CRA: Absolutely No Reprisals In Reporting Service Mistakes

On August 23, the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, and the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, J. Paul Dubé, met with local business owners in Edmonton to discuss, in large part, the addition of a new right announced in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in June.

The right discussed was the assurance that when taxpayers lodge a service complaint or request a formal review of actions taken by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”), they will be treated impartially and receive the benefits, credits, and refunds to which they are entitled, with the result that they pay only what is required by law.

Some have expressed that they are hesitant to make service complaints against the CRA for fear of reprisal. The Ministers wanted to make it clear this will not happen, and in practice this appears to be true (See article: Why Tax Pros Are Worth Their Salt – Part II). “We want Canadians to know they are entitled to fair treatment without fear of reprisal, and that the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman is there to ensure their service rights are upheld,” said Minister Findlay.

The recent addition to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights represents the Government’s commitment to instill confidence and fairness into Canada’s tax code.