How To Choose Best Corporate Tax Preparer Canada

March 28, 2025

Gurdeep Sangha

Thinking about hiring a corporate tax preparer in Canada? Whether you are running a small incorporated business or managing a growing enterprise, understanding what a tax preparer does—and how they can help—can save you time, money, and stress.

Preparing and filing corporate taxes in Canada can be a daunting task, especially for business owners who are juggling day-to-day operations.

Whether you run a small business or oversee a large corporation, hiring a corporate tax preparer can save time, reduce errors, and ensure full compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

This article answers the most common questions about hiring a corporate tax preparer in Canada, and helps you determine whether professional tax support is right for your business.

What Does a Corporate Tax Preparer Do?

A corporate tax preparer is a professional who specializes in preparing and filing corporate income tax returns on behalf of incorporated businesses. Their role includes:

Preparing the T2 Corporation Income Tax Return and accompanying schedules
Ensuring all CRA and provincial filing deadlines are met
Identifying allowable deductions and tax credits
Calculating tax installments and remittances
Advising on tax planning strategies
Assisting with GST/HST filings and payroll reporting
Providing audit support if required

They also ensure that the return reflects accurate and complete financial information, based on bookkeeping records, financial statements, and supporting documents.

Do I Need a Corporate Tax Preparer?

When You Might Not Need One

Some small businesses with very simple finances and strong in-house bookkeeping may be able to file their own T2 returns using CRA-certified software. If you have no employees, limited assets, and few transactions, you may be able to handle the return yourself—especially if you are comfortable interpreting tax regulations and schedules.

When You Should Hire One

Consider hiring a corporate tax preparer if:

Your business has employees or contractors
You are claiming industry-specific credits (like SR&ED)
You have significant expenses, assets, or inventory
Your business operates in multiple provinces
You have fallen behind on taxes or need to catch up on multiple years
You want to minimize audit risk and maximize tax savings

In short, a tax preparer is essential when the financial or operational complexity of your business increases.

What Qualifications Should I Look For?

A qualified corporate tax preparer should have:

A background in tax compliance
Experience filing corporate T2 returns in Canada
Familiarity with your industry’s financial and tax reporting requirements
Solid understanding of CRA regulations and recent tax law changes
Access to professional tax software
Positive reviews or client testimonials

You should also look for a preparer who offers year-round support, not just during tax season.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Corporate Tax Preparer?

Fees vary depending on the complexity of your return, the size of your business, and the scope of services provided. On average:

Simple corporate tax filing may start around $750–$1,500
Mid-sized businesses with employees and assets may pay between $2,000–$3,000
Complex or multi-year catch-up filings can exceed $5,000

Additional costs may apply for bookkeeping cleanup, CRA correspondence, and sales tax filings. Some firms offer fixed pricing, while others charge hourly or based on business revenue.

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What Documents Will I Need to Provide to a Corporate Tax Preparer?

To prepare your corporate tax return, your preparer will need:

Financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow)
General ledger and trial balance
Bank and credit card statements
Receipts and invoices
Previous years’ tax returns (if available)
Payroll summaries, T4 and T5 slips
Details on any loans, investments, or assets
GST/HST filings and installment payment records

Providing organized and complete documents will make the process faster and more accurate.

What Are the Risks of Not Using a Professional?

Filing your corporate taxes incorrectly or late can result in:

CRA penalties and interest charges
Missed deductions and credits
Increased risk of audit
Reputational damage
Time and stress spent fixing errors later

Hiring a qualified tax preparer reduces these risks and adds peace of mind knowing that a professional is handling the process accurately.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Corporate Tax Preparer?

Compliance and Accuracy

A professional knows how to navigate the intricacies of tax rules and can apply them correctly to your return. This ensures your business is compliant and reduces the chance of costly mistakes.

Time and Resource Savings

Instead of spending hours researching CRA rules or manually completing forms, you can focus on managing and growing your business.

Strategic Tax Planning

A knowledgeable preparer can help you look beyond the current year and develop long-term tax strategies that align with your business goals.

Audit Support

If your business is ever audited, a professional who prepared your return can offer support, explanation, and documentation to the CRA.

How Do I Get Started?

If you are ready to hire a corporate tax preparer:

Start by gathering your financial documents
Make a list of your tax concerns or questions
Reach out to firms with experience in your industry
Schedule a consultation to review your needs

At Sansar Solutions, we offer transparent flat-rate pricing, industry-specific expertise, and a dedicated onboarding process to guide you from start to finish. Whether you are behind on your taxes or just want to optimize your return this year, our team is here to help.

Common Questions When Hiring A Corporate Tax Preparer Canada

What is a corporate tax preparer?

A corporate tax preparer is a trained professional, often a CPA or tax specialist, who prepares and files corporate income tax returns (T2) for incorporated businesses in Canada. They help ensure compliance with CRA regulations, identify tax-saving opportunities, and minimize audit risks.

Do all Canadian businesses need to file a T2 return?

Yes. Every incorporated business in Canada must file a T2 Corporation Income Tax Return, even if the business had no income or is inactive during the tax year.

When should I consider hiring a corporate tax preparer?

You should consider hiring one if your business has employees, inventory, multiple revenue streams, assets, or operates across provinces. You should also hire a professional if you are behind on filings or need help with CRA compliance, GST/HST filings, or tax planning.

How much does a corporate tax preparer cost in Canada?

Costs vary based on business size, complexity, and services required. Basic filings may start around $750 to $1,500, while more complex cases with multiple years or industries like construction, cannabis, or trucking can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

What are the risks of not using a professional tax preparer?

Risks include incorrect filings, missed deductions or credits, late penalties, audits, and lost time fixing errors. A professional helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you peace of mind.

How early should I hire a tax preparer before my corporate tax is due?

Ideally, hire a tax preparer at least 2 to 3 months before your corporate return is due (six months after your fiscal year-end). Early preparation ensures enough time for reviewing records, identifying deductions, and managing CRA correspondence.