If you are a small business owner and the thought of the looming April 1 deadline to transition from HST back to PST and GST is making you say 'OMG!,' then consider attending the March 21 Small Business Information Seminar hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

"We are delighted to have a representative from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) travel to our community to give a presentation and address people's questions and concerns," says Comox Valley Chamber president and CEO, Dianne Hawkins. "The two-hour seminar is designed for people who are considering starting a small business or who are fairly new, as it covers a lot of basic information. That being said, the CRA tells us that previous seminars in other communities have been attended by many experienced entrepreneurs and even professional accountants who have all indicated they received useful information as a result of attending."

In addition to information about the transition from HST to GST, the seminar will cover how GST works, who needs to register and collect the tax, obligations and entitlements, where to get information or help, electronic services for business and much more.

The CRA representative will also address income tax matters for sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations and payroll concerns such as maintaining proper payroll records and calculating deductions for Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance premiums and income tax.

The seminar runs from 3-5 p.m. at the Chamber board room. The location will be moved to a larger space if registration exceeds room capacity. If there are small business owners who are unable to attend but would like information, the CRA is willing to arrange individual visits to local businesses. Call the Chamber with your contact information.

Pre-registration is required, available online. The event is free for Chamber members and $15 per person for prospective members.

Visit www.comoxvalleychamer.com/news-events or call 250-334-3234.