Job costing that survives the year-end.
Books, payroll and corporate tax for contractors, handled by a chartered accountant who understands holdbacks, progress billing and a crew that changes size every month.
The margin is decided on the job, not in April.
Construction money moves before the paperwork does. Progress billings go out ahead of costs landing, holdbacks sit unpaid for months, and equipment purchases change the tax position in ways that are hard to unwind later.
We keep the books current enough that job margin is visible while the job is still running, and the corporate position is decided before the year closes.
What these businesses actually need.
Job-level books
Costs coded to jobs monthly in QuickBooks, so margin is visible per contract rather than only in total.
T2 and equipment timing
Capital cost allowance on plant and vehicles planned against the year you actually need the deduction.
Crews and subcontractors
Payroll run and remitted on the fifteenth, with the employee-versus-subcontractor question answered before the CRA asks it.
GST/HST on construction
Returns filed on your frequency, with input tax credits on materials and equipment properly supported.
The issues that come up most.
Holdbacks
Amounts held back on a contract are earned but unpaid, and getting their timing wrong distorts both revenue and the tax owing.
Progress billing
Billing ahead of cost makes a good month look better than it is. Job-level costing is what shows the real margin.
Subcontractor status
Whether a worker is an employee or a subcontractor is a CRA question with payroll consequences, and it is cheaper to settle it before a review.
Three steps, no surprises.
Get the jobs into the books
Costs and billings coded by contract, so each job carries its own margin.
Plan the equipment and the draw
Purchases, capital cost allowance and remuneration decided while the year is open.
File and reconcile
Corporate return, GST/HST and T4s filed, reconciled back to the job records.
The ones we get asked most.
How are holdbacks treated for tax in Canada?
Holdback receivable is generally not included in income until the certificate of substantial completion is issued or the holdback becomes receivable, which can differ from when the revenue is recognised in your books. Getting the two aligned is what keeps the return defensible.
Can I write off equipment and vehicles?
Through capital cost allowance rather than as an outright expense. Which class an asset falls into, and the year you buy it, change the deduction significantly.
Is my worker an employee or a subcontractor?
The CRA looks at control, ownership of tools, chance of profit and risk of loss, not at what the contract calls them. Getting it wrong means back payroll deductions plus penalties.
Do I charge GST/HST on construction work?
Generally yes once you are registered, though the place of supply and the type of property can change the rate and, for some residential work, the treatment.
When is my corporate return due?
Six months after your fiscal year end, with the balance owing due two or three months after year end depending on the corporation.
Licensed, certified, and accountable for it.
The bodies that license this practice, and the certifications behind the day-to-day work.
CPA Ontario
The provincial body that regulates Chartered Professional Accountants in Ontario.
EFILE certified
Certified by the Canada Revenue Agency to file returns electronically on behalf of clients.
Intuit ProAdvisor
Intuit certification covering QuickBooks Online setup, reconciliation and reporting.
QuickBooks Payroll
Intuit certification for running payroll, deductions and remittances inside QuickBooks.
In their words.
Aaron has done my personal taxes for six years and he’s the best. My files are sometimes complicated and I was not always the most organized client, yet he handles all of it without ever making me feel bad about the mess. He’s fast, he explains everything in plain English, and he always finds credits I would have missed.Shmuel Neft
Working with Aaron and his team, especially Anna, has been fantastic for both our camp operations and Prime Coat Painters. From complex contractor billings to seasonal accounts and corporate taxes, they handle everything with real attention to detail. If you need a reliable, top-tier accounting team for your business, I can’t recommend Aaron Herman CPA highly enough!Tzadi Zlotnick, Prime Coat Painters Inc.
I use him for personal and business accounting. He is absolutely phenomenal with his work and expertise. Thorough, reliable, dependable, and punctual with due dates. I’ve worked with many accountants previously and Aaron surpassed them all in everything on my list.Elior Zipori, Zipori Landscapes & Design
We have been using Aaron Herman CPA for about four years now and we are very happy with their services. Anna is especially great to work with. She is on the ball, always up to date, and gets back to you right away with any questions or concerns.Reuven Durbach
Very happy with Aaron’s service. He is very knowledgeable and professional. Very patient with all my questions, ready to answer and be with the client within a short period of time. All the accounting service is done in a timely manner.Artem Artemov, Rimland
Aaron is excellent! He responds quickly, explains everything clearly, and makes the whole tax process easy and stress-free. He is very knowledgeable and always helps find the best way to get everything done properly.Mai Edry
Aaron is an amazing accountant! He is very supportive and great at explaining the ins and outs of what was needed when expanding my business. I highly recommend Aaron and his team!Leah Lomiansky, Speech Volumes Therapy
He is knowledgeable, thorough and effective. He is very responsive and takes great care of his clients. I highly recommend him and his services!Rachel Danzinger, Learning Pods
Absolutely love Aaron and Anna. They are fantastic to work with, go above and beyond, and their communication and dedication is unsurpassed.Fat Cat Cookie Co.
Two people. Trusted with your year.
Aaron Herman
CPA, CA · Founder and Managing Partner
Aaron planned and prepared tax in public practice, then led financial reporting inside large Canadian companies. He is the person who answers when you call.
My number one priority is a happy client.
Anna Herman
Director of Finance and Operations
Anna runs the machinery behind the work: cloud accounting, CRA compliance, payroll and client onboarding. If your year-end is uneventful, that is Anna.
Order creates opportunity.
Tell us where your year stands.
Send the form and Aaron will come back to you directly. If it is easier, call. Someone here answers.