IF you have been over- ly generous with the tax department this year, it's prepared to return the favour - just in time for Christmas. But you must ask for your “gift.” You generally pay tax throughout the vear based on your estimated annual income. By now, you should be able to tell whether that esti- mate — and so the tax paid — is going to be correct. Employers adjust the tax withheld based on the rate of pay. Get a raise and the payroll department works out what your new total for the year will be, then increases the tax accordingly. But employers don’r know what deductions you plan to claim. _Perhiaps you contributed to your or a spousal RRSP for this year, you expect a business or rental income loss; or you wiil have some other deduction that will cre- - ate or increase your tax refiand for 1999. . money matters If you move quickly -- ask your local tax office now to give your emplover per- mission to withhold less tax for the balance of the year — you just might score an unes- peeredly large paycheque around Christmas. This will depend both on how quickly the tax office processes your request — a form you must complete and send in — and on the co- operation of your payroll department/person. You might want to have a word with that person first to facili- rate the process, Perhaps you pay your tax in quarterly instalments or otherwise control haw much tax is withheld from your income (through your own company, for example). That makes it much easier MOATGAGES ® WHEN THE BANKS SAY “NO” aS Financtal Services td. @ 4 VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.instafund.com fender Broker fees tay apyily PN eT eth a Cant ent L Andrew T. Shannon, BSc, DDS has recently been awarded accreditation by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) He is one of only 10 Accredited dentists in Canada, 175 in the worid. There are 3 AACD accredited members in British’ - Columbia, and approximately 2200 dentists. “Dr. Shannen is a 1987 graduate of Dalhousie ‘University Schooi of Dentistry, in Nova Scotia. He » maintains a full-time private practice in B .Vancouver, B.C. with a primary focus on s - comprehensive aesthetic restorative dentistry. f -Founder of the Western: Canadian Chapter of the - AACD, he is a high profile advocate for the - fj “advancement of cosmetic dentistry, sharing his @ acquired knowiedge, skill and expertise with . clinicians by lecturing and holding hands-on BE ‘seminars internationally. He is widely published i and sits on a number of editorial boards and _ advisory councils. Dr. Andrew Shannoa Lower Mall Bentall 1V 1055 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC 604-669-6700 to adjust the tax vou send in. The next quarterly instal- meat is due Dee. 15, wiving you plenty of tinte fo make a fairly accurate estimate of your income for this year. Canada Customs and Revenue Axency jit changed its name from Revenue Canada Nov. 1) normally sets your instalment payment based on your past income. If your income for the current year drops, vou may cut your inscalment payment. If your income ends up being higher, you aren't penalized as long as you pay what CCRA asks If, however, vou pay fess than you are supposed to, you can avoid the com- pounding interest charged on the shortfall (which can really add up if the shortfall dates back co the beginning of the year). Simply make enough of an overpayment so the BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - NOVEMBER 21ST - 9:30 TO 11:00 A.M-: Santa's tummy is rumblin' for breakfast at Capilano Mall. Join him for a delicious AgW breakfast, music, magic, and rides on the Christmas tain. Tickets, available at the Info Booth for only $3.50 with part proceeds to the North Vancouver Christmas Bureau. We are. .- oo also accepting donations of toys and non-perishable food on behalf of the Christmas Bureau. 935 MARINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL 98 Wednesday, November 17, 1999 - orth Shere News - 17 BUSINESS Get your tax ‘refund’ ear! y notional interest earned on the excess cancels our the interest charged on the short- fall. Your local tax office should be able to help you with the calculation. Mike Grenby is a colimmnist aud iudepeudent personal Jinancial adviser. He'll answer yuestions in this column as space allows bur cannot reply persunally, Contact bin at P.O. Box 50029, Sonth Slope R.PO.. Burnaby, BCL V3J 3G3; e- mail and see previous columas at Mike's Web site . Part of the Provincial Road Safety Program. IE INDUSTAY'S FIRST VISUALLY FLAT TURE TUBE f° Outsiancing clit ° Pinpoint correr-to-carner focuscg ° Mimal glare 3 © Accurate image reproduction FD Trimtron WEGA i available 20" to 36 a Also avail 32° to 36° VW EGA xer SN PAPTONO MALL ~ Where Christnas Wishes are Granted