Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions clients ask first.
- When should I meet with a tax advisor?
- Ideally, before a decision is made — not after. The most valuable tax planning happens in advance of a transaction, a structural change, or a major life event. If you are evaluating a corporate reorganization, a sale, a move across borders, or an estate plan, that is the moment to begin a conversation.
- How is tax planning different from tax preparation?
- Preparation is the accurate filing of returns based on what already happened. Planning is the deliberate shaping of what happens — how a business is structured, how compensation is paid, how wealth is held, and how it is eventually transferred. Preparation is necessary; planning is where outcomes are made.
- Do you work with incorporated businesses?
- Yes. A significant portion of the practice involves owner-managed corporations, holding company structures, family trusts, and corporate groups. The work spans T2 compliance, integration planning, reorganizations, and exit or succession planning.
- Can you help with CRA matters?
- Yes. The practice regularly represents clients in CRA reviews, audits, voluntary disclosures, and objections. Early involvement materially affects the outcome — engaging an advisor at first notice is almost always the right step.
- Do you handle cross-border (Canada–US) tax matters?
- Cross-border and international taxation is a core specialization. Engagements include residency planning, departure tax, foreign reporting (T1134, T1135), and coordination of US and Canadian filings for individuals and corporate structures.
- What should I bring to my first consultation?
- A general picture is enough to begin: recent personal and corporate tax returns, a summary of business and investment structures, and a clear sense of what you are trying to achieve. Detailed document collection follows once we agree on scope.
- Is everything kept confidential?
- Absolutely. All consultations, whether or not they result in a formal engagement, are treated as confidential. The practice is intentionally discreet and operates on a private-client basis.
- Where is the office located?
- James Belesiotis CPA Professional Corporation is located at 69 Yonge Street in downtown Toronto. Meetings are by appointment.
Private Consultation
A confidential conversation about what matters most.
Whether you are restructuring a business, planning an estate, or navigating a cross-border tax matter, the first step is a thoughtful conversation.