Tax

We also assess and make recommendations on cost rationalization, opportunity identification, and risk management.

We share your entrepreneurial spirit and know that you’re looking for practical solutions. Our team has developed an efficient and practical series of reference tools that we place at your disposal:

• Tables of rates applicable to expense accounts for SMEs and large corporations
• A map of Canada that shows the applicable sales tax rates in Canada by province and references future changes
• Regular publications that summarize changes and highlight important items for consideration

Our team supports you in your planning of extraordinary, international, or complex transactions such as a business acquisition. We help you structure your transactions with an eye to minimizing taxes payable, increasing cash on hand, and ensuring that your internal processes and your contracts are consistent with the desired treatment and protect your company from costly errors. At the same time, your reputation is protected.

We apply a practical and integrated approach to managing indirect taxes and meeting your tax obligations. As a result, your tax compliance is simplified, in terms of both revenues and expenses. In addition to helping you manage your day-to-day transactions this approach includes the management of audits by tax authorities.

We have developed a unique collaborative approach and tools that facilitate these audits for both your company and tax authorities. We work to foster a shared understanding that saves time and minimizes differences of opinion and assessments requiring opposition procedures.

We help you navigate the U.S. tax system. Our full-service U.S. tax group is dedicated to resolving federal and state taxation matters, including:

• Cross-border planning
• Entity selection for expansion
• Compliance services for American citizens residing in Canada and Canadian executives working in the U.S
• Advising Canadians with U.S. investments that may trigger U.S. reporting
• Evaluate your exposure to state-imposed taxes
• Make recommendations regarding compliance with state and local filing requirements

Richter’s U.S. tax team also has access to a network of U.S. and international tax specialists to complement its services.

State taxation

In the U.S., state authorities are increasingly more aggressive in their attempts to expand their tax base. Some states may impose taxes on non-U.S. (“foreign”) entities and individuals, even those that are not taxable federally under a Treaty. Our U.S. tax team assists in evaluating your exposure to these state taxes. We make recommendations regarding compliance with U.S. state and local filing requirements, with a particular attention on optimizing your U.S. operations. Our state and local tax services include state and local income, franchise, sales tax planning, consulting and tax return preparation.

Transfer pricing requirements cannot be ignored considering the intricacy of international business, aggressive auditing by tax authorities and the magnitude of financial repercussions including double taxation. Barring compliance obligations, companies have found that transfer pricing can be regarded as an opportunity to structure international operations in a tax-efficient manner. Beyond minimizing tax exposures, it can provide useful insight into the business, increase operational efficiency and optimize global tax liabilities.

Richter’s international tax professionals go beyond providing analysis, drafting reports and making recommendations, we take a practical, proactive and hands-on approach to help you develop and implement an appropriate strategy to ensure compliance, create business value and minimize transfer pricing risks.

Our team participates in the consultations organized by tax authorities and helps identify tax issues. We propose solutions for simplifying your obligations with respect to observation and for improving the services provided by tax authorities.

Our firm takes a practical approach and acts as a true tax department that is integrated into your business. Our professionals are your preferred partners for establishing harmonious and constructive relationships with each level of government.

Richter’s team of professionals applies its knowledge and expertise in engineering, accounting and tax to facilitate the SR&ED claim process. Renowned for being entrepreneurial in our approach, we find creative solutions and are always looking for ways to strengthen your tax position.

Our familiarity with the various programs, tax laws, general and industry-specific interpretation circulars and CRA processes enables us to work closely with your accounting and technical departments to provide comprehensive service that includes three main steps:

• Identifying the SR&ED activities that would qualify for a tax credit
• Preparing and submitting the technical and financial aspects of the SR&ED claims
• Accompanying and guiding you through CRA audits

In addition, our professionals can train your company’s staff on best practices for documenting future claims.