconcile accounts, organize receipts, file payroll slips, review your financials, and plan for taxes owed. A year-end checklist from your accountant can make this a lot easier, and help avoid delays in filing your T2 or T2125.
You’ll want to stay on top of:
Budget vs. actual performance
We choose the tools that make life easier for you, and we’re always open to bringing on new ones that fit your setup. If you’ve already got a system in place, we’ll work with it. If you’re starting from scratch, we’ll help you step-by-step.
At Strata-G, we’re focused on helping Canadian startups succeed. We give you the clean books, on-time filings, and straight answers that you need so that you always know exactly where your business stands. Whether you’re just getting started or are scaling up fast, we’ll keep your finances organized, compliant, and always easy to understand.
You get fixed monthly pricing, startup-friendly tools, and an experienced team that actually cares about your business goals.
Let’s take accounting off your plate, so you can get back to building your business.
Find out what Strata-G can do for you today.
A trustworthy source of Time-Saving, Cash-Generating cloud-based Accounting and Tax solutions for your dynamic business. It means peace of mind knowing that the back office function is highly functioning, putting your efforts squarely on running your business.
With over 18 years of experience spread across Government Audit, Industry Financial & Tax reporting, and Big 4 Accounting Firms, Strata-G knows the value of standardized and stream-lined processes capable of producing real-time forward-looking metrics to better assist your strategic decision making.

Bonus or retained earnings? It is one of the most important year-end decisions for an incorporated business owner. Here is how to think it through.

Bonus or retained earnings? It is one of the most important year-end decisions you will make as an incorporated business owner. Here is how to think it through.

Your corporate structure directly affects how much cash you keep and when. Here is how to set it up to work in your favour.
