Online Accountant for Calgary Small Businesses
An online accounting firm for Calgary and the surrounding area
LeComptable.ca is an online accounting firm based in Montréal that works with small businesses, energy sector contractors, self-employed professionals and landlords in Calgary and the surrounding area. Bookkeeping, GST returns, payroll and corporate tax (T2 and Alberta AT1) — all done remotely, at a fixed monthly price.
- Packages from $150/month — no hourly billing
- 25 years of experience with Canadian and provincial tax
- 100% online: no office visit needed
- Service in English and French
What Calgary businesses need to know
GST only — Alberta has no provincial sales tax: you charge only the 5% GST once your taxable sales exceed $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters, and file your returns with the CRA.
Two corporate returns — most Alberta corporations file the federal T2 with the CRA and a separate AT1 return with Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration. The Alberta small business rate is among the lowest in Canada.
City of Calgary business licence — the City requires a business licence for certain business types; many office-based and home-based businesses do not need one. We help you check what applies to your activity.
Energy sector contractors — many Calgary engineers, project managers and oilfield specialists work through their own corporation for one main client. If the corporation works like an employee, it may be considered a personal services business and lose the small business rate. We review your contracts to reduce that risk.
Employers — payroll deductions are remitted to the CRA, Alberta has no provincial payroll or health tax, and most employers must register with WCB Alberta.
Property owners — Alberta has no land transfer tax, only land title registration fees, which makes Calgary attractive to real estate investors. See all Alberta rules on our Alberta page.
Why Calgary businesses choose LeComptable.ca
Everything online
Share your documents securely and meet us by phone or video, from downtown, the Beltline or anywhere in Calgary.
Fixed monthly price
Packages from $150/month, the same price everywhere in Canada. No surprise hourly bills.
Expertise in every province
We know the tax rules of Alberta, Québec and the other provinces — ideal if your business works on projects across Canada.
One team for everything
Bookkeeping, GST, payroll, T2 and AT1 returns and personal tax: one firm follows your whole file, all year long.
25 years of experience
Founded in 2000, LeComptable.ca has been helping small businesses and self-employed professionals with their accounting and taxes for 25 years.
Our accounting services for Calgary businesses
From monthly bookkeeping to year-end returns, we take care of all the accounting and tax obligations of your Calgary business, entirely online.
Bookkeeping
Accurate monthly bookkeeping and bank reconciliations, so you always know where your business stands.
T2, AT1 and personal tax
Your T2 corporate return with the CRA, your Alberta AT1 return, and your personal return (T1 and AB428).
GST returns
GST registration, monthly, quarterly or annual returns and input tax credits claimed correctly.
Payroll
Payroll, CRA source deduction remittances, T4 slips and WCB Alberta reporting support.
Tax planning
Salary or dividends, incorporation, expenses: we help you pay less tax legally, year after year.
Industries we work with in Calgary
| Energy and engineering | Incorporated engineers, project managers and oilfield service companies: T2 and AT1, salary or dividends, personal services business review. |
| Trucking and logistics | Owner-operators and fleets: fuel and vehicle expenses, GST, driver payroll. |
| Construction and renovation | Contractors and trades: job costing, holdbacks, T5018, WCB. |
| Real estate investors | Rental property owners: rental income, capital cost allowance, buying through a corporation. |
| Agriculture and agribusiness | Farms and ranches: farm income, zero-rated sales, farm succession. |
| Tech and professional services | Consultants, agencies and start-ups: bookkeeping, GST, corporate tax planning. |
Example: an oilfield services subcontractor in Calgary
An incorporated oilfield services subcontractor based in Calgary bills $400,000 a year to energy companies and has three employees.
- Only the 5% GST applies: $20,000 of GST collected, minus input tax credits on fuel, equipment and vehicles.
- The corporation files a T2 with the CRA and an AT1 with Alberta TRA, and benefits from Alberta’s low small business rate.
- Payroll for the three employees is remitted to the CRA, with T4 slips and WCB Alberta reporting.
What we do for this client: monthly bookkeeping, GST returns, payroll, the T2 and AT1 corporate returns and the owner’s personal return.
Areas we serve in Calgary and the surrounding area
We work with businesses in downtown Calgary, the Beltline and every quadrant of the city (NW, NE, SW and SE), as well as Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore and Canmore — entirely online. See also our page for all of Alberta.
Frequently asked questions: accountant in Calgary
Can an online accounting firm based in Montréal handle my Calgary business?
Yes. Your T2, personal income tax, GST and payroll deductions are filed with the CRA, and we also file your Alberta AT1 corporate return. We work with Calgary clients entirely online.
Do I need a business licence in Calgary?
Only for certain business types regulated by the City of Calgary. Many office-based and home-based businesses do not need one. We help you check what applies to your activity.
What is the sales tax in Calgary?
Only the 5% federal GST. Alberta has no provincial sales tax.
Why does my Calgary corporation file two tax returns?
Alberta collects its own corporate income tax. Most Alberta corporations file the federal T2 with the CRA and an AT1 return with Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration.
I am an incorporated contractor in the energy sector. Is there a risk?
Yes, if your corporation works like an employee for a single client: it may then be considered a personal services business, which loses the small business rate. We review your contracts and working conditions and advise you on how to reduce that risk.
Is there a land transfer tax in Calgary?
No. Alberta has no land transfer tax, only land title registration fees. Rental income is reported on form T776 with your tax return, or in your corporation’s T2 and AT1.
Do you serve the area around Calgary?
Yes: Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere, Strathmore, Canmore and the rest of Alberta.
How much does an accountant cost for a small business in Calgary?
At LeComptable.ca, packages start at $150 per month, the same price everywhere in Canada. The T2 corporate return is $500 + tax for package clients. See our pricing.
