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Expert Q&A

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Welch LLP offers access to expert answers on timely questions and topics of interest. Our Expert Q&A highlights insights directly from experts, making it easier for media, event organizers, collaborators, and partners to discover authoritative perspectives that add clarity and context.
How is cryptocurrency taxed for miners?
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“The income tax treatment for cryptocurrency miners is different depending on whether their mining activities are a personal activity (a hobby) or a business activity. This is decided case by case. A hobby is generally undertaken for pleasure, entertainment or enjoyment, rather than for business reasons. But if a hobby is pursued in a sufficiently commercial and businesslike way, it can be considered a business activity and will be taxed as such.” - from the CRA’s Guide for cryptocurrency users and tax professionalsIndividuals who are income tax residents of Canada are taxed on their worldwide income, including any income earned from cryptocurrency mining. Be aware that due to the large fluctuations in daily activity across trading platforms, tax authorities may take the average of the opening and closing values of the day, and also average values across a number of major exchanges.The CRA has indicated that cryptocurrency mining is a taxable business for Canadian tax purposes due to the fact that miners generate revenue from the sale of cryptocurrencies.

Do I have to pay taxes when I trade from one cryptocurrency to another?
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When you trade one cryptocurrency for another type of cryptocurrency, the CRA considers this a barter transaction. Since the value of the cryptocurrency has increased, any capital gains will be realized on the date you sold it.If you are the one who traded cryptocurrencies for another type of cryptocurrency and sold that one for more than what you paid, then you most likely owe taxes on this capital gain. If you are the one who paid less, then this is considered a capital loss. Capital losses are not deductible on your tax return like income losses.

How do I calculate capital gains or losses from cryptocurrency?
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When you sell a cryptocurrency for more than what you paid, the difference is considered a capital gain. If you sell for less, then this difference is considered a capital loss.If you are the one who has sold a cryptocurrency for more than what you paid, then you owe taxes on this capital gain. If you are the one who paid less, then this is considered a capital loss. Capital losses are deductible against other capital gains.

Do I need Cloud Based Accounting software for my small business?
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Yes because a Cloud accounting software automatically syncs with your bank account, so you have an up-to-date view of your financial picture. You will never have to enter any data manually, and if you make changes on your bank account, the software updates automatically. Near-real time financials available at your fingertips, anywhere you are.

What are the advantages of Cloud Based Bookkeeping software?
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Cloud based bookkeeping software can be very beneficial for small businesses. It is easier and faster to set up than traditional bookkeeping software, and often requires less training. Additionally, it can sync with multiple devices so staff members can monitor the transactions from any computer or smartphone. Cloud based bookkeeping software allows for quick billing and payment processing, as well as a way to automate things like tax returns or inventory management in order to save time on manual procedures.

What are the legal and regulatory issues associated with accounting software in Canada, if any?
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Accounting software in Canada comes under the “computerized data processing system” definition. This means that, as a Canadian private company, you must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).An accounting software must show that your system will comply with the legislation set out above by offering you reasonable assurances that it will do so – no matter what your IT environment. This is also known as the “reasonable expectation” test.

How do you look for discrepancies between accounting software and bank statements while reconciling?
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The reconciliation process is the task that a company performs to check the accuracy of their books with their accounts. The accounting software and bank statements are reconciled by comparing the balances for each account to make sure they are correct. After comparing, discrepancies can be found which may be due to transactions that have not posted on the account yet. Differences between accounting software and bank statements will also need to be addressed through adjusting entries or reclassifying transactions in order to ensure accurate records after making adjustments or corrections.

Does small business accounting software reduce cost?
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Small business accounting software has made it easier for small businesses to stay on top of their finances. Previously, these companies would have had to hire additional staff to be responsible for financial tasks and would have had to deal with the added expense. Nowadays, all you need is a stellar knowledge of how computer programs work and you will be able to seamlessly integrate your financial system into a cloud-based system with ease.

Where is my data stored in a cloud bookkeeping platform?
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All the data used by your cloud bookkeeping software is stored in a different Web server or network for backup purposes.Your data will be uploaded to a different physical server or network as a backup in case of an issue with any of the servers on which you currently store your data. In most cases, this gives you an additional layer of protection against data loss.

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