Hamilton, Ontario, October 31, 2013… The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on October 23, 2013, Vekto
Lumi, of Mississauga, Ontario, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of
Justice in Hamilton to two counts of failing to file corporate tax
returns as director of Vima Group Inc. and Lumi Installations Ltd. Vekto
Lumi further pleaded guilty to one count of failing to provide
information when required under the Income Tax Act. He was fined a total
of $20,000 for all three counts.
Lumi, employed in the flooring business, failed to file T2 income tax
returns for Lumi Installations Ltd. for 2009 and for Vima Group Inc.
for 2006. He was a director of both companies. He was fined $1,000 per
count and given 12 months to pay these fines. Lumi was also fined
$18,000 for personally failing to comply with requirements to provide
statements of assets, liabilities and living expenses covering the 2006
to 2010 tax years. He was given 18 months to pay this fine.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or
corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still
obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes
owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be
assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have
not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their
tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a
valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being
initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay
the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary
Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Professional engineer fined and sentenced to house arrest for tax evasion
Thunder Bay, Ontario, October 30, 2013... The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that Carl Gustafson, a
professional engineer (P.Eng.) and a director of Norall Group
Contracting Inc., was sentenced on October 25, 2013, in the Ontario
Court of Justice in Thunder Bay to a fine of $84,417 and given a nine
month conditional sentence that included five months of house arrest and
four months of curfew. Gustafson pleaded guilty on September 3, 2013,
to one count of income tax evasion. The fine represents 100% of the
total federal income tax evaded. Gustafson was given two years to pay
the fine.
A CRA investigation found that Gustafson followed a tax evasion scheme promoted by Russell Porisky through the Paradigm Education Group (Paradigm) and in doing so failed to report $459,174.01 in income. The unreported income was paid to Gustafson by Norall Group Contracting Inc. for services rendered, for the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive. Gustafson was counseled to file false income tax returns by a member of the Paradigm Education Group. The Paradigm scheme is based on the faulty premise that the Federal Government cannot impose a direct tax on a human being because it would be unconstitutional and further, that taxing the labour of a human being would violate the Canadian Bill of Rights as it is a confiscation of property.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Vince Pranjivan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Region of the Canada Revenue Agency. “To maintain that confidence, the Canada Revenue Agency is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
The Canada Revenue Agency warns all Canadians to beware of individuals that try to convince you that Canadians do not have to pay tax on the income they earn. These individuals, also known as tax protesters, not only fail to report their own earnings, but they also conspire, counsel, and promote these tax schemes. Canadian courts have repeatedly and consistently rejected all arguments made in these tax protester schemes. For those involved in tax protester schemes, the CRA will reassess income tax, and charge interest and penalties. In some cases, these individuals will be prosecuted for tax evasion. If convicted, they could face significant fines and possibly jail time. More information on tax protester schemes is available at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
A CRA investigation found that Gustafson followed a tax evasion scheme promoted by Russell Porisky through the Paradigm Education Group (Paradigm) and in doing so failed to report $459,174.01 in income. The unreported income was paid to Gustafson by Norall Group Contracting Inc. for services rendered, for the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive. Gustafson was counseled to file false income tax returns by a member of the Paradigm Education Group. The Paradigm scheme is based on the faulty premise that the Federal Government cannot impose a direct tax on a human being because it would be unconstitutional and further, that taxing the labour of a human being would violate the Canadian Bill of Rights as it is a confiscation of property.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Vince Pranjivan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Region of the Canada Revenue Agency. “To maintain that confidence, the Canada Revenue Agency is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
The Canada Revenue Agency warns all Canadians to beware of individuals that try to convince you that Canadians do not have to pay tax on the income they earn. These individuals, also known as tax protesters, not only fail to report their own earnings, but they also conspire, counsel, and promote these tax schemes. Canadian courts have repeatedly and consistently rejected all arguments made in these tax protester schemes. For those involved in tax protester schemes, the CRA will reassess income tax, and charge interest and penalties. In some cases, these individuals will be prosecuted for tax evasion. If convicted, they could face significant fines and possibly jail time. More information on tax protester schemes is available at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Mississauga woman fined for failing to file tax returns
Brampton, Ontario, October 28, 2013... The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on October 23, 2013, Marilou
Parcero, of Mississauga, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice
in Brampton to six counts of failing to file tax returns. Ms. Parcero
was fined $1,000 per count, for a total of $6,000, and was given three
months to pay the fine. She was also given six months to file all
outstanding tax returns.
Ms. Parcero, a management consultant, failed to file her 1999 to 2008 personal income tax returns. The CRA made several requests for the missing returns before serving Ms. Parcero with notices demanding that the returns be filed. Failure to comply with these notices resulted in charges being laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Ms. Parcero, a management consultant, failed to file her 1999 to 2008 personal income tax returns. The CRA made several requests for the missing returns before serving Ms. Parcero with notices demanding that the returns be filed. Failure to comply with these notices resulted in charges being laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Harper Government red tape reduction measures help small businesses seize the moment
Toronto, Ontario, October 25, 2013 The Honourable
Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue,
today met with business community leaders at a roundtable event in
Toronto to highlight many of the initiatives that the Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) has implemented as a result of its Red Tape Reduction
Action Plan and consultations with small businesses.
“Our Government recognizes the vital role small businesses play in creating jobs and supporting the economy, especially during this week as this is Small Business Week,” said Minister Findlay. “Small businesses provided input with suggested improvements to our services and what they shared helped us as we implemented significant red-tape reduction measures. There are now fewer regulations and the cost of red tape has been reduced by nearly 20 million dollars annually.”
The CRA’s Red Tape Reduction Action Plan webpage, launched today by Minister Findlay, lays out the 12 commitments that the CRA has made, based on the irritants businesses identified during the Red Tape Reduction Commission’s consultations in 2010, and further refined by the CRA’s own consultations in 2012.
“We have already made many improvements to services so that business owners can more easily meet their tax obligations, saving them time and money, and creating jobs in local communities,” said Minister Findlay. “As we continue to implement action plan commitments, and promote and support Canadian businesses large and small through the historic Canada-EU Trade Agreement, we want to make sure that small businesses are informed. Our government is listening and taking action, building on a tradition of service, integrity, and professionalism.”
Some highlights for 2013 are:
For opportunities to participate in further consultations, please visit the CRA’s Red Tape Reduction webpage regularly, and stay connected by subscribing to our mailing lists and joining the conversation on Twitter. The CRA’s next consultation period will be in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Harper Government continues to help create jobs across all sectors of the economy, finalizing an agreement in principle between Canada and the European Union (EU) on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, seizing an historic opportunity to gain preferential access to the largest market in the world—a market with over 500 million consumers and a Gross Domestic Product of $17 trillion.
Minister Findlay noted that the Canada-EU Trade Agreement will generate prosperity and growth for all Canadian businesses, including small and medium sized businesses, in every region of the country. It will help them to succeed abroad by making it easier and less costly for them to do business in the EU. The Canada-EU Trade Agreement will also help level the playing field in the EU, making Canadian small and medium-sized businesses more competitive, giving them a significant advantage over most third-party competitors.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
“Our Government recognizes the vital role small businesses play in creating jobs and supporting the economy, especially during this week as this is Small Business Week,” said Minister Findlay. “Small businesses provided input with suggested improvements to our services and what they shared helped us as we implemented significant red-tape reduction measures. There are now fewer regulations and the cost of red tape has been reduced by nearly 20 million dollars annually.”
The CRA’s Red Tape Reduction Action Plan webpage, launched today by Minister Findlay, lays out the 12 commitments that the CRA has made, based on the irritants businesses identified during the Red Tape Reduction Commission’s consultations in 2010, and further refined by the CRA’s own consultations in 2012.
“We have already made many improvements to services so that business owners can more easily meet their tax obligations, saving them time and money, and creating jobs in local communities,” said Minister Findlay. “As we continue to implement action plan commitments, and promote and support Canadian businesses large and small through the historic Canada-EU Trade Agreement, we want to make sure that small businesses are informed. Our government is listening and taking action, building on a tradition of service, integrity, and professionalism.”
Some highlights for 2013 are:
- A new CRA Red Tape Reduction Action plan webpage that gives businesses up-to-date information on the CRA’s progress.
- A new online mail service for Canadian small businesses. Businesses can now communicate with the CRA online which will help streamline their interactions with the CRA.
- The My Business Account online enquiries service. Businesses or their representatives can ask the CRA tax-related questions about their accounts online and they will receive answers online and in writing.
- A one-stop-shop webpage for business services. Businesses can now easily find information and service options relevant to their tax situation.
- Agent ID for the CRA’s business enquiries telephone service. Now, when a business owner calls the CRA, the agent who answers provides an ID at the beginning of the call. The Agent ID number provides increased accountability for business calls to the CRA, ensures a consistent experience for callers, and makes it easier for business owners to give feedback on CRA services.
For opportunities to participate in further consultations, please visit the CRA’s Red Tape Reduction webpage regularly, and stay connected by subscribing to our mailing lists and joining the conversation on Twitter. The CRA’s next consultation period will be in 2014.
Meanwhile, the Harper Government continues to help create jobs across all sectors of the economy, finalizing an agreement in principle between Canada and the European Union (EU) on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, seizing an historic opportunity to gain preferential access to the largest market in the world—a market with over 500 million consumers and a Gross Domestic Product of $17 trillion.
Minister Findlay noted that the Canada-EU Trade Agreement will generate prosperity and growth for all Canadian businesses, including small and medium sized businesses, in every region of the country. It will help them to succeed abroad by making it easier and less costly for them to do business in the EU. The Canada-EU Trade Agreement will also help level the playing field in the EU, making Canadian small and medium-sized businesses more competitive, giving them a significant advantage over most third-party competitors.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Looking for ways to lend a hand to your community?
Did you know?
For over 40 years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has supported community organizations that provide volunteer assistance to eligible individuals who need help preparing their income tax and benefit returns.
If you have a basic understanding of income tax and are interested in helping out your community, lend a hand! Contact a participating organization near you to become a volunteer in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). The CRA will support you by offering training and tax software. The registration period to become a volunteer is from October to January.
Who does CVITP help?
Over 18,000 CVITP volunteers help complete more than 500,000 income tax returns every year, lending a hand to thousands of people in communities across the country who need their assistance! The program is available to any taxpayer with modest income and a simple tax situation. This may include:
For more information about the CVITP, to find out how to become a volunteer, or to find a participating community organization in your area, go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer, or call us at 1-800-959-8281.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
For over 40 years, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has supported community organizations that provide volunteer assistance to eligible individuals who need help preparing their income tax and benefit returns.
If you have a basic understanding of income tax and are interested in helping out your community, lend a hand! Contact a participating organization near you to become a volunteer in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). The CRA will support you by offering training and tax software. The registration period to become a volunteer is from October to January.
Who does CVITP help?
Over 18,000 CVITP volunteers help complete more than 500,000 income tax returns every year, lending a hand to thousands of people in communities across the country who need their assistance! The program is available to any taxpayer with modest income and a simple tax situation. This may include:
- social assistance recipients;
- newcomers to Canada;
- seniors; and
- students.
- returns for deceased persons;
- individuals who file for bankruptcy;
- self-employed individuals;
- individuals who report capital gains or losses;
- individuals who report employment expenses; or
- individuals who report business or rental income and expenses.
For more information about the CVITP, to find out how to become a volunteer, or to find a participating community organization in your area, go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer, or call us at 1-800-959-8281.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Mississauga couple fined for not filing tax returns
Brampton, Ontario, October 23, 2013… The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on October 18, 2013, Elissa
Mai and her spouse, Michael Mai, both of Mississauga, Ontario, pleaded
guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, Ontario, to one
count each of failing to file their 2008 personal income tax returns.
They were each fined $1,000. The fines are in addition to any taxes and
interest owed as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the
CRA. The outstanding tax returns have since been filed.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
When individuals or corporations are convicted of failing to file tax returns, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts, they are still obligated to file the tax return and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
When individuals or corporations are convicted of failing to file tax returns, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts, they are still obligated to file the tax return and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Guelph man fined for failing to file tax returns
Guelph, Ontario, October 23, 2013 … The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on October 22, 2013, Messias
Teves, of Guelph, pleaded guilty in Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph
to a total of three counts of failing to file tax returns. He was fined
$1,000 per count, for a total of $3,000. All outstanding returns have
been filed.
Mr. Teves failed to file his 2009 to 2011 personal income tax returns. His income was earned in the construction industry. The CRA made several requests for the missing returns before serving Mr. Teves with notices demanding that the returns be filed. Failure to comply with these notices resulted in charges being laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Mr. Teves failed to file his 2009 to 2011 personal income tax returns. His income was earned in the construction industry. The CRA made several requests for the missing returns before serving Mr. Teves with notices demanding that the returns be filed. Failure to comply with these notices resulted in charges being laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thunder Bay businessman fined $54,000 for not filing tax returns
Thunder Bay, Ontario, October 10, 2013 … The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on October 8, 2013, Pasquale (Pat) Stilla, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, pleaded guilty, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to 18 counts of failing to file personal and corporate income tax returns. He was fined $3,000 per count for a total of $54,000. Mr. Stilla must pay the fine and file all outstanding returns by October 8, 2014.
Mr. Stilla pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to file his 2007 and 2008 personal income tax returns.
As the corporate director, Mr. Stilla pleaded guilty to 16 counts of failing to file corporate returns, for various years from 2003 to 2008, for the following corporations: 6510051 Canada Inc. operating as Central Spring; 1468001 Ontario Ltd. operating as The Spring People; 1304845 Ontario Ltd. operating as G Stilla & Sons Trucking; and 2064897 Ontario Inc.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Under the Canadian tax system, the government relies on Canadians to pay the taxes they owe,” said Vince Pranjivan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Region of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). “The Agency takes appropriate measures to ensure that everyone meets their tax obligations.”
When individuals or corporations are convicted of failing to file tax returns, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts, they are still obligated to file the tax return and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Spouses fined $13,000 for failure to file tax returns
Brampton, Ontario, October 10, 2013... The Canada
Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on June 7, 2013, Pawanjeet
Garewal pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton,
Ontario, to ten counts of failure to file corporate income tax returns.
Her husband, Prabhjeet Garewal, also pleaded guilty to three counts of
failure to file individual income tax returns. On October 9, 2013, they
were fined $1,000 per count by the Court, for a total of $10,000 for Ms.
Garewal and $3,000 for Mr. Garewal. The fine has since been paid in
full. All outstanding returns have been filed.
Pawanjeet Garewal, as the director for East West Ebazaar Com Inc., an online Indian shopping business, failed to file the 2003 to 2008 corporate income tax returns for the company. In addition, Ms. Garewal, in her role as director for Onkar Group Inc., did not file the 2010 corporate income tax return for this company. She also failed to file the 2008 to 2010 corporate income tax returns as a director of the advertising firm Onkar Publishing Inc.
Her husband, Prabhjeet Garewal, failed to file his 2008 to 2010 personal income tax returns. Charges were laid only after repeated requests to file the outstanding returns were ignored. The Garewals only filed the returns after charges were laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Individuals who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These individuals may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at
www.cra.gc.ca/convictions .
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Pawanjeet Garewal, as the director for East West Ebazaar Com Inc., an online Indian shopping business, failed to file the 2003 to 2008 corporate income tax returns for the company. In addition, Ms. Garewal, in her role as director for Onkar Group Inc., did not file the 2010 corporate income tax return for this company. She also failed to file the 2008 to 2010 corporate income tax returns as a director of the advertising firm Onkar Publishing Inc.
Her husband, Prabhjeet Garewal, failed to file his 2008 to 2010 personal income tax returns. Charges were laid only after repeated requests to file the outstanding returns were ignored. The Garewals only filed the returns after charges were laid.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
In addition to the fines imposed by the courts, individuals or corporations convicted of failing to file tax returns are still obligated to file the tax returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest, as well as any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA.
Individuals who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These individuals may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at
www.cra.gc.ca/convictions .
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Former London executive convicted of tax evasion
London, Ontario, October 9, 2013 … The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
announced today that Rob Roy McGregor of London, Ontario, was sentenced
on October 4, 2013, in the Ontario Court of Justice in London, Ontario,
to a fine of $80,000. On March 15, 2013, McGregor pleaded guilty to
three counts of tax evasion. The fine is in addition to any taxes owed,
as well as any interest and civil penalties that may be assessed by the
CRA.
McGregor, a chartered accountant and former vice president of finance and administration for a London-area tool and mould company, failed to report a total of $475,251 in taxable income and benefits received from his former employer in 2000, 2001 and 2002. In doing so, he evaded a total of $136,931 in federal income taxes.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Vince Pranjivan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Region of the CRA. “To maintain that confidence, the CRA is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
When individuals are convicted of income tax and GST evasion, they must still repay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest and any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA. In addition, the court may fine them up to 200% of the taxes evaded and impose a jail term of up to five years.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
McGregor, a chartered accountant and former vice president of finance and administration for a London-area tool and mould company, failed to report a total of $475,251 in taxable income and benefits received from his former employer in 2000, 2001 and 2002. In doing so, he evaded a total of $136,931 in federal income taxes.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Vince Pranjivan, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Region of the CRA. “To maintain that confidence, the CRA is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
When individuals are convicted of income tax and GST evasion, they must still repay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest and any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA. In addition, the court may fine them up to 200% of the taxes evaded and impose a jail term of up to five years.
Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.
Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Appointment of a new chair to the Canada Revenue Agency Board of Management
Ottawa, Ontario, October 3, 2013 The
Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue, P.C.,
Q.C., M.P, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Thorpe as
chair of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Board of Management for a
four-year term.
Mr. Thorpe is a former member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly with a portfolio that included various business and tax issues. He has served on the CRA Board of Management since December 2011.
“His extensive experience in the public and private sectors as well as his recent experience as a member of the CRA’s Board will not only provide continuity and strength to the management of the CRA, but will also benefit the CRA’s overall strategic direction,” said Minister Findlay.
The Board of Management consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor in Council. Board members bring an external and diverse business perspective in overseeing the organization and management of the CRA. The Board’s responsibilities include the development of the Corporate Business Plan and the management of policies related to resources, services, property, personnel, and contracts.
The CRA administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and most provinces and territories and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system. The CRA plays a key role in achieving government objectives and delivering results for Canadians.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Mr. Thorpe is a former member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly with a portfolio that included various business and tax issues. He has served on the CRA Board of Management since December 2011.
“His extensive experience in the public and private sectors as well as his recent experience as a member of the CRA’s Board will not only provide continuity and strength to the management of the CRA, but will also benefit the CRA’s overall strategic direction,” said Minister Findlay.
The Board of Management consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor in Council. Board members bring an external and diverse business perspective in overseeing the organization and management of the CRA. The Board’s responsibilities include the development of the Corporate Business Plan and the management of policies related to resources, services, property, personnel, and contracts.
The CRA administers tax laws for the Government of Canada and most provinces and territories and various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system. The CRA plays a key role in achieving government objectives and delivering results for Canadians.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The Harper Government highlights support for seniors and pensioners on National Seniors Day
Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2013... The Honourable
Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue,
and Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orleans,
participated in an event to celebrate National Seniors Day and to
promote the many tax relief measures and benefits available to seniors
in Canada. Seniors are now receiving approximately $2.7 billion in
additional tax relief as a result of these benefits.
“Our Government is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian communities, workplaces, and society. We also want to ensure seniors are aware of the credits and benefits they are entitled to,” said Minister Findlay. “I am happy to see that the number of Canadian seniors claiming credits and benefits designed specifically for them is increasing year after year.”
Tax savings and services for seniors include:
The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day in 2010 to provide an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and appreciate seniors. It coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
“Canadian seniors have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to our country. They have played a primary role in shaping the way of life we all enjoy today,” said M.P.Galipeau. “On behalf of all Canadians, our Government is proud to show its appreciation by introducing measures that improve seniors’ quality of life. It is very important that we communicate with Canadian seniors about the credits and benefits available to them at tax time.”
For more information on the age amount, pension income splitting, and other credits and benefits available to seniors, go to www.cra.gc.ca/seniors.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
“Our Government is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian communities, workplaces, and society. We also want to ensure seniors are aware of the credits and benefits they are entitled to,” said Minister Findlay. “I am happy to see that the number of Canadian seniors claiming credits and benefits designed specifically for them is increasing year after year.”
Tax savings and services for seniors include:
- Canadians aged 65 or older can claim the age amount, a non-refundable tax credit to help seniors. The age amount has increased by $1,654 since 2006, and was claimed by almost 5 million seniors in 2012.
- In 2012, more than 4.5 million people claimed the non-refundable pension income amount. The maximum amount of pension income that may be claimed in calculating the 15% non-refundable credit doubled in 2006 from $1,000 to $2,000.
- Pension income splitting was introduced by the Harper Government in 2007 and provides a means for seniors to save money. It gives eligible Canadians the opportunity to split up to 50% of their eligible pension income with their spouse or common-law partner, reducing their overall family tax burden. More than 1 million couples took advantage of pension income splitting in 2012.
- Seniors with low-to-modest incomes can also claim the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) Credit to help reduce the cost of making GST and HST payments.
- Seniors who use public transit might be able to claim the Public Transit Amount on their income tax and benefit return to increase their savings at tax time.
- Seniors can claim medical expenses, such as hearing aids, pacemakers, hospital services, and nursing home costs, on their income tax and benefit return to get tax relief.
- Introduced in 2009, the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) provides seniors with a tax-efficient savings vehicle to help meet ongoing savings needs. The Harper Government has also increased the age limit for contributing to a Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) from 69 to 71.
- Seniors may also be eligible to take advantage of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a collaboration between community organizations and the Canada Revenue Agency. The CVITP helps prepare tax returns for individuals who have low income and a simple tax situation. Individuals who file a return may be entitled to certain credits and benefits. Volunteer tax preparation clinics are generally offered from February to April across Canada.
The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day in 2010 to provide an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and appreciate seniors. It coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
“Canadian seniors have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to our country. They have played a primary role in shaping the way of life we all enjoy today,” said M.P.Galipeau. “On behalf of all Canadians, our Government is proud to show its appreciation by introducing measures that improve seniors’ quality of life. It is very important that we communicate with Canadian seniors about the credits and benefits available to them at tax time.”
For more information on the age amount, pension income splitting, and other credits and benefits available to seniors, go to www.cra.gc.ca/seniors.
Canada Revenue Agency
This a a reproduction copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.
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