Carney's second budget will aim to help small businesses, sources say

Small-business tax rate now

9 %

Ottawa is considering a lower small-business tax rate, now 9 per cent, less red tape on tax filing and lower EI premiums for smaller operations, a government source said.

On investment, the government is weighing faster and broader write-offs for equipment and buildings under capital cost allowance rules.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business wants the rate cut to 6 per cent and the income limit for the lower rate raised to $700,000 from $500,000.

Ottawa

The budget is due Nov 5, and one source said it is very likely to include help for small businesses on both costs and investment.