Archive for November, 2011
You can exercise control over arthritis
One of the tell-tale signs that spring has arrived is the appearance on streets and in parks of walkers and runners determined to shed their winter weight. Yet if there were ever a reason not to be physically active, the arthritis pain experienced by more than four million Canadians would seem to be it. Pain, fatigue, lack of motivation and simply getting started are the biggest challenges for people with arthritis. Research shows, however, that properly designed activities can decrease your arthritis pain, increase your flexibility and overall fitness, and do wonders for your state of mind. Before lacing up your shoes, here are some tips from the Arthritis Society:
• Consult your health-care provider to determine your readiness for physical activity and a suitable routine.
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Make your condo insurance checklist and check it twice
With the condo market booming across the country, millions of Canadians are making the switch from traditional houses to convenient, and often affordable, urban living. While the condo life can be perceived as hassle-free and simple, many Canadians are lacking knowledge in one specific area: condominium insurance.
“As more and more clients approach me about condo insurance, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there isn’t much out there to educate Canadians about what is covered under their condo corporation’s insurance policy and what they need to be aware of,” says broker Mark Shedden from Atrens-Counsel Insurance Brokers Inc. “Insurance is a crucial step in any real estate purchase, especially condominium insurance because of its complexities, and buyers need to be aware of the risks and how to avoid them.”
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What is the Sr&ed Program
Canadian Manufacturing companies are looking for the answer to the question what is the SR&ED program? The Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is a tax incentive program developed by the Canadian Federal Government, funded by the Canadian Revenue Agency. The SR&ED program supports technical advancement in Canada. The program encourages Canadian manufacturing companies to conduct R&D with respect to developing new or improved products or processes. Manufacturing companies perform these types of technical activities, as advanced scientific research and/or shop-floor R&D, everyday in order to remain competitive. That is why most manufacturing companies, large or small, do qualify for the SR&ED Program.
The SR&ED program is made up of two distinct components: technical and financial. All technical and financial information supplied by the company to the CRA is strictly confidential. What is the SR&ED programs financial model? The CRA provides billions of dollars per year in tax credits for the SR&ED program and there is no cap on program spending. If your SR&ED expenditures qualify, you will receive the applicable refund or credit. Depending on the ownership of your manufacturing company, you are eligible for tax credits or refunds in the amount of 20-35% of R&D associated labour, overhead and material costs. Ontario and other provinces offer complimentary programs for which many companies will automatically receive the provincial tax credits when their SR&ED claim is approved. An SR&ED claim must be filed within 18 months from your fiscal year end to be considered. The Tax Credits included within the program can be used to offset payable taxes or reimbursed as a cheque to the company. Either way, monies returned to the company can be reinvested in new equipment, more employees or expanded facilities, allowing for growth and continued operation during such times of economic uncertainty.