The Ontario Government has launched the Ontario Business Program Guide to help
businesses find information about government tax credits, incentives and programs for business. The guide is a centralized
online directory of information on business resources and services from 11 different ministries. It provides business with one window to support
programs and services that were previously housed on several different websites.
The Ontario Business Program Guide offers something for businesses of every type: start-ups,
established entrepreneurs, large businesses, and even youth. The Guide provides links to other
to business sources, such as ServiceOntario's
gateway for business
and Canada-Business Ontario. It is updated regularly.
The HST is now in effect in Ontario. The 13% HST combines the 5% GST and the 8% PST into one tax and is collected by the federal government.
This big, important change will make Ontario more attractive to businesses. And,
these changes include a number of personal and business income tax cuts, credits
and benefits that could affect you.
» Many Ontarians received a personal income tax cut on January 1, 2010
» Families (including single parents) earning under $160,000 will receive three tax-free payments totalling $1,000
» The HST is not charged on basic groceries, prescription drugs, and child care
» Point-of-sale rebates apply to children's clothing, diapers, car seats, and books
To assist businesses in the move to the HST, an outline of important dates, key changes and tips on how to prepare for the HST are available.
Learn more about the HST and other tax changes.
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Changes to Employment Insurance for the Self-Employed
As a self-employed individual, your contribution to Canada's economy is important. Everybody wins when you choose to enjoy the benefits of creative freedom, the challenge and the self-satisfaction that often comes with self-employment.
It has no doubt crossed your mind that the lack of financial security can make self-employment less appealing. To encourage self-employment, the Government of Canada hopes to tackle at least some deterrents by introducing the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act.
Through the proposed legislation (the Act), you, as a self-employed Canadian, could choose to participate in the employment insurance (EI) program and become eligible for the same special benefits currently available to salaried employees.(Read More)
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