Failing to File Tax Returns Will Cost You

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 28, 2016) - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that for the period between December 2015 and March 2016, Ontario courts assessed a total of $97,500 in fines for failing to file corporate, personal and/or GST/HST returns.

The largest court fine was levied on February 23, 2016. Marvin Shifman, a resident of Richmond Hill, Ontario, received a fine of $71,000, for his failure to file 71 GST/HST quarterly returns related to his law practice.

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, 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.

If you have ever made a tax mistake or omission, the CRA is offering you a second chance to make things right through its Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP). If you make a valid disclosure before you become aware that the CRA is taking action against you, you may only have to pay the taxes owing plus interest. More information on the 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.