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Accounting that keeps pace
with every transaction.

From inventory management and GST compliance to year-end filings and multi-location oversight, Vault CPA brings financial clarity to retail businesses across British Columbia.

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Retail Accounting Retail Accounting
Retail
Retail Accounting

Retail & E-commerce Businesses, clear financials behind every sale.

We reconcile daily sales, returns, and payment processor settlements to ensure accurate revenue reporting, manage GST/HST collection and remittance across provinces for e-commerce sellers, prepare year-end financial statements and T2 corporate returns on time, and provide ongoing bookkeeping to keep your records clean and audit-ready.

Retail Accounting

Inventory & Cost Management, knowing your margins on every product.

We track cost of goods sold and inventory valuations to protect gross margins, advise on inventory accounting methods including FIFO and weighted average under ASPE, identify shrinkage, obsolescence, and write-down opportunities to optimize tax deductions, and integrate cloud accounting tools to automate inventory reconciliation.

Retail Accounting

Multi-Location & Franchise Operations, financial visibility across every location.

We consolidate financial reporting across multiple store locations to give you a clear picture of overall performance, manage intercompany transactions and royalty structures for franchise arrangements, oversee payroll, source deductions, and GST compliance across all locations, and prepare T2 returns and financial statements for each corporate entity accurately and on time.

From First Meeting to Filed Return
STEP 01

Understanding your retail model.

We review your sales channels, inventory systems, and corporate structure to identify compliance requirements and tax planning opportunities before any work begins.

From First Meeting to Filed Return
STEP 02

Organizing your records.

We reconcile POS data, supplier invoices, and bank statements to ensure your books accurately reflect inventory, revenue, and cost of goods sold.

From First Meeting to Filed Return
STEP 03

Filing your returns.

We prepare your T2 corporate return, GST/HST filings, and payroll remittances — accurately and on time, with full CRA compliance.

From First Meeting to Filed Return
STEP 04

Supporting you as you scale.

Once filings are complete, we stay engaged for location expansion planning, franchise structuring, and year-round financial guidance.

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Accounting as precise as your inventory count.

Whether you operate a single storefront, an online shop, or a multi-location retail brand, we bring the accounting precision your inventory and bottom line depend on.

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Question 01
Do I need to charge GST and PST on retail sales in BC?

In BC, most retail goods are subject to both GST (5%) and PST (7%), charged separately. Basic groceries, prescription medications, and some children's products are exempt. If you sell online and ship to other provinces, you must collect the applicable tax for those destinations.

Question 02
How should I track inventory for accounting and tax purposes?

CRA requires that year-end inventory be valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Common methods include FIFO and weighted average. The method you choose affects your cost of goods sold and taxable income. We implement the right approach and keep values audit-ready.

Question 03
How do I handle returns, refunds, and chargebacks in my books?

Returns reduce gross revenue and restore inventory. Refunds must be recorded as credits against sales, not as expenses. Chargebacks require separate treatment including processing fees. When not captured correctly, financials overstate revenue. We set up your accounts so every reversal flows through accurately.

Question 04
What is the best accounting method for a retail business?

Most retail businesses use the accrual method, recording revenue when earned and expenses when incurred. This gives a more accurate picture of profitability and is required for most incorporated businesses. We match the method to your business model and existing software.

Question 05
Can I incorporate my retail business, and should I?

Incorporation makes sense when profits consistently exceed personal living expenses. A corporation lets you access the small business tax deduction, reducing your BC corporate rate to approximately 11% on the first $500K of active income. We model both scenarios so you understand the after-tax difference.

Question 06
What records should a retail business keep for CRA purposes?

Retain daily sales summaries, supplier invoices, inventory count records, payroll records, bank and credit card statements, GST and PST remittance records, and returns documentation. CRA requires records for at least six years. Organized records reduce audit risk and make year-end faster.

Questions