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The Citizen, 2000-10-25, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2000. Looking at incorporation for small businesses Two employees of a manufacturing concern in Ontario - feeling creatively and otherwise stifled in their workplace - decided to leave their employer and start their own competing business. In the first few years, all of the business profits went straight to maintaining the families of the two individuals. Within five years, however, the business grew until the income exceeded their needs and could be reinvested in the company. At that point, the pair was advised to incorporate, with the two being equal shareholders. Incorporation produced three positive results: the resulting tax savings and tax deferrals made it easier to repay corporate loans; it facilitated bringing in a third individual to share ownership of the business; and it provided some measure of creditor protection in periods of economic downturns. HERC helps with career options The week of Oct. 20 has been designated as Career Week in Canada. However at the Huron Employment Resource Centres (HERC) every week is career week. If you are looking for work, considering a job change or interested in upgrading your skills, HERC is here to help. Staff help determine what steps are necessary to meet career goals. Information and referrals are provided to help people connect with the right program or service to meet “These clients of our firm really are a textbook example of the advantages of - incorporation,” explains Paul Coleman, CA, adding that, today, 20 years after the launch of the company, his clients continue to prosper. Incorporation basically means transferring your business into a corporation while you, the owner, become a shareholder and employee in the new, separately taxable entity. While taking this step can save - or defer - considerable taxes, and offer a wide variety of other benefits, advises Jerry Paskowitz, CA, it is not for everyone and you should really talk it over with your chartered accountant to make sure it will be a profitable move for you. The main advantages of incorporation include: • Various opportunities for tax savings and/or deferral. • The possibility of splitting their needs. The centres provide job postings, computer and internet access, free employment related faxing and photocopying services as well as community information. Application forms for employment insurance as well as other income security programs are also available in the offices. There are five HERC sites within Huron County - Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham. These sites are funded by Human income among family members. • Estate planning that will allow you to leave more money to your children. • Limited liability and protection from creditors. If, for example, the company goes bankrupt, creditors can’t chase the owners for repayment of money owed. • Making it easier to obtain outside capital through the sale of equity. • The owners may each qualify for a $500,000 capital gains exemption when the business is sold. According to Coleman, businesses particularly benefit from incorporation “if they are at risk for product liability claims, such as those selling pharmaceuticals, food products and other types of consumer goods, or those in an inherently high-risk industry, such as construction.” Paskowitz says that a really small business or one providing personal Resources Development Canada and operated by community partners. Each location provides one stop access for individuals requiring information on a wide variety of labour market adjustment programs and services. For employers, HERC is a source of information on skills training programs, wage subsidies and other related topics. The Wingham HERC office is located at 108 Scott St. and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. services (such as maintenance or bookkeeping) to its owners, “may not gain significant benefits from incorporation.” Nor will companies set up for a relatively short time, such as a student’s summer painting business, adds Coleman. Prospective business owners should also consider the additional complexity and cost of incorporation, Paskowitz points out. “You have to keep accounting records, minutes of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings and prepare annual financial statements. Then, these financial statements must be filed, ' along with an annual information return. And there are penalties if you don’t file the proper returns at the appropriate times. This is all in addition to your personal tax filing requirements.” “The right time to incorporate would be when the benefits outweigh the costs - or are expected Call 357-4995 for more information or to set an appointment to meet with local case manager, Joanne Weber. The Oil Can Man Oil Undercoating Mobile Service (Individual & Commercial Vehicles) Scott Stevenson "Spring and Fall" to outweigh them in the very near future,” Coleman recommends, stressing that the many complex issues to be “weighed” require the expert professional advice of a chartered accountant to ensure that the outcome is a healthier - not just a more complex - bottom line. Brought to you by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. ELECT RALPH WATSON COUNCILLOR HURON EAST BRUSSELS WARD Call 887-6236 for a ride to the polls to vote for Ralph Watson - Nov. 13 Royal Fair kicks-off Nov. 2 RR #2 Auburn N0M 1E0 Call for appointment 519-526-7607 With the fall season well underway, it is time once more to begin planing for the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Nov. 2-11. As with every Royal, there will thousands of animals and fowl to observe, and exhibits to interest the crowds. For 2000, there are several new features planned. The champion of champions, a salute to the millennium, will name the best-of-the-show in all commodities. The winners from various breeds will compete for the ‘supreme’ title while winners in non-breed categories will receive best-of-show honours immediately after judging for the class. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police musical ride will excite young and old alike. After a three-year absence the musical ride will perform on opening night, Nov. 3, a matinee and evening show Nov. 4 and Nov. 6 and 7. A free show will be open to the public Tuesday, Nov. 7 in the afternoon. The Bank of Montreal will present a three-part agri-business speaker series, running Nov. 3, 6 and 7, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include identity preservation, rural/urban interface and free trade. Information on the invitation-only seminars can be obtained through the International Agri-Business Centre. The focus will be on Canadian craft beers, Nov. 2 when patrons can hear about distinctive brews made from wheat, barley and oatmeal. Tickets are $30. Displaying the beauty of creation, the Royal Quilt Gallery, in the Upper East Annex, will feature the Waterloo County and Area quilt festival. Highlights include more than 60 quilts from South Africa, Nova Scotia, Waterloo Heritage quilts, Aboriginal and Scandinavian quilts . Many popular attractions will return again this year including the Cavalcade of Horses. A new presentation ring will bring a new look to the show. Attendees will be able to get a close up look at the world’s finest breeds with continuous demonstrations of reining, vaulting, therapeutic riding and equine massage. The animal and vegetable competitions draw more than 3,000 entrants showing off everything from the largest pumpkin and tallest cornstalk to the perfect Holstein or llama. The Celebration of the Dog: A Howlin’ Good Time show, supported by the Canadian Kennel Club, will show off the amazing skills of the performance dogs. There are numerous special features, including Doggie Tails which invited children and their families to share in the pleasure of doggie rhymes, songs and stories from around the world. Continued on page 17 MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2000 (Section 45, Municipal Elections Act, 1996) MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL HURON ADVANCE VOTE will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 (for the whole municipality) Bill Siemon for Deputy Mayor Huron East - life long resident of McKillop Township -19 Years Municipal Government Experience - Member of Huron East Transition Committee - Owner/Manager McMaster Siemon Insurance Brokers Inc. - Farm, Municipal Drainage & Construction work experience I would appreciate your support on election day. LOCATION: Clinton Town Hall TIME: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. ELECTION DAY is Monday NOVEMBER 13,2000 VOTING TIMES: 10:00 am-8:00 pm VOTING LOCATIONS: WARD 1: Goderich Township Residents Goderich Township Hall, Holmesville WARD 2: Hullett Township Residents, Londesboro Hall WARD 3: Town of Clinton Residents, Central Huron Secondary School, x 165 Princess St. East, Clinton L. M. Cranston, A.M.C.T. Election Clerk