7. Wealth by design: Start Smart — Structuring Your Business to Grow (and Survive Audits)

When most people think about business structure, they think legal forms, compliance, and paperwork.

And yes — those matter.

But if you’re building a business that’s meant to create freedom, options, and long-term value, then here’s what I need you to know:

Structure isn’t just for protection. It’s for positioning — for wealth.

Because how your business is structured affects:

• How much you pay in tax

• Whether your income builds or leaks

• How easy it is to raise funding, scale, or even sell

I've seen too many entrepreneurs leave money on the table — not because their offer was weak, but because their foundation was.

Let’s fix that.

📐 Structure Determines Wealth Outcomes

Whether you're just starting or already earning 6-figures, your business setup is making decisions on your behalf — every day.

For example:

• Are you taxed personally or corporately?

• Can you split income with a spouse or adult child?

• Are your retained earnings working for you — or sitting idle?

• Can you invest through your business instead of personally?

• Could you withstand a CRA audit with confidence?

Every answer is tied to structure.
And the right structure doesn't just protect you — it unlocks strategy.

💼 Common Business Entities in Canada (At a Glance)

TypeBest forWealth AdvantageSole ProprietorNew/startup, low overheadSimple setup, but higher personal tax riskCorporationGrowth-focused, reinvesting incomeLower tax rates, income splitting, RRSP deferralHolding CompanyAsset protection, reinvestmentTax-efficient investing, profit isolationFamily TrustLegacy planning, income spreadingIntergenerational wealth strategy

Note: The right choice depends on your goals, income, risk profile, and timeline. That’s why strategy beats shortcuts.

🔍 What I’ve Seen as a CPA & Business Owner

I’ve worked with hundreds of business owners through Dexteritas and TFD Advisory — and here's a truth that keeps showing up:

The earlier you structure well, the more your business builds wealth by default.

Clients who start smart:

• Pay less tax over time

• Sleep better during CRA reviews

• Attract better partnerships and funding

• Spend more time growing, less time untangling

Your structure is either working for you or against you. There is no neutral.

⚡ Quick Win: Audit-Ready in 15 Minutes

Even if your business is already running, here’s a micro-action that builds long-term protection:

✅ Step 1: Check your legal structure

Are you still operating as a sole prop when incorporation would save you tax?
Make a note to review your income and reinvestment goals.

✅ Step 2: Organize your documents

Create folders (physical or digital) labeled:

• Corporate registration & annual returns

• CRA filings & notices of assessment

• Contracts, invoices, and payment records

• Payroll & dividend records (if applicable)

✅ Step 3: Schedule a structure review

Once a year. Ideally before year-end.
You’d be surprised how small tweaks save thousands.

🎯 This 15-minute audit-readiness check could save you money, stress, and reputation down the line.

💬 Real Talk: Structure Is the Start of Wealth

Too many entrepreneurs wait until it’s urgent to get organized.

But the entrepreneurs who win?
They structure with the end in mind — funding, succession, equity, or freedom.

They don’t just want to run a business. They want to own something that grows.

🧭 Ready to start (or restructure) with strategy?

During my Business & Wealth Design Session, we’ll review your setup, identify risk areas, and outline how your structure can support wealth — not just operations.

📩 Click here to book your session
This isn’t just about compliance. It’s about clarity, confidence, and control.

💌 Share This Series — Because Wealth Was Never Meant to Be Built Alone

If you’ve made it to the end of this 7-part journey, you already know:
Wealth isn’t just about numbers. It’s about alignment, freedom, and building a life that reflects your values.

Along the way, we’ve talked about structure, strategy, stewardship—and most of all, intentional living.

Now imagine what could happen if more people in our community started building this way too.

➤ What if your friend struggling with debt had a roadmap?
➤ What if that business owner in your circle had a better system than hustle?
➤ What if someone you love finally saw that wealth isn’t out of reach—it just needs a plan?

If this series helped you think differently, don’t keep it to yourself.
Forward it. Share the link. Invite someone to follow along from the beginning.

🤝 We rise by lifting each other.

And if you’re just joining us, welcome. The full 7-part series and guides are waiting for you:

👉 Join the mailing list in the form to get them all by email

Let’s keep building — together.