Newmarket, Ontario, May 11, 2013… The Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) announced today that on April 25, 2013, David Keefe, of
Richmond Hill, Ontario, pleaded guilty in Ontario Court of Justice in
Newmarket, Ontario, to three counts of failing to file GST/HST returns.
Mr. Keefe, carrying on business as GTA Duradek, a decking construction
company, failed to file GST/HST returns for November 28, 2000 to
December 31, 2002. The court imposed a fine of $1,000 per count, for a
total of $3,000. He has twelve months to pay the fine and all
outstanding 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.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Accounting sub contractor fined for tax evasion
Toronto, Ontario, June 11, 2013 …The Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) announced on June 5, 2013 that Edward G. Gilmore of
Scarborough, Ontario, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in
Toronto to one count of tax evasion and was fined $13,702.
The CRA investigation revealed that for the years 2005 to 2008 Mr. Gilmore understated his business income by $145,794. The understated income related to contract work done for an accounting firm and from the preparation of income tax returns. By doing so Gilmore avoided paying $27,405 in federal taxes.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
When taxpayers are convicted of income tax and GST evasion, they still must 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 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.
The CRA investigation revealed that for the years 2005 to 2008 Mr. Gilmore understated his business income by $145,794. The understated income related to contract work done for an accounting firm and from the preparation of income tax returns. By doing so Gilmore avoided paying $27,405 in federal taxes.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
When taxpayers are convicted of income tax and GST evasion, they still must 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 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.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Harper Government obtains information regarding potential tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance
Ottawa, Ontario, June 10, 2013… The Honourable Gail
Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, announced today that the Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA) has received information from international allies that relates to
persons resident in Canada with assets offshore.
“Our Government takes the abuse of Canada’s tax laws seriously. We have reached out to key international partners and have been working to obtain this data in accordance with our tax treaties,” said Minister Shea. “We are now in possession of information on Canadians with offshore assets and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes.”
Canada’s close relationship with our tax treaty partners exemplifies how countries can use exchange of information to help uncover offshore assets of Canadians. The data that the CRA has obtained is voluminous and requires substantial review which is currently underway. Given the magnitude and complexity of the data, the CRA will perform a thorough analysis and take actions as appropriate.
On May 9, Tax Commissioners from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced that they had obtained data exposing cases of potential tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance, and Minister Shea secured a commitment that information relevant to Canada stemming from this data would be shared.
“Today, we are seeing the significant benefits of Canada’s ongoing and close collaboration with our international partners to combat the use of offshore tax havens,” said Minister Shea. “Our network of information-sharing agreements, as well as the strong enforcement measures we are implementing, is good news for hard-working, law-abiding Canadians who pay their fair share and bad news for tax evaders in this country.”
The Harper Government is taking strong action to tackle international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. Key enforcement measures proposed in Economic Action Plan 2013 include: the new Stop International Tax Evasion Program, the mandatory reporting of international electronic funds transfers over $10,000 to the CRA, new reporting requirements for Canadian taxpayers with foreign income or properties, and streamlining the judicial process that authorizes the CRA to obtain information from third parties such as banks. Minister Shea also recently announced a $30 million investment to target international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.
As a result of the Harper Government’s efforts to address international tax evasion, the use of CRA’s Voluntary Disclosures Program has seen significant increases and the CRA’s in-depth understanding of international tax evasion and avoidance continues to grow.
Failure to report income from domestic or foreign sources is illegal, and Canadians should know that the CRA actively pursues cases of non-compliance. Tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance can lead to significant taxes, interest, and penalties. Tax evasion can also lead to fines and/or jail time.
Canadians should come forward if they have information on suspected cases of tax evasion or avoidance through our Informant Leads Program, either by phone at 1-866-809-6841 or over the Internet at www.cra.gc.ca/leads.
Canadians should also take this opportunity, if necessary, to correct their own tax affairs through the use of the Voluntary Disclosure Program (http://www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures).
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 takes the abuse of Canada’s tax laws seriously. We have reached out to key international partners and have been working to obtain this data in accordance with our tax treaties,” said Minister Shea. “We are now in possession of information on Canadians with offshore assets and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes.”
Canada’s close relationship with our tax treaty partners exemplifies how countries can use exchange of information to help uncover offshore assets of Canadians. The data that the CRA has obtained is voluminous and requires substantial review which is currently underway. Given the magnitude and complexity of the data, the CRA will perform a thorough analysis and take actions as appropriate.
On May 9, Tax Commissioners from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced that they had obtained data exposing cases of potential tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance, and Minister Shea secured a commitment that information relevant to Canada stemming from this data would be shared.
“Today, we are seeing the significant benefits of Canada’s ongoing and close collaboration with our international partners to combat the use of offshore tax havens,” said Minister Shea. “Our network of information-sharing agreements, as well as the strong enforcement measures we are implementing, is good news for hard-working, law-abiding Canadians who pay their fair share and bad news for tax evaders in this country.”
The Harper Government is taking strong action to tackle international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. Key enforcement measures proposed in Economic Action Plan 2013 include: the new Stop International Tax Evasion Program, the mandatory reporting of international electronic funds transfers over $10,000 to the CRA, new reporting requirements for Canadian taxpayers with foreign income or properties, and streamlining the judicial process that authorizes the CRA to obtain information from third parties such as banks. Minister Shea also recently announced a $30 million investment to target international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance.
As a result of the Harper Government’s efforts to address international tax evasion, the use of CRA’s Voluntary Disclosures Program has seen significant increases and the CRA’s in-depth understanding of international tax evasion and avoidance continues to grow.
Failure to report income from domestic or foreign sources is illegal, and Canadians should know that the CRA actively pursues cases of non-compliance. Tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance can lead to significant taxes, interest, and penalties. Tax evasion can also lead to fines and/or jail time.
Canadians should come forward if they have information on suspected cases of tax evasion or avoidance through our Informant Leads Program, either by phone at 1-866-809-6841 or over the Internet at www.cra.gc.ca/leads.
Canadians should also take this opportunity, if necessary, to correct their own tax affairs through the use of the Voluntary Disclosure Program (http://www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures).
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.
June 17, 2013, is the deadline for self-employed individuals to file their 2012 income tax and benefit return.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reminds self-employed individuals and
their spouses or common-law partners that this year, the June 15 filing
deadline has been extended to midnight on Monday, June 17, 2013,
as June 15 falls on a Saturday. However, if you had an outstanding
balance for 2012, it had to be paid on or before April 30, 2013, to
avoid interest charges. A late-filing penalty on amounts owing will
apply to returns received after the June 17 deadline.
The CRA invites you to join the growing number of Canadians who are filing electronically. NETFILE is one of the CRA’s electronic tax-filing options. NETFILE allows you to file your individual income tax and benefit return over the Internet quickly and easily, which means a faster refund. For a list of software and Web service options, including those that are free of charge, go to www.netfile.gc.ca/software.
If you have a balance owing, you can make your payment using your financial institution's telephone or Internet banking services. For more information about online payments, go to www.cra.gc.ca/payments or contact your financial institution.
You can also make your payment using the CRA’s My Payment service. My Payment lets you make one or more payments in one simple online transaction. You can use this service if you have access to online banking at a participating financial institution. You can also sign up for direct deposit to receive your refund in your account at your Canadian financial institution – no more waiting for cheques to arrive in the mail.
Save time – go online! The CRA’s online services make it faster and easier to handle your business’s tax matters. You, your employee, or your representative can file, pay, and access detailed information about your tax accounts--all online, all at your fingertips. To learn more about the CRA’s electronic services for businesses, go to: www.cra.gc.ca/businessonline.
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 CRA invites you to join the growing number of Canadians who are filing electronically. NETFILE is one of the CRA’s electronic tax-filing options. NETFILE allows you to file your individual income tax and benefit return over the Internet quickly and easily, which means a faster refund. For a list of software and Web service options, including those that are free of charge, go to www.netfile.gc.ca/software.
If you have a balance owing, you can make your payment using your financial institution's telephone or Internet banking services. For more information about online payments, go to www.cra.gc.ca/payments or contact your financial institution.
You can also make your payment using the CRA’s My Payment service. My Payment lets you make one or more payments in one simple online transaction. You can use this service if you have access to online banking at a participating financial institution. You can also sign up for direct deposit to receive your refund in your account at your Canadian financial institution – no more waiting for cheques to arrive in the mail.
Save time – go online! The CRA’s online services make it faster and easier to handle your business’s tax matters. You, your employee, or your representative can file, pay, and access detailed information about your tax accounts--all online, all at your fingertips. To learn more about the CRA’s electronic services for businesses, go to: www.cra.gc.ca/businessonline.
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, June 5, 2013
Palgrave businessman fined for not filing tax returns
Brampton, Ontario, June 5, 2013… The Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) announced today that on April 26, 2013, Vincent Ursini, of
Palgrave, Ontario, pleaded guilty in Ontario Court of Justice in
Brampton, Ontario, to two counts of failing to file T2 corporation
returns, as well as one count of failing to file a T1 return. Mr. Ursini
was fined $1,000 per count, for a total of $3,000.
The court ruled that Mr. Ursini, sole director of NVD International Inc., failed to file the corporation’s T2 tax returns for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. Mr. Ursini also failed to file his own personal T1 return for the 2007 tax year. He has six months to pay the fine. All 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 court ruled that Mr. Ursini, sole director of NVD International Inc., failed to file the corporation’s T2 tax returns for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. Mr. Ursini also failed to file his own personal T1 return for the 2007 tax year. He has six months to pay the fine. All 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.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tax preparer gets 10 year jail term for tax fraud
Oshawa, June 4, 2013...The Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA) announced today that on May 31, 2013, Ms. Doreen Tennina was found
guilty in the Superior Court of Justice in Oshawa, Ontario, on two
counts of fraud over $5,000 under the Criminal Code and was
sentenced to the maximum period of 10 years in jail on each count to be
served concurrently. She was also ordered to pay a fine of $699,608 for
causing her company, Executive Accounting, to fail to report income from
the tax evasion scheme.
Ms. Tennina is currently under arrest in Spain, where she previously owned properties. Extradition proceedings are underway. Once Tennina is back in Canada she will commence serving her sentence.
Ms. Tennina, Director and owner of 1517069 Ontario Inc., also known as Executive Accounting, provided tax preparation and accounting related services.
In November 2006, the CRA, as part of their investigation, executed search warrants on Ms. Tennina’s residence, place of business and a storage facility. Documents obtained during the searches revealed that she had fraudulently claimed carrying charges and charitable donations totalling $58,500,000 on 4,200 income tax returns that she prepared on behalf of her clients for the 2003 to 2005 tax years. These false claims reduced the amount of federal taxes owed by over $10,000,000.
Ms. Tennina’s corporation, 1517069 Ontario Inc., failed to report taxable income of $2.8 million for the years 2003 to 2005 resulting in the evasion of $699,608 in federal tax.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Darrell Mahoney, Assistant Commissioner, Ontario Region, CRA. “To maintain that confidence, the Canada Revenue Agency is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
Taxpayers who claim false expenses, credits or rebates from the government are subject to serious consequences. They are liable not only for corrections to their tax returns and payment of the full amount of tax owing, but also to penalties and interest. In addition, if convicted of tax evasion, the court may fine them up to 200% of the tax evaded and sentence them for up to a five-year jail term.
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. Tennina is currently under arrest in Spain, where she previously owned properties. Extradition proceedings are underway. Once Tennina is back in Canada she will commence serving her sentence.
Ms. Tennina, Director and owner of 1517069 Ontario Inc., also known as Executive Accounting, provided tax preparation and accounting related services.
In November 2006, the CRA, as part of their investigation, executed search warrants on Ms. Tennina’s residence, place of business and a storage facility. Documents obtained during the searches revealed that she had fraudulently claimed carrying charges and charitable donations totalling $58,500,000 on 4,200 income tax returns that she prepared on behalf of her clients for the 2003 to 2005 tax years. These false claims reduced the amount of federal taxes owed by over $10,000,000.
Ms. Tennina’s corporation, 1517069 Ontario Inc., failed to report taxable income of $2.8 million for the years 2003 to 2005 resulting in the evasion of $699,608 in federal tax.
The preceding information was obtained from the court records.
“Canadian taxpayers must have confidence in the fairness of the tax system,” said Darrell Mahoney, Assistant Commissioner, Ontario Region, CRA. “To maintain that confidence, the Canada Revenue Agency is determined to hold tax evaders accountable for their actions.”
Taxpayers who claim false expenses, credits or rebates from the government are subject to serious consequences. They are liable not only for corrections to their tax returns and payment of the full amount of tax owing, but also to penalties and interest. In addition, if convicted of tax evasion, the court may fine them up to 200% of the tax evaded and sentence them for up to a five-year jail term.
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.
Monday, June 3, 2013
The Harper Government Takes Additional Steps to Help Small Businesses Prosper
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, June 3, 2013... The Honourable Gail Shea,
Minister of National Revenue, and Minister for the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister
of State (Finance), today met with business owners in Dartmouth, to
highlight the vital role that small businesses play in supporting the
economy and job creation, and how the Harper Government’s Economic
Action Plan will help them grow and succeed.
“Our Government recognizes that the success of our country’s small business community is critical to creating jobs and driving economic growth,” said Minister Shea, who met with the owner and employees of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen in Dartmouth. “Our low-tax approach allows small business owners to focus more on expanding to create new jobs, and less on their tax bill. Through Economic Action Plan 2013, we are continuing to introduce measures that support Canada’s job creators.”
“Taking action on issues that affect the bottom line of Canadian small businesses is important to help them grow their business and, in turn, help grow the economy,” said Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) senior policy analyst Jennifer English. “Extending and expanding the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business and enhancing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption are two measures that CFIB recommended and will be welcomed by many small firms across Canada.”
Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes a number of key measures to support small businesses, including:
“I’ve been working hard to expand my business to the four locations we have today, and the Hiring Credit for Small Business has made it easier for me to bring on the new staff that we need,” said Peter Nahas, owner of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen in Dartmouth. “It’s great to see the Government supporting small businesses like mine.”
The new measures announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 build on the significant actions taken by the Harper Government since 2006 to support small businesses:
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 that the success of our country’s small business community is critical to creating jobs and driving economic growth,” said Minister Shea, who met with the owner and employees of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen in Dartmouth. “Our low-tax approach allows small business owners to focus more on expanding to create new jobs, and less on their tax bill. Through Economic Action Plan 2013, we are continuing to introduce measures that support Canada’s job creators.”
“Taking action on issues that affect the bottom line of Canadian small businesses is important to help them grow their business and, in turn, help grow the economy,” said Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) senior policy analyst Jennifer English. “Extending and expanding the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business and enhancing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption are two measures that CFIB recommended and will be welcomed by many small firms across Canada.”
Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes a number of key measures to support small businesses, including:
- Extending and expanding the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year, which will provide up to $1,000 against a small firm’s increase in its 2013 Employment Insurance (EI) premiums over those paid in 2012 to employers with premiums of $15,000 or less in 2012. In all, an estimated 560,000 small businesses will benefit from this measure, allowing them to reinvest approximately $225 million in 2013.
- Increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $800,000 from $750,000 in 2014, and indexing it going forward. The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption increases the rewards of investing in small businesses and makes it easier for owners to transfer their family businesses to the next generation of Canadians.
“I’ve been working hard to expand my business to the four locations we have today, and the Hiring Credit for Small Business has made it easier for me to bring on the new staff that we need,” said Peter Nahas, owner of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen in Dartmouth. “It’s great to see the Government supporting small businesses like mine.”
The new measures announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 build on the significant actions taken by the Harper Government since 2006 to support small businesses:
- Reducing the small business tax rate to 11 per cent from 12 per cent.
- Increasing the small business limit to $500,000 from $300,000.
- Reducing the red-tape burden on small businesses, such as allowing business owners to go paperless when dealing with CRA.
- Introducing a Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry to help small business owners when dealing with credit card companies.
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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