Carol Ireland - Blog

Energy efficiency—what's in a label?

carol.ireland@century21.ca — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Due to an increased interest in green building and energy efficiency, a number of “green” labels have been developed.

But how do you know if the green label can also determine the energy efficiency of your home?

Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE), offers three energy efficiency labels that help you, the homeowner, go green and cut down on energy costs.

The EnerGuide rating label is NRCan's established rating system for the energy rating and labelling of products—mostly appliances—but also homes. An EnerGuide rating shows you (and future buyers) exactly how energy efficient your new home was at the time of construction.

The R-2000 label certifies a home as one of the most energy efficient on the market. Over the past 30 years, thousands of Canadians have chosen these energy efficient homes that have helped them save money, enjoy healthier indoor air and take positive steps for the environment. Experts agree that choosing an R-2000 home is a great way to minimize your ecological footprint by reducing your share of greenhouse gas emissions.

An ENERGY STAR qualified homelabel on a new house indicates lower energy demand and better overall performance of the home. The initiative promotes guidelines that builders use to construct energy efficient new homes and is available in various regions across Canada. ENERGY STAR has become a well-recognized and respected brand.

If energy efficiency is something you want to incorporate into your new home, you can go to the NRCan website at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) for more information on the various energy efficiency programs that are available in Canada.

www.newscanada.com

Students compete for scholarship through Facebook

carol.ireland@century21.ca — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A unique Facebook contest in which students compete to win prizes including a scholarship is creating a lot of buzz at colleges and universities across Ontario.

The contest, organized by Certified General Accountants of Ontario, features an interactive app that tests the students' abilities to problem solve and think strategically. The grand prizewinner receives a $2,500 scholarship to the CGA program of professional studies.

Participation is free with questions posted each Tuesday and Thursday. Students are able to track their performance on personalized Mind Master report cards. There's also an option to challenge Facebook friends and track students' performance against each other.

You can visit facebook.com/cgadomore and select the Mind Master tab to enter. The contest ends on March 12, 2012.

www.newscanada.com

Out-of-the-ordinary tax tips

carol.ireland@century21.ca — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at the top five most unusual ways to keep more money in your pocket from Certified General Accountants of Ontario:

1. Expenses for dogs and cats located on the farm are deductible if those expenses relate to their use for rodent or other wild-animal control, or for security.

2. A computer used by a professor to teach and create music was ruled, by the tax courts, to be a musical instrument and thus eligible for employment deductions.

3. A salesperson or other employee who lives and travels in a motor home might be able to deduct expenses of that motor home relative to the proportion it is used for business (e.g., distance travelled).

4. Foot and bicycle couriers, along with rickshaw drivers, qualify for a meals deduction of up to $17 daily, without receipts.

5. Future parents who are in the process of adopting a child may be able to claim eligible medical expenses for that child prior to the actual adoption date — provided they become responsible for the child's care and supervision prior to the arrival.

More tax tips and a downloadable personal tax planning guide can be found online at cga-ontario.org.

www.newscanada.com

Free tax tips

carol.ireland@century21.ca — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It's tax time again so you must file your 2011 return before midnight on April 30, 2012.

“Nobody wants to pay more than they have to in taxes,” says Gary Dent, national tax leader for the accounting firm Grant Thornton. “Take some time to learn about the tax savings opportunities available to you before you file your taxes this year.” A free downloadable Tax Planning Guide for individuals and businesses is available at www.grantthornton.ca/services/tax/tax guides.

www.newscanada.com