Pivotal LLP

08/08/2026

Proud to sponsor such an awesome event right here in Red Deer!

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Mid-year check-in time.
If your books, budget, or receipts are giving “we’ll deal with it later” energy… this is your sign to get ahead of tax season before it sneaks up on you.

Pivotal’s latest blog breaks down 7 smart moves you can tackle now to save yourself stress (and maybe even money) by year-end — from reconciling your books to maximizing tax planning opportunities.

A little housekeeping today = fewer surprises tomorrow.
Read the full checklist and set your business up for a smoother second half of the year.

https://pivotalcpa.ca/news/your-mid-year-business-checklist-7-things-to-tackle-before-tax-season-sneaks-up-on-you/

07/31/2026

Not all receipts are created equal, but for your business records, there's some important info you need on each receipt for a business expense (and no, the debit receipt isn't going to cut it!)

When you're saving receipts for your business expenses, make sure they include these key details:

✅ WHO you bought from
✅ WHAT you purchased
✅ WHEN the purchase was made
✅ WHERE the business is located
✅ WHY it relates to your business
✅ TAX INFO (GST number and amount)

Missing even one of these can cause headaches down the road if you're ever audited or trying to claim expenses. A little organization now saves a lot of stress later!

Have questions about what you should be tracking for your business? That's exactly what we're here for. 📊

07/28/2026

Completely legal (if slightly deranged-sounding) tax moves Canadian farmers actually use:

1. Income splitting with family members. Pay your spouse and kids reasonable wages for actual work done on the farm. Multiple lower tax brackets instead of one big one.

2. AgriInvest and AgriStability accounts. Government-backed savings programs that let you defer income in good years and smooth it out in bad ones.

3. Capital gains exemption on qualified farm property. Canada has a lifetime capital gains exemption (over $1 million) specifically for farm property sales. Basically a "sell the farm tax-free" card.

4. Buy depreciable equipment strategically (CCA pooling). Big-ticket purchases (combines, tractors) go into capital cost allowance pools. Buy at the right time and stack deductions.

5. Intergenerational rollover. Transfer farmland/equipment to your kids at cost instead of fair market value, deferring capital gains tax essentially indefinitely.

None of these are shady, they're just Canada's tax code being especially generous to farmers. That said, the very best way to save on taxes in the Ag sector, is to talk to an accountant (especially someone who specializes in agriculture). Someone like James, who can tell you which of these actually apply to your situation.

Give us a call so we can discuss which options are best for your operation.

07/25/2026

Build momentum, stay aligned, build trust, work together to build results. It's what we do.

At Pivotal CPA, collaboration isn’t just a value, it’s how we help businesses move forward with clarity and confidence.

From strategic planning to day‑to‑day problem‑solving, we believe the best outcomes come from working side‑by‑side with the people we serve. Progress is never accidental — it’s built together.

07/22/2026

Nothing says “peak productivity” like sunshine, burgers, and a team that actually likes each other.

07/16/2026

Pivotal CPA: proudly serving Alberta since 1958. Not actually ancient… but sometimes it feels like it.

07/14/2026

Accounts - this one's for you!

What do you prefer?
Spreadsheets or Accounting Software?

Let us know in the comments!

07/09/2026

Red Deer’s economy is shifting, and smart businesses are shifting with it.
From steady oil & gas activity to strong agriculture performance and high demand in construction, 2026 is a year of strategic growth, careful investment, and sector‑specific opportunity. Here's the breakdown:

🛢Oil prices in 2026 are elevated due to Middle East conflict, strengthening provincial revenues and stabilizing service‑sector demand. However, energy producers are staying disciplined with capital spending, focusing on efficiency rather than expansion.

🌾Agriculture remains one of Alberta’s strongest economic pillars. Alberta’s agricultural exports exceeded $16.2B, with major strengths in cattle, feedlots, canola, honey, and irrigated land.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Alberta Chambers’ 2026 Business Pulse shows non‑profits share the same pressures as SMEs: rising costs, labour shortages, and uncertainty around provincial finances.

⛽️ Gas co‑ops in Central Alberta benefit from stable demand and provincial infrastructure investment.

🏗 Construction is one of the sectors facing the strongest labour shortages in Alberta.

💲Investment‑focused builders benefit from Red Deer’s infrastructure commitments and stable long‑term business sentiment.

At Pivotal CPA, we help local businesses navigate these trends with clarity, confidence, and data‑driven planning. Contact us to set up a meeting with one of our experts with years of experience in your industry.