Ask an Expert
Paying yourself while being the owner of a business
Expert: Michael Fromstein
Tom asked:
I am the sole owner and employee of a federally incorporated renovation business in Ontario. I now want to pay myself periodically. Can I do so without source deductions and/or issuing myself a T4?
Michael Fromstein answered:
NO. Any employer paying any wages to any employee must withhold taxes and remit them and report those wages on a T4. As the sole shareholder, you will be exempt from Employment Insurance – but the corporation will be responsible for withholding and remitting CPP and income taxes.
The penalties get up to 20% of what you should have withheld and the interest clock never stops ticking. You only have to remit funds to the government when you are taking a salary – so you don't have to pay the government when you are not even paying yourself.
About the author
Michael Fromstein is a tax specialist with Integrated Professional Specialist Services.