Hi Everyone

My name is Melissa and I am 42 years old. I am happily married and live in North York ( north end of Toronto) Ontario

I just started providing home daycare. I have a little girl who will be one in a few weeks and when my mat leave was up ( I had to quit working in July 2011 for medical reasons) I just could not go back to work.. I waited over 20 years to be a mom and I do not want to miss a minute of her life

I started providing daycare July 12 2012 I have one little boy who is 3 who is with me 2 days a week and he will be here full time in September. I also have a little girl starting the last week of August full time.

I charge $ 40 a day full time, $25 a day for part time care and $ 10 for before or after school care.

The areas I need help with are the paperwork and LEGAL deductions.

I operate the daycare under the name Rhynold Family Daycare as there is a Melissa's daycare in the immediate area.

Do I need to register my daycare as a business?
and what can I legally declare as expenses.. I know the list is endless but I am afraid I might over deduct and find myself in trouble with Revenue Canada.

I also know I can declare some of the household bills. How do I figure out much of those bills I can write off? We rent a 1100 square foot 3 bedroom bungalow and for the daycare I use the living and dining room, bathroom, kitchen ONE bedroom and the basement in bad or too hot weather.

I have been on the government website but all the info was making my head spin.

If any experienced care provider is willing to help I would really appreciate it.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and share stories and experiences.