Marc Swartz - Toronto, York & Durham Region

City of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:37:10 -0700

City of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers

Do you enjoy volunteering? The Town of Markham is looking for committee volunteers to advise it on a wide range of topics. Currently, Markham is looking for volunteers for the following committees:

Agricultural Advisory Committee
Animal Care Committee

The application deadline is Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Applications and details of the mandates of the committees, meeting times, application process and more are available at www.markham.ca

City of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers

Are you looking to move within or relocate to the Greater Toronto Area?

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA serves clients in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. I primarily focus on Toronto, North York, Scarborough, York Region (including Markham, Unionville, Stouffville, Thornhill and Richmond Hill) and Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax and Whitby).

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New Markham / Stouffville GO Train / Bus schedule starts April 6, 2013

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:28:25 -0700

New Markham / Stouffville GO Train and GO Bus schedule starts April 6, 2013

GO Transit has announced new southbound and northbound trains, changes to the departure and arrival of some trains as well as changes in the GO Bus schedule. Due to the addition of the new train trips, certain bus trips will be replaced by new bus trips or GO Train trips. These changes will go into effect starting Saturday, April 6, 2013.

The changes affect the Stouffville line which services Stouffville, Markham, Unionville as well as parts of Toronto.

Refer to the GO Transit website at www.gotransit.com, obtain a new schedule from your train station or contact GO Transit at (416) 869-3200 from the Toronto local calling area or toll-free at 1-888-GET-ON-GO (1-888-438-6646).

New Markham / Stouffville GO Train / Bus schedule starts April 6, 2013

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Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - York Region Transit and VIVA

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:12:49 -0700

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - York Region Transit and VIVA

York Region Transit ("YRT"), VIVA services and Toronto Transit Commission ("TTC") buses that operate in York Region, including Markham, Ontario, will be operating on their regular Monday schedule on Easter Monday (Monday, April 1, 2013).

For information relating to operating schedules, visit www.yrt.ca.

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - York Region Transit and VIVA

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What is closed on Good Friday 2013 in Markham, Ontario?

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:09:02 -0700

What is closed on Good Friday 2013 in Markham, Ontario?

Friday, March 29, 2013 is Good Friday in Markham, Ontario. Since Good Friday is a statutory holiday, there will be many closures. In addition, some services will operate on a holiday schedule. Below is a list of some of the closures for Good Friday 2013 in Markham, Ontario.

The following will be closed:

Government offices (municipal, provincial and federal) except for a very limited number of services
Libraries
Canada Post
Stores, shopping centres, plazas, grocery stores (some shopping may be available in designated tourist areas or where there are exceptions in the legislation)
Beer store, liquor store
Schools
Banks and trust companies
Most businesses

Many services will be operating on holiday or Sunday service including:

GO Transit (trains and buses)
York Region Transit
VIVA Transit
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

The above list is only a partial list. You should contact any places you intend to visit or services you intend to utilize to verify the hours of operation on Good Friday 2013.

Have a Happy and Safe Good Friday. Do not drink and drive.

What is closed on Good Friday 2013 in Markham, Ontario?

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Is there Garbage Collection in Markham, Ontario on Good Friday 2013?

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:06:53 -0700

Is there Garbage Collection in Markham, Ontario on Good Friday 2013?

There will not be any garbage, waste or recyling collection on Good Friday (Friday, March 29, 2013) in the parts of Markham, Ontario that normally have their collection day on Fridays.

Collection day will occur on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Your garbage, waste and recyling material will need to be by the curb by 7:00 a.m. Consult your collection schedule to determine what is collected in your area for this week.

Is there Garbage Collection in Markham, Ontario on Good Friday 2013?

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Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:59:26 -0700

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Toronto Transit Commission ("TTC") buses, subways, streetcars and LRT services are operating on their regular Monday schedule on Easter Monday (Monday, April 1, 2013). TTC services that operate in York Region will also operate on their regular Monday schedule on Easter Monday.

For information relating to operating schedules, visit www.ttc.ca.

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

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Good Friday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:56:30 -0700

Good Friday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

GO Transit buses and trains that operate throughout the Greater Toronto Area as well as surrounding areas will be operating on the SUNDAY schedule on Good Friday (Friday, March 29, 2013).

For information relating to operating schedules, visit www.gotransit.com.

Good Friday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

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Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:49:29 -0700

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

GO Transit buses and trains that operate throughout the Greater Toronto Area as well as surrounding areas will be operating on their regular Monday schedule on Easter Monday (Monday, April 1, 2013).

For information relating to operating schedules, visit www.gotransit.com.

Easter Monday 2013 Schedule - GO TRANSIT

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Buy and pay for furniture after April 1, 2013 - Sales tax decrease

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:55:36 -0700

Buy and pay for furniture after April 1, 2013 - Sales tax decrease

Are you looking to buy furniture for your home right now? If you live in Prince Edward Island, you should consider waiting until April 1, 2013 to buy and pay for your furniture from your Prince Edward Island furniture store.

On April 1, 2013, the 5% GST and 10% PST are being replaced by the new 14% HST.

Since the 10% PST was charged on top of the 5% GST, you were effectively paying 10.5% PST for a total of 15.5% sales tax before April 1, 2013. Afterwards, you will be paying 14% harmonized sales tax (HST).

Buy and pay for furniture after April 1, 2013 - Sales tax decrease

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Tax on real estate commissions to drop on April 1, 2013

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:38:13 -0700

Tax on real estate commissions to drop on April 1, 2013

There is great news for home sellers in British Columbia. Effective April 1, 2013, the 12% harmonized sales tax ("HST") is being eliminated. It is being replaced by the 5% goods and services tax ("GST") and the 7% provincial sales tax ("PST").

5% GST will be charged on real estate commissions effective April 1, 2013. PST is not charged on real estate commissions. Between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013, 12% HST was charged on real estate commissions.

The tax savings can be significant.

Home buyers who are required to pay real estate commissions in accordance with their contract will also benefit.

In situations where a real estate transaction straddles April 1, 2013, transition rules may apply to the conversion from the HST regime to the GST/PST regime.

The information in this blog post is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Consult your professional tax advisor to find out how the changes in sales tax laws affect you.

Tax on real estate commissions to drop on April 1, 2013

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Install new batteries in your smoke detector on March 10, 2013

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:41:43 -0800

Install new batteries in your smoke detector on March 10, 2013

Many people and many fire departments recommend that when the clocks move ahead one hour or move back one hour, you should also replace the old batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monixide detectors with fresh new batteries. Thus, you should replace your batteries at least twice a year and more often if the batteries need to be replaced.

Replace your batteries when the clocks move forward one hour on March 10, 2013.

Install new batteries in your smoke detector on March 10, 2013

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Move Clocks Ahead by One Hour for Daylight Savings Time March 10, 2013

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:40:50 -0800

Move Clocks Ahead by One Hour for Daylight Savings Time March 10, 2013

It is that time of year again! Time to move your clocks forward by one hour. Daylight savings time began at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2013. You will lose one hour of sleep tonight and your March Break is shorter by one hour.

We move back to Eastern Standard Time at 2 a.m. on Sunday November 3, 2013.

Remember to change the time on all of your clocks. Some clocks will automatically change over. However, if your clock is in equipment that is older, it may not be programmed with the new date changes that commenced in 2007.

clocks
watches
microwave ovens
stoves
automobiles and other vehicles
coffee makers
computers and servers
smart phones / cell phones / PDAs
televisions
VCRs / DVDs / PVRs
any other clocks you own

Move Clocks Ahead by One Hour for Daylight Savings Time March 10, 2013

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Quebec Sales Tax rate change and calculation change - January 1, 2013

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 12:27:16 -0800

Quebec Sales Tax rate change and calculation change - January 1, 2013

On January 1, 2013, the method of calculating Quebec Sales Tax ("QST") changed. Prior to January 1, 2013, QST was charged on top of the selling price AND GST (i.e. the QST was a tax on tax) After December 31, 2012. the QST is charged directly on the selling price before GST.

At the same time, the Quebec government also increased the QST rate from 9.5% to 9.975%. The amount of QST charged under the old calculation using the old 9.5% rate is the same as the amount of QST charged using the new 9.975% rate.

The above changes relate to the decision by the Quebec government to harmonize the QST with the federal GST.

There are also some other changes that affect certain industries and types of transactions that also take place on January 1, 2013, Certain changes relating to the harmonization take place on April 1, 2013. Transition rules and /or grandfathering rules may apply in certain circumstances.

This article is intended to inform readers of developments as of January 1, 2013, and is neither a definitive analysis of the law nor a substitute for professional advice. Readers should discuss with appropriate professional tax advisors, financial advisors and/or other advisors and how the information may apply to their specific situations. E&OE.

Quebec Sales Tax rate change and calculation change - January 1, 2013

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Nova Scotia announces HST reductions in 2012 budget

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:43:38 -0700

Nova Scotia announces HST reductions in 2012 budget

The Nova Scotia government announced in its 2012 budget that the Harmonized Sales Tax ("HST") rate will be reduced from 15% to:

14% effective on July 1, 2014
13% effective on July 1, 2015

Consumers who are planning real estate purchases or other purchases may want to take into account these announced reduced rates when planning when to make purchases in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia announces HST reductions in 2012 budget

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City of Markham proclamations for September 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:36:07 -0700

City of Markham proclamations for September 2012

The City of Markham Council has proclaimed that September 2012 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Markham Council has also proclaimed

Prostate Cancer Week from September 17, 2012 to September 23, 2012
Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25, 2012
Markham Fair Week from September 27, 2012 to September 30, 2012

ity of Markham proclamations for September 2012

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2012 Kids Sports Celebration in Markham, Ontario

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:30:26 -0700

2012 Kids Sports Celebration in Markham, Ontario

The first annual Kids Sports Celebration in Markham, in partnership with the Children's Cancer Recovery Project, will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Markham kids and their families will have the opportunity to participate in numerous healthy, active and fun sports throughout the City of Markham.

For further information and a list of events in Markham, visit www.KidsSportsCelebration.ca

2012 Kids Sports Celebration in Markham, Ontario

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Markham 2012 Final Tax Bill Due Dates

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:19:02 -0700

Markham 2012 Final Tax Bill Due Dates - Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential

The City of Markham has now mailed the 2012 final tax bills for commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties. The due dates are:

October 5, 2012
November 5, 2012
December 5, 2012

If you have not received your 2012 tax bill or need more information, contact the Markham Tax Office at (905) 475-4864 or visit www.markham.ca. Failure to receive a tax bill does not eliminate your responsibility for payment of taxes or the penalty charges in the event of late payment.

Markham 2012 Final Tax Bill Due Dates - Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Residential

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What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Toronto, Ontario?

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 05:30:03 -0700

What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Toronto, Ontario?

Monday, September 3, 2012 is Labour Day in Ontario. Since Labour Day is a statutory holiday, there will be many closures. In addition, some services will operate on a holiday schedule. Below is a list of some of the closures for Labour Day 2012 in Toronto, Ontario.

The following will be closed:

Government offices (municipal, provincial and federal) except for a very limited number of services
Libraries
Canada Post
Stores, shopping centres, plazas, grocery stores (some shopping may be available in designated tourist areas or where there are exceptions in the legislation)
Beer store, liquor store
Schools
Banks and trust companies
Many businesses

Many services will be operating on holiday service including:

GO Transit (trains and buses)
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

The above list is only a partial list. You should contact any places you intend to visit or services you intend to utilize to verify the hours of operation on Labour Day 2012.

Have a Happy and Safe Labour Day. Do not drink and drive.

What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Toronto, Ontario?

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Public Transit Schedule on Labour Day 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 05:28:09 -0700

Public Transit Schedule on Labour Day 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012 is Labour Day, a statutory holiday in the Greater Toronto Area.

Public transit systems, including York Region Transit, VIVA, Toronto Transit Commission ("TTC") (including buses, streetcars, subways and light rapid transit), GO Transit (including trains and buses) will all be operating on a holiday schedule on Victoria Day.

Therefore, before you travel, remember to check the schedules to determine when the systems will be running.

Have a Happy and Safe Labour Day 2012.

Public Transit Schedule on Labour Day 2012

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What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Markham, Ontario?

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 05:26:31 -0700

What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Markham, Ontario?

The following will be closed:

Government offices (municipal, provincial and federal) except for a very limited number of services
Libraries
Canada Post
Stores, shopping centres, plazas, grocery stores (some shopping may be available in designated tourist areas or where there are exceptions in the legislation)
Beer store, liquor store
Schools
Banks and trust companies
Many businesses

Many services will be operating on holiday service including:

GO Transit (trains and buses)
York Region Transit
VIVA Transit
TTC (Toronto Transit Commission)

The above list is only a partial list. You should contact any places you intend to visit or services you intend to utilize to verify the hours of operation on Labour Day 2012.

Have a Happy and Safe Labour Day. Do not drink and drive.

What is closed on Labour Day 2012 in Markham, Ontario?

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Markham Earth Day Celebrations - April 22, 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:56:15 -0700

Markham Earth Day Celebrations - April 22, 2012

Sunday April 22, 2012 is Earth Day in Markham, Ontario, Join in the celebration at the Millennium Bandstand and Park on Main Street Unionville between 10 am and 4 pm.

There will be activities for the entire family that will be provided by:

Town of Markham’s Waste Management Department
York Region Water for Tomorrow
Town of Markham's Sustainability Office
Markham Environmental Advisory Committee
Youth Environmental Network of York Region (YENYR)
Varley Art Gallery
Muskoka Wildlife Centre

Markham Earth Day Celebrations - April 22, 2012

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Markham Compost Giveaway Event - April 21, 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:53:42 -0700

Markham Compost Giveaway Event - April 21, 2012

Markham residents are invited to help themselves to some free garden compost made from last Spring's collected leaf and yard waste. Bring your own shovels and containers. There is a six container limit per vehicle. Compost will be available until 2:00 p.m. or while supplies last. This is a one day event only on April 21, 2012. Rain or shine.

Free for Markham residents. Proof of address required.

The compost will be available a the Milliken Mills Park Parking Lot - 14th Avenue between Kennedy Road and Warden Avenue. The entrance on south side of 14th Avenue just east of 4277 14th Avenue.

Markham Compost Giveaway Event - April 21, 2012

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Town of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers - Deadline April 17, 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:50:33 -0700

Town of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers - Deadline April 17, 2012

Do you enjoy volunteering? The Town of Markham is looking for committee volunteers to advise it on a wide range of topics. Currently, Markham is looking for volunteers for the following committees:

Milliken Mills Main Street Advisory Group
Markham Centre Advisory Group
Animal Care Committee

Applications and details of the mandates of the committees, meeting times, application process and more are available at www.markham.ca. Alternatively, you can contat the Clerk's Office at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario L3R 9W3 (northwest corner of Warden Avenue and Highway 7 East).

Deadline: Applications accepted by mail, in person, by fax to 905-479-7771, or by email to lgold@markham.ca, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.

Town of Markham is looking for Committee Volunteers - Deadline April 17, 2012

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Beautify Your Yard in Markham

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:34:49 -0700

Beautify Your Yard in Markham

Are you planning to beautify your Markham yard in 2012?

You may qualify to obtain native trees and shrubs at a subsidized price. Simply visit www.yourleaf.org or call (416) 413-9244 for more details.

The Town of Markham, Region of York and Ontario Power Generation are three of the supporting partners of this program.

Beautify Your Yard in Markham

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Canadian T1 personal income tax returns due April 30, 2012

Marc Swartz, CA, CPA Toronto, Durham & York Regions, Ontario — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:32:20 -0700

Canadian T1 personal income tax returns due April 30, 2012

Canadian residents, deemed Canadian residents and others who are required to file Canadian personal income tax returns (form T1) are reminded that their calendar 2011 tax return is due on April 30, 2012. Certain people have until June 15, 2012 to file their return.

For further information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.ccra.gc.ca.

Canadian T1 personal income tax returns due April 30, 2012

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