CRA issues year-end tax-relief reminder

Taxpayers and registrants are being reminded of a closing window to address pending problems

CRA issues year-end tax-relief reminder
Taxpayers and registrants are being reminded that Dec. 31 is an urgent deadline for taxpayer relief requests — urgent, that is, assuming they’re related to 2007.

“Taxpayer relief is limited to tax years or reporting periods that ended within 10 calendar years of the year the taxpayer relief request is made,” the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) said in a recent statement. “The CRA may also cancel interest and penalties that accrued within 10 calendar years of the year the taxpayer relief request is made, regardless of the tax year or reporting period in which the debt originated.”

According to the agency, the Dec. 31 deadline applies to relief requests for the 2007 tax year, any reporting period that ended during the 2007 calendar year, and any interest and penalties that accrued during the 2007 calendar year regardless of tax year or reporting period.

It added that those who are involved in a tax process — including audits, objections, appeals for the 2007 tax year or any reporting period that ended in 2007 — but are not sure whether they need to make a taxpayer relief request should make one before the Dec. 31 deadline.

“Taxpayers and registrants or their authorized representatives can make a request to the CRA to cancel penalties or interest by filling out Form RC4288 Request for Taxpayer Relief - Cancel or Waive Penalties or Interest,” the CRA said.

The form, along with all supporting documentation, can be submitted online through the “My Account,” “My Business Account,” or “Represent a Client” services on the CRA website. Alternatively, it can be sent by mail to one of the designated offices listed at the end of the form.


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