The Ultimate Bookkeeping Checklist for Canadian Small Businesses (CRA-Compliant)
Keeping accurate financial records isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a growing small business, or managing corporate bookkeeping, staying organized year-round ensures smoother tax filing, better financial decisions, and peace of mind during audits.
This checklist walks you through the essentials of CRA-compliant bookkeeping for 2026 and beyond.
📂 1. Documents You Must Keep Year-Round
- Invoices and receipts (sales and purchases)
- Bank statements and credit card statements
- Payroll records (T4 slips, employee contracts, remittance proofs)
- GST/HST returns and supporting documents
- Loan agreements and financing records
- Expense documentation (travel, meals, home office, vehicle logs)
👉 CRA requires businesses to keep records for at least six years after the end of the tax year.
🧾 2. CRA Record-Keeping Requirements
- Maintain records in English or French.
- Keep both paper and electronic records accessible.
- Ensure records are complete, reliable, and backed up.
- Retain original source documents (not just summaries).
- If using accounting software, ensure it meets CRA audit-trail requirements.
💰 3. GST/HST Documentation
For businesses registered for GST/HST, keep:
- Invoices showing GST/HST collected
- Receipts for input tax credits (ITCs)
- Filed GST/HST returns
- Adjustments, rebates, and refunds
👉 Missing GST/HST support documents is one of the most common audit triggers.
🧾 4. Business Expenses to Track
- Office supplies and equipment
- Utilities and rent
- Professional fees (legal, accounting, consulting)
- Marketing and advertising costs
- Travel and meals (with detailed receipts)
- Vehicle expenses (logbook required)
- Home office expenses (square footage calculation)
🛡️ 5. Tips to Stay Audit-Ready
- Reconcile bank accounts monthly.
- Digitize receipts and store them securely in the cloud.
- Separate personal and business expenses.
- Use a consistent chart of accounts for categorization.
- Review financial statements quarterly.
- Work with a professional bookkeeper to ensure compliance.
✅ Why This Checklist Matters
- Evergreen resource: Useful year after year.
- Supports DIY bookkeeping and helps small business owners stay organized.
- Supports full-service clients: Shows RGB Accounting’s expertise in corporate bookkeeping.
- Audit protection: Reduces risk of penalties and reassessments.
Bookkeeping is the backbone of every successful business. By following this CRA-compliant checklist, Canadian small businesses can stay organized, maximize deductions, and file with confidence.
At RGB Accounting, we help entrepreneurs and corporations simplify bookkeeping, stay compliant, and focus on growth.
Source: CRA
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