We Love Taxes…
So you don’t have to.
Protect and maximize your annual income, investments, and more with Waterloo’s trusted tax advisors.
Waterloo Tax Services We Offer
Tax Planning That Looks at The Whole Financial Picture
We provide proactive, year-round tax planning for Kitchener-Waterloo individuals and business owners, helping reduce tax, manage risk, and plan confidently for the future.
-
Our personal tax planning can include
Personal tax planning and tax return preparation for individuals and families in Kitchener-Waterloo (focus on year-round planning)
Tax reduction strategies and write-off opportunities for Kitchener-Waterloo residents
Strategic financial planning and tax-efficient recommendations, covering RRSPs, TFSAs, investments, retirement planning, and major life events
Support for Kitchener-Waterloo business owners with separating and managing personal and business tax, including salary vs. dividend planning and cash-flow optimization
-
Our Waterloo corporate tax planning can include:
Tax planning and preparation for small- to medium-sized businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo
Tax minimization strategies for businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, including corporate structuring, use of small business deductions, and income deferral opportunities
Owner-manager tax planning, including salary vs. dividend analysis and integration of personal and corporate tax strategies
Financial risk management for businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, where we identify tax, cash-flow, and compliance risks before they become issues
Group insurance planning and implementation for Kitchener-Waterloo businesses, structured in a tax-efficient manner for both employers and employees
Bookkeeping services for Kitchener-Waterloo businesses to support effective tax planning and CRA compliance
-
Our RRSP and TFSA tax strategies can include:
Tax-efficient RRSP and TFSA contribution planning for individuals and families in Kitchener-Waterloo
Maximizing RRSP deductions based on income, cash flow, and long-term financial goals
TFSA investment strategy guidance, including withdrawal planning and re-contribution timing
Spousal RRSP planning and income-splitting strategies where appropriate
Ongoing review of contribution limits and CRA compliance
-
Our estate and succession tax planning can include:
Estate tax planning strategies to minimize taxes after death for Kitchener-Waterloo individuals and families
Succession planning for business owners, including tax-efficient transfer of ownership to family members or third parties
Capital gains and deemed disposition planning related to estates and business succession
Coordination with legal and financial professionals to align wills, trusts, and tax planning strategies
Planning for probate fees and estate administration costs in Ontario
Family wealth preservation strategies designed to protect assets across generations
-
Our capital gains planning can include:
Capital gains tax minimization strategies for individuals and business owners in Kitchener-Waterloo
Planning for the sale of real estate, investments, or business assets
Use of available exemptions and deferral strategies, including the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption where applicable
Timing strategies for dispositions to manage marginal tax rates and cash flow
Integration of capital gains planning with personal, corporate, and estate tax strategies
Advance planning prior to major transactions to avoid unnecessary or unexpected tax exposure
Why Choose GRFS
Year-Round, Proactive Planning
We don’t wait for tax season. Our team works with you throughout the year to identify tax-saving opportunities before deadlines pass — not after.
Whole-Picture Tax Strategy
Optimizing your tax strategy means focusing on the whole picture. We integrate personal income, corporate structure, investments, retirement planning, and estate considerations into one clear strategy.
Built for Individuals & Business Owners
From families and high-income earners to incorporated professionals and small business owners, our strategies are tailored to your needs.
Compliance Without Stress
We stay up to date with CRA rules so you don’t have to. Our approach keeps you fully compliant while minimizing risk and surprises.
Local Expertise You Can Trust
Based in Waterloo and serving Kitchener, Cambridge, and the Grand River region, we understand the realities Canadian taxpayers and business owners face.
Real Results, Not Just Advice
Clients come to us for clarity — and stay for the results. Less tax owed, better planning decisions, and confidence in what comes next.
How Our Tax Planning Process Works in 3 Steps
We understand that tax season is a source of anxiety for many individuals and businesses. That's why we're here to simplify your financial life and make tax planning a breeze. Our expert tax professionals are dedicated to helping you navigate Canada’s complex tax landscape with confidence. As your specialized Waterloo tax planners, our goal is to help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket while staying fully compliant with tax laws. We proudly provide tax strategy and tax planning services to clients in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and across the Grand River region. Our Waterloo tax services are designed for individuals and families, small business owners and incorporated professionals, self-employed contractors, and high-income earners looking to reduce tax legally. Here’s how our tax planning process works in 3 steps:
Tax Planning
Maximize Your Wealth, Minimize Your Taxes! GRFS are your long-term Waterloo tax partners. By analyzing your income, deductions, and investments, we help you make informed decisions that reduce taxes, maximize benefits, and support your financial goals. We help individuals and businesses make informed decisions that:
Keep you compliant with current CRA tax rules and regulations
Support business growth, retirement planning, and wealth management.
Tax Strategy & Reduction
We create personalized tax strategies that minimize your tax liability while staying fully compliant with the law. Our approach helps you keep more of your hard-earned money and take advantage of every eligible tax-saving opportunity. We can help individuals and businesses:
Manage year-end tax planning
Maximize available deductions and credits
Contribute to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
Take advantage of Capital Cost Allowance
Tax Preparation
Our team prepares and files your tax returns accurately and efficiently, ensuring you claim all eligible credits and deductions. Whether it’s for individuals, families, or small businesses, our Waterloo tax professionals make tax season stress-free and ensure you stay compliant with CRA requirements. With our tax preparation services, we can:
Ensure your return is accurate, complete, and filed on time
Handle personal, family, and small business tax filings
Stay up to date with CRA rules to keep you fully compliant
Tax Year Reminder List for Ontario Residents
-
![Middle-aged couple organizing personal income tax documents as per GRFS recommendations for January and February]()
January - February
Start Organizing Documents:
Collect T4s (employment income)
T4A (pension or other income)
T5s (investment income)
Receipts for RRSP contributions
Medical expenses
Charitable donations.
Review Your RRSP Contribution Room: Deadline for 2025 contributions is March 02, 2026.
Maximize contributions for potential tax savings.
-
![Young Couple, preparing personal tax with March-APril GRFS recommendations of gather tax deductions and credits]()
March - April
Gather Tax Deductions and Credits:
Tuition fees (T2202)
Union/professional dues
Moving expenses (if applicable)
Medical expenses (for yourself or dependents)
Childcare expenses
Home office expenses (if you worked from home).
Check for Digital Subscriptions Credit:
Track eligible digital news subscriptions for potential tax credits.
File Your Tax Return:
Filing opens in late February, and the deadline is April 30, 2026. Self-employed individuals have until June 15, 2026, but any owed taxes must still be paid by April 30.
-
![Young couple with baby preparing for personal income taxes year round with GRFS recommendations]()
May - August
May - June
Check for Benefits Renewal:
Update income details to continue receiving benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, and Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Keep Updated Contact Information with CRA: Ensure your address and banking information are accurate for refunds or benefits.
July - August
Review Your Notice of Assessment (NOA): Confirm your tax return was processed correctly and note your RRSP contribution room for 2025.
Tax Planning for Next Year: Adjust deductions like RRSP contributions or charitable giving to optimize next year's return.
-
![Same sex family with young children preparing for personal income tax with recommendations from GRFS for September to December]()
September - December
September - October
1. Pay Quarterly Tax Installments (if applicable): If CRA requires you to pay installments, mark September 15 and December 15 for deadlines.
2. Review TFSA Room for the Year: Plan contributions for the remainder of the year.
November - December
1. Make Final RRSP Contributions for 2024: Plan ahead to maximize savings before the 2025 contribution deadline (March 02, 2026).
2. Donations: Make charitable donations by December 31, 2025, to claim them on your 2025 tax return.
3. Capital Gains/Losses Review: Offset gains by selling losing investments before year-end.
-
![Single Mom helping daughter prepare for personal income tax with recommendations from GRFS ongoing throughout the year]()
Ongoing Throughout the Year
Track Expenses and Receipts: Use a dedicated folder or digital tool for tax-related documents.
Contribute to RESPs: Benefit from the Canada Education Savings Grant for your child's future.
Home Office Tracking: Maintain records of expenses like utilities, internet, and office supplies if applicable.
-
![Mature couple checking out the helpful resources section of GRFS tax year reminder list for Ontario Residents]()
Helpful Resources
CRA Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency
Ontario Tax Credits and Benefits: www.ontario.ca
Keep this list handy to stay on top of your taxes and minimize stress when tax season arrives!
Questions before getting started? Get in touch.
Have Questions About Taxes? We Have Answers.
Explore Our Waterloo Tax Resources & Blogs
What is Tax-Loss Harvesting?
Do You Have to Report Cash Income ?
5 Key Changes in Canadian Business Taxes for 2025
The Best Way to Leave Property to Kids Tax-Free
What Happens to Your T4 When Your SIN # Changes?
How to File Taxes Without a SIN
“Probably the easiest review I’ve ever left for someone… Less taxes owed and more money in my pocket! Thank you Lisa!”
— GRFS TAX CLIENT
Ask a Waterloo Tax Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Overall, our Waterloo tax planners don’t exclusively work with high-paying clients. Many lower budget households benefit from how much they save in their taxes each year with GRFS. In our history, our tax planners have been known to provide a positive return on investment (ROI) by reducing our clients’ tax burden.
To understand how much our tax planning services will cost, book your first consultation to get an estimate.
-
Tax strategy planning is a process that involves making financial decisions in a legal, intentional way to minimize the amount of tax you pay during the current tax year as well as in future years.
As part of our Waterloo tax strategy planning, we find all available deductions and strategically utilize them at the right time to maximize your savings. We’ll also review things like your business or investment structure to determine whether there is a more tax-optimized approach.
-
The difference between tax planning and tax evasion is that tax planning is legal and uses the rules in the tax system to reduce what you owe, while tax evasion is illegal and involves hiding income or providing false information to avoid paying taxes.
As part of our duty as Waterloo tax professionals, we only recommend tax-saving strategies that are legal. We do not permit or encourage tax evasion in any shape or form.
-
Yes, we are happy to help individuals or businesses dealing with CRA issues. We deal with the CRA frequently in our practice and can help you through any CRA-related issues during filing.
We will work to ensure any issues with the CRA are resolved efficiently.
-
Yes. We can help you file missed or overdue tax returns, reduce penalties where possible, and get you back in good standing with the CRA.
-
Tax planning is a year-round process, so its best to start as early as possible. For new clients, the best time to get in contact with our Waterloo tax planners is before the start of the new year, usually around December.
However, it’s completely fine to start tax planning with GRFS any other time of the year. Our Waterloo tax experts will work swiftly to ensure your taxes are in order regardless of when you get in touch.