Zachary Cummings, CPAAccounting for the trades
Accountant for HVAC contractors
I do bookkeeping, HST, payroll, cash flow forecasting and tax returns for HVAC and refrigeration businesses, and personal returns for the techs who work for them.
Free and no obligation. I don't bill by the hour.
- 5.0 on Google · 26 reviews
Registered firm
Busy seasons and quiet ones
Heating calls pile up when it gets cold and cooling calls pile up when it gets hot, with quieter stretches in between. Your HST, payroll remittances and van payments don't slow down when the phone does.
A cash flow forecast shows you the quiet months ahead of time, so you know how much to set aside while it's busy. It's part of my Growth Finance and Strategic Insights plans.
Maintenance plans paid up front
If you sell maintenance plans that customers pay for in advance, part of that money is for visits you haven't done yet. Recording it that way, and counting it as earned as you do the visits, keeps you from thinking you're further ahead than you are.
Licensing and apprentices
Refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic 313A is a compulsory trade in Ontario. Gas work is regulated separately: TSSA certifies gas technicians (G3, G2 and G1) to install and service gas equipment.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic is a Red Seal trade, so if you employ an apprentice in the first two years of their apprenticeship, you may qualify for the federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit: 10% of their eligible wages, up to $2,000 per apprentice per year.
Vans and equipment
You can't write off the full cost of a van or expensive equipment in the year you buy it. CRA has you deduct it over several years through capital cost allowance (CCA). If you're thinking about a big purchase, it's worth a quick call before you buy.
What I handle for HVAC contractors
- Monthly books and HST tracking
- Cash flow forecasts for the slow months
- Maintenance plan money recorded properly
- Payroll and T4s for your techs
- WSIB premiums tracked
- Year-end statements and your T2 or personal return
Monthly bookkeeping plans run $400 to $2,000+ a month depending on how much I'm handling, and most personal returns are $80 to $120.
See pricing →Common questions
The slow season wipes out my cash. What can you do?
I build a cash flow forecast from your own numbers, so you can see the low months coming and put money aside for HST, payroll and tax while it's busy.
Should I buy the new van before year-end to save tax?
Maybe, but don't count on writing it all off. Vehicles are deducted over several years through CCA, so buying in December doesn't give you the whole price as a deduction that year. Talk it through with me first.
Do I need a separate certificate for gas work?
Yes. Gas work in Ontario needs TSSA certification, separate from your 313A trade certificate. The certificate itself is between you and TSSA, but the costs of keeping it current are generally business expenses, and I'll record them.
Other trades I work with
Want the books off your plate?
Book a free 20-minute call. There's no sales pitch and no obligation, and I'll get back to you the same business day.
- 5.0 on Google · 26 reviews
- Registered firm