Why choose us
CGL Tax
(formerly CGL Strategic Business & Tax Advisors)
By understanding both business needs and tax intricacies, CGL enhances YOUR experience by focusing on increasing your wealth accumulation through both business process design, and tax optimization strategies. There is a big difference between a tax preparer and a tax planner.
New to CGL? Book your appointment for The Discovery Snapshot™ call online!
Or - if you don't want to wait for a call back - you can fill out our NEW online version of "The Discovery Snapshot™"
If the Testimonials below aren't enough, then take a look at how our process works with The Worry-Free Accounting Solution™
Testimonials
"I’ve known Cory for years and am a fellow CPA practicing tax. Cory is sharp and very aggressive with keeping up to date in the very complex field of tax. His years of experience are definitely an asset to his clients and the profession. Cory is also very philanthropic with his time and dollars very generously giving his time and energy to the community and the profession. If you want a tax pro that cares, then Cory and CGL Tax is the answer. He’s got your back. Highly recommend." Kim G C Moody, FCPA, FCA, TEP - Past Chair CBA/CPA Canada Joint Committee on Taxation for CPA Canada - Calgary, AB
"Nice catch!" (on finding a complex error in the 2019 Federal Budget draft legislation) "Good thing tax practitioners like Cory are reading the legislation, not just the Budget description" Hugh Neilson FCPA, FCA, TEP - Member of the CBA/CPA Joint Committee on Taxation for CPA Canada - Edmonton, AB
"Our income tax situation is unique & we greatly appreciate CGL’s expertise while dealing with the maze that is the CRA. We don’t know of any company, that showed more concern than CGL, for both staff and customers during the pandemic.” – Chris & Shelley Bower - Red Deer, AB
"Thanks for going out of your way to help me this afternoon. I was really impressed with how promptly you got back to me with an answer to my query. Thanks very much for your assistance." – Donna Dabels - Red Deer, AB
"When I first met Cory, I was sitting in a room full of Big 4 accountants from Calgary, including myself, and this random guy from Red Deer consistently proved he was the smartest guy in the room. When it came time for me to find an accountant for my own (retail) business, the only person I trusted was Cory. He also guided me through the sale of my business with advice that was invaluable and resulted in significant tax savings." - Jaime Sanderson (former CPA, CA) - Calgary, AB
"I have been utilizing this company as my accountant for a few years now. They are very knowledgeable and have given me excellent advice for my business and personal taxes. They are very efficient. I highly recommend them to anyone requiring a great accounting firm." - Susan Morris, Calgary, AB
"Always honest, knowledgeable, great service!" - Jenna Rae McPhedran - Red Deer, AB
"You have a great group of staff at CGL so you can probably rest easy knowing things are in good hands. I am very happy dealing with CGL and I think your team has been phenomenal to work with" - Noah Henry - Red Deer, AB
"Cory, you are the reason I got into podcasts! Thanks for the great content your putting out and keep it coming!"- Marco D'Ercole, CPA, CA - Partner, CloudCPA LLP - Vaughn, ON
"Once again great service from Cory! I am a sole practitioner that has used Cory’s firm for tax advice a few times now. Looking forward to our future working relationship. For other CPA’s who are looking for tax services for your clients, CGL is a great firm to work with!"- Diane Hart, CPA, CGA - Baddeck, NS
"Cory is a very knowledgeable accountant for small business. He can be easily approached to answer any financial information. He is the guy who can give advice based on your own business situation."- Dr. Hongwei Liu, MD, FRCPC - Red Deer, AB
"Cory provides expert tax advice in order to improve the financial condition of his clients."- Connie Casovan, CPA, CMA (ret.) - Canmore, AB
"Are you are looking for 'Top Notch' professional, friendly accounting service? Cory Litzenberger has proven to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional accounting/business/tax services. Cory is dependable, affordable, honest, and explains things in terms that anyone can understand. I have the utmost confidence in Cory Litzenberger and his team and recommend anyone looking for accounting services to give him a call!"- Bonnie MacPherson - Innisfail, AB
"Cory has been awesome to work with. He has done our personal taxes for several years now. His process for capturing the big picture is clean, efficient and hassle-free and when you consult with him one on one, he REALLY knows his stuff and gives it to you straight."- Elizabeth MacRae - Calgary, AB
"I have been using Cory's services for a few years now. They are the fastest, friendliest people out there and they ALWAYS get me a tax refund which is awesome! They really know their stuff."- Shannon Vaillancourt - Saskatoon, SK
"We would highly recommend Cory and his staff at CGL Tax for all personal and business tax and financial services. They have helped us out greatly, far above and beyond!" - Bill and Sharla Mertin - Ponoka, AB
"Cory is extremely knowledgeable in the world of tax law. He is always quick to answer questions or give advice. He and his team are always easy to work with and very helpful." - Dustin Keeping, Red Deer, AB
"Cory and the staff at CGL are always willing to help and answer my questions. They are the best in the business and are results orientated individuals." - Chaz Ibrahim - Vancouver, BC
"Cory is very detail-oriented and is extremely helpful. He answers all my questions anytime I ask. He has helped my company with all the tax things I'm unfamiliar with and is always up to date on the latest tax laws. He reads tax law for fun! Highly recommend CGL!" - Len Charchun - Red Deer, AB
"I always trust Cory and his team to be as thorough as possible. Cory's knowledge in accounting is outstanding and his eagerness to help clients far surpasses my expectations. It is a great comfort to have my accounting and tax needs taken care of by CGL." - Amy Gaulin - Calgary, AB
"Cory assisted in the set-up of our corporation and has provided timely support and sound advice since then. I highly recommend him." - Gerald Kiffiak - Red Deer, AB
"Once again, We Walk out of CGL ignited and inspired. As our accountant, Cory and his team are incredible. Their knowledge of small business accountancy and oil and gas tax affairs has really helped. Their service has been efficient, prompt and thorough and his rates reasonable. I would definitely, without a doubt, recommend them. Cory has a wealth of knowledge combined with a matter-of-fact yet personable manner and explains even the most complex of accounting matters in an easy-to-understand way. If you're in Alberta and seeking professional accounting services without the jargon or simply to provide a health check on current accounting matters check them out. Now, how do I spend this return!! Lol" - Lisa & Marco Lopes - London, ON
"You are definitely the best accountant! It never fails to amaze me how well you advise when it comes to this stuff. I certainly haven't had experiences like that with any other accountants so thank you!" - Stefanie McKay - Bowden, AB
"We have been using Cory Litzenberger from CGL for several years for both personal and business. We have found Cory and his company extremely helpful and knowledgeable, even pro-actively offering us advice on a new business venture. The personal service we receive and the interest they show, assures us that they have a genuine interest and commitment to us. I have no hesitation in recommending Cory and his firm to others seeking a local, professional and personal accounting service." - Elsie Anctil - Red Deer, AB
"It is with confidence that I recommend CGL Strategic Business & Tax Advisors. Our small business came to CGL several years ago. We have never been disappointed and I have recommended them to several others. Cory is always knowledgeable and current on tax laws. He runs a professional business and is very client-oriented. Cory is an excellent communicator which I find an important element in our professional relationship since all questions are asked and answered." - H. John Roth & Lisa Roth - Red Deer, AB (R.I.P. John, 2016)
"I don't think there is another accountant out there with the knowledge and experience that Cory has. Being a former CRA auditor he really knows what he is doing when you have an issue with them and any other aspect of business advice." - Dawn Kyle - Red Deer, AB
"Need an Accountant? Cory is so awesome he even uses my Facebook rants as an opportunity to help :) I recommend him to anyone who files their taxes, and to those that haven't filed in a while... you benefit from his services too!" - Tamara Larkin - Red Deer, AB
"When it comes to tax and tax laws, Cory is THE expert." - Mike Axworthy - Red Deer, AB
"I have served with Cory as a member of the Finance and Taxation Policy Committee of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. He brings real-world business sense to the policy committee and is a tremendous resource for tax information" - Edward Turgeon - Red Deer, AB
"Cory G. Litzenberger has emerged as a respected business leader in Red Deer. His wealth of business and tax knowledge, combined with his community involvement, has taken him and his business to new levels of success. It has been a pleasure working with Cory on the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce Ambassador's Steering Committee. If you are in need of sound business advice, I recommend contacting Cory." - Darryl Knutson - Red Deer, AB
"We appreciated all we didn't want to hear! It was refreshing to talk with someone who was knowledgeable, helped us feel relaxed and offered more than we expected." - Gary & Wendy Schoeman - Gull Lake, AB
"Some amazing number crunching that you do! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" - Jane Watson - Red Deer, AB
"Thanks for the terrific service on our tax returns... especially the extra $200 that I wouldn't have if it wasn't for you!" - Darlene Opseth - Red Deer, AB
Our Mission
To increase the wealth, knowledge, and quality of life for our clients, staff, and colleagues by continuously improving on and providing current, relevant, technically accurate, strategic planning for business, financial, and tax matters while allowing for flexible work/life balance for all involved.
Our Vision
To become the strategic business and tax advisory firm of choice for private corporations, their owners, and small accounting practitioners in Canada.
Our Founder
CGL Tax - formerly CGL Strategic Business & Tax Advisors was founded in 2006 by Cory G. Litzenberger, CPA, CMA, CFP, C.Mgr.
With the Income Tax Act always bookmarked on his phone, Cory has taken tax-nerd to a whole other level. His background in strategic planning, tax-efficient corporate reorganizations, business management, and financial planning bring a well-rounded approach to assist private corporations and their owners increase their wealth through the strategies that work best for them.
An entrepreneur himself, Cory started CGL with the idea that he wanted to help clients adapt to the ever-changing tax and economic environment and increase their wealth through optimizing the use of tax legislation coupled with strategic business planning and financial analysis.
His relaxed blue-collar approach in a traditionally white-collar industry can raise a few eyebrows, but in his own words: “People don’t pay me for my looks. My modelling career ended at birth.”
Cory’s main area of expertise is tax, succession, and estate planning for owner-managers of private corporations, particularly those entering the tax and business complexities that come with business growth and personal wealth.
Cory’s ability to take extremely complex legislation and explain it in down-to-earth language brings a next-door neighbour approach to a traditionally formal industry.
Cory lives for Federal Budget Day. He soaks up new legislation like a sponge and does not wait for others to teach him about it later. Rather, Cory reads it the day it comes out like a kid on Christmas morning. By focusing on changes in tax legislation the day it comes out he can advise clients on the issues and plan how to mitigate them from the changes a year before the taxes are even due.