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Large Corporations
- We have a firm review our taxes every two years. Why hire Cookson Walker LLP?
- Can Cookson Walker LLP handle the large volumes of transactions we have?
- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from a participating province?
- How could Cookson Walker LLP be better than our own tax compliance staff?
- What if I want our staff briefed on their handling of commodity taxes?
- Will my Company's refund request trigger a visit from a government auditor?
- I see many similar proposals. Why choose Cookson Walker LLP?
Small-to-Mid Size Corporations
- My Staff is too "busy". How much time do you require?
- We're small, very small. Is it worth conducting a review of sales tax?
- OK, you've completed our recovery and now who talks to the government?
- Will our operations be audited if we claim taxes back?
- Will my company's refund request trigger a visit from a government auditor?
- We have had a review in the past. Why can Cookson Walker LLP do better?
Not For Profit
- If we have special tax status why can't you tell us the issues before we sign an Agreement?
- Our organization is tax exempt. Why would we need your services?
- My Staff is too "busy". How much time do you require?
- I have a stack of similar proposals. Why choose Cookson Walker LLP?
- Will our operations be audited if we claim taxes back?
GST
- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from Canada?
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
- Some charities are able to claim ITCs. How is this possible?
- Can a municipality can claim GST input credits even though they provide exempt services?
HST
- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from a participating province?
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
- Some charities are able to claim ITCs. How is this possible?
- Can a municipality can claim HST input credits even though they provide exempt services?
QST
- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from Quebec?
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
- My company provides financial services. Are the QST rules similar to the GST rules for financial service providers.
ORST
- We think we have overpaid RST in the past. What time limits for claiming a refund of RST are in place?
- Our company has a national advertising campaign on which we paid RST on the entire amount. Since the advertising occurs in other provinces as well as in Ontario, can we claim a refund of RST?
- We recently had a provincial sales tax audit and was assessed. If we were owed a refund of sales tax, would not the RST auditor had provided it?
- We are a not-for-profit entity. Are they any features of RST that would be of benefit to us?
BCSST
- We think we have overpaid SST in the past. What time limits for claiming a refund of SST are in place?
- Our company has a national advertising campaign on which we paid SST on the entire amount. Since the advertising occurs in other provinces as well as in British Columbia, can we claim a refund of SST?
- We recently had a provincial sales tax audit and were assessed. If we were owed a refund of sales tax, would not the SST auditor have provided it?
- We've heard that British Columbia audits all companies that apply for a refund. Is this true?
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- We have a firm review our taxes every two years. Why hire Cookson Walker LLP?
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Sometimes a second opinion can provide amazing results. Cookson Walker LLP specializes in giving second opinions on work done by other recovery companies. Perhaps you may wish to consider why Cookson Walker LLP found more then your old firm.
- Can Cookson Walker LLP handle the large volumes of transactions we have?
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Software tools are the solution. These "tools" enable Cookson Walker LLP Recovery Consultants to run huge databases from your existing financial records and apply search criteria that hunt for those tax overpayments.
- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from a participating province?
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Yes exports outside Canada are classified as zero-rated (exports outside of a participating province but within Canada retain their tax status). Additional items that are also zero-rated include: - basic groceries (milk, bread and vegetables)
- agricultural and most fishery products (wheat, grain, raw wool, unprocessed tobacco, fish for human consumption and farm livestock)
- prescription drugs and drug dispensing fees
- medical devices (hearing aids, wheelchairs and eyeglasses)
- international transportation services as well as accommodation and other supplies made outside Canada
- How could Cookson Walker LLP be better than our own tax compliance staff?
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Cookson Walker LLP Recovery Consultants has had considerable success with large entities. We are exposed, on a daily basis, to legislative and interpretive changes of the Excise Tax Act as well as other provincial tax statutes. It's our job to ensure that we understand and apply these obscure tax changes.
- What if I want our staff briefed on their handling of commodity taxes?
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This can be arranged. Please keep in mind though that in the course of the review process, and from the details in the Tax Recovery Summary, your staff will also gain valuable insights into how to improve their handling of commodity taxes in future.
- Will my Company's refund request trigger a visit from a government auditor?
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Virtually all refunds are handled by a desk auditor who does not come out to your office provided that the correct paperwork has been submitted to fully support the application for refund of sales tax. It is not government policy to go on "fishing trips" when reviewing your application.
- I see many similar proposals. Why choose Cookson Walker LLP?
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Of course this is a very competitive business. There are many other recovery companies out there. But we simply intend to be the best in recovery and on going support. Try us.
| Small-to-Mid Size Corporations |
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- My Staff is too "busy". How much time do you require?
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Every client is busy and we respect that. We need about 30 minutes to orient ourselves to your company and its methods. Most clients find that we are transparent while working in their office. We pledge that you will be kept up to date on the recovery and assure you that all engagements are completed as quickly as possible.
- We're small, very small. Is it worth conducting a review of sales tax?
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From our experience, we have seen "one box of records" turn into a six digit recovery. Not all recovery companies will look at small clients but we do. And your financial staff can learn from this process.
- OK, you've completed our recovery and now who talks to the government?
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We do. We insist that we do. Some issues require a lengthy approval period. We work with the governing agency until approval is granted and we will keep you up to date as to when you can expect payment.
- Will our operations be audited if we claim taxes back?
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Government officials will review the application for refund but this is a separate division from the audit function. Audits are not selected from the pool of refund applications.
- Will my company's refund request trigger a visit from a government auditor?
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Virtually all refunds are handled by a desk auditor who does not come out to your office provided that the correct paperwork has been submitted to fully support the application for refund of sales tax. It is not government policy to go on "fishing trips" when reviewing your application.
- We have had a review in the past. Why can Cookson Walker LLP do better?
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We stay current and can apply our knowledge to your company better then anyone else.
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- If we have special tax status why can't you tell us the issues before we sign an Agreement?
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There are so many issues that may be applicable to a non-profit organization that our recovery consultant must examine your entity to determine which are applicable.
- Our organization is tax exempt. Why would we need your services?
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Good question. You may be unknowingly paying tax and you may not be aware of sales tax rebates that are available to you.
- My Staff is too "busy". How much time do you require?
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Every client is busy and we respect that. We need about 30 minutes to orient ourselves to your organization and its methods. Most clients find we are transparent while at your site. We pledge that you will be kept up to date on the recovery and assure you that all engagements are completed as quickly as possible.
- I have a stack of similar proposals. Why choose Cookson Walker LLP?
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Of course this is a very competitive business. There are many other recovery companies out there. But we simply intend to be the best in recovery and on going support. Try us.
- Will our operations be audited if we claim taxes back?
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No but some jurisdictions such as British Columbia do conduct an audit as part of their refund process. Any sales tax audit subsequent to a recovery is coincidence.
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- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from Canada?
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Yes exports outside Canada are classified as zero-rated. Additional items that are also zero-rated include: - basic groceries (milk, bread and vegetables)
- agricultural and most fishery products (wheat, grain, raw wool, unprocessed tobacco, fish for human consumption and farm livestock)
- prescription drugs and drug dispensing fees
- medical devices (hearing aids, wheelchairs and eyeglasses)
- international transportation services as well as accommodation and other supplies made outside Canada
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
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The following are some examples of exempt goods and services: - previously owned or resold residential housing
- long-term residential rents and residential condominium fees
- most health, medical and dental services that are performed for medical reasons by licensed physicians or dentists
- child care services (daycare services provided for less than 24-hours per day) provided primarily to children 14 years of age and younger
- bridge, road and ferry tolls
- legal aid services
- educational services (courses leading to certificates or diplomas, as well as tutoring provided for a credit course) and music lessons
- most services provided by financial institutions (such as arrangements for a loan or mortgage)
- insurance services provided by insurance companies, agents and brokers
- most goods and services provided by charities including those provided on a volunteer or cost-recovery basis
- certain goods and services provided by non-profit organizations, governments and other selected public sector organizations (e.g. municipal transit services and standard residential services such as water)
- Some charities are able to claim ITCs. How is this possible?
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It is possible for a charity to claim ITC's if a business segment exists within the charity, however, all charities can claim a rebate of 50% of the GST paid on goods and services.
- Can a municipality can claim GST input credits even though they provide exempt services?
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Municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals (MUSH) are able to claim a rebate based on a percentage of GST paid for goods and services There are specific rules concerning the MUSH sector which must be considered when applying for a rebate.
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- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from a participating province?
-
Yes exports outside Canada are classified as zero-rated (exports outside of a participating province but within Canada retain their tax status). Additional items that are also zero-rated include: - basic groceries (milk, bread and vegetables)
- agricultural and most fishery products (wheat, grain, raw wool, unprocessed tobacco, fish for human consumption and farm livestock)
- prescription drugs and drug dispensing fees
- medical devices (hearing aids, wheelchairs and eyeglasses)
- international transportation services as well as accommodation and other supplies made outside Canada
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
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The following are some examples of exempt goods and services: - previously owned or resold residential housing
- long-term residential rents and residential condominium fees
- most health, medical and dental services that are performed for medical reasons by licensed physicians or dentists
- child care services (daycare services provided for less than 24-hours per day) provided primarily to children 14 years of age and younger
- bridge, road and ferry tolls
- legal aid services
- educational services (courses leading to certificates or diplomas, as well as tutoring provided for a credit course) and music lessons
- most services provided by financial institutions (such as arrangements for a loan or mortgage)
- insurance services provided by insurance companies, agents and brokers
- most goods and services provided by charities including those provided on a volunteer or cost-recovery basis
- certain goods and services provided by non-profit organizations, governments and other selected public sector organizations (e.g. municipal transit services and standard residential services such as water)
- Some charities are able to claim ITCs. How is this possible?
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It is possible for a charity to claim ITC's if a business segment exists within the charity, however, all charities can claim a rebate of 50% of the HST paid on goods and services.
- Can a municipality can claim HST input credits even though they provide exempt services?
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Municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals (MUSH) are able to claim a rebate based on a percentage of HST paid for goods and services There are specific rules concerning the MUSH sector which must be considered when applying for a rebate.
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- Can my company claim an input tax credit on goods and services used in the production of items exported from Quebec?
-
Yes exports outside Canada are classified as zero-rated Additional items that are also zero-rated include: - basic groceries (milk, bread and vegetables)
- agricultural and most fishery products (wheat, grain, raw wool, unprocessed tobacco, fish for human consumption and farm livestock)
- prescription drugs and drug dispensing fees
- medical devices (hearing aids, wheelchairs and eyeglasses)
- international transportation services as well as accommodation and other supplies made outside Canada
- What goods and services are classified as exempt?
-
The following are some examples of exempt goods and services: - previously owned or resold residential housing
- long-term residential rents and residential condominium fees
- most health, medical and dental services that are performed for medical reasons by licensed physicians or dentists
- child care services (daycare services provided for less than 24-hours per day) provided primarily to children 14 years of age and younger
- bridge, road and ferry tolls
- legal aid services
- educational services (courses leading to certificates or diplomas, as well as tutoring provided for a credit course) and music lessons
- most goods and services provided by charities including those provided on a volunteer or cost-recovery basis
- certain goods and services provided by non-profit organizations, governments and other selected public sector organizations (e.g. municipal transit services and standard residential services such as water)
- My company provides financial services. Are the QST rules similar to the GST rules for financial service providers.
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The QST rules for financial services providers are more favourable to the providers then the GST rules.
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- We think we have overpaid RST in the past. What time limits for claiming a refund of RST are in place?
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The time limit for filing a claim is four years from the date of the payment date of the final instalment for the purchased of TPP or service.
- Our company has a national advertising campaign on which we paid RST on the entire amount. Since the advertising occurs in other provinces as well as in Ontario, can we claim a refund of RST?
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Yes, but you must satisfy local provincial authorities on their share of the tax and we strongly recommend professional assistance in this matter.
- We recently had a provincial sales tax audit and was assessed. If we were owed a refund of sales tax, would not the RST auditor had provided it?
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No, the auditor is not obligated to provide you with a refund even if the auditor discovers you are entitled to a refund. In fact, if the assessment date is within the previous six months, it may be advantageous for you to have us review you assessment for errors made by the RST auditors.
- We are a not-for-profit entity. Are they any features of RST that would be of benefit to us?
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Yes. The RST rules for charities provide several opportunities for tax savings unique to charities and religious organizations. Government agencies and other semi-government organizations also have RST rules that are unique to them.
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- We think we have overpaid SST in the past. What time limits for claiming a refund of SST are in place?
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The time limit for filing a claim is six years from the date of the payment date of the final instalment for the purchased of TPP or service.
- Our company has a national advertising campaign on which we paid SST on the entire amount. Since the advertising occurs in other provinces as well as in British Columbia, can we claim a refund of SST?
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Yes, but you must satisfy local provincial authorities on their share of the tax and we strongly recommend professional assistance in this matter.
- We recently had a provincial sales tax audit and were assessed. If we were owed a refund of sales tax, would not the SST auditor have provided it?
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No, the auditor is not obligated to provide you with a refund even if the auditor discovers you are entitled to a refund. In fact, if the assessment date is within the previous six months, it may be advantageous for you to have us review you assessment for errors made by the SST auditors.
- We've heard that British Columbia audits all companies that apply for a refund. Is this true?
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Yes but while conducting our review, we will identify audit issues and assist you in resolving them. Remember, the auditor is coming sooner or later. Would it not be better to be prepared?
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