The CRA is focused on cutting taxes for small business owners.
Earlier today, Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue at CRA held a joint roundtable with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to hear from business owners about ongoing red tape headaches when dealing with CRA. This includes the agency’s practice of freezing accounts and/or contacting a business’ customers to collect fees. Concerns about mandatory electronic filings and unprompted changes to remittance schedules/penalties were also identified for priority action.
Read: CFIB hails fixes to unfair credit card practices
Last month, CFIB’s recent report card on the CRA’s Call Centre Business Helpline gave the agency a C- on its performance. While accountability of CRA agents has improved, service standards and agent professionalism have declined.
“If you have ever been audited or tried to do your own taxes, you know just how nerve-racking an experience it can be trying to deal with CRA,” says CFIB’s executive vice president Laura Jones. “The last thing you need is a busy signal or being given inaccurate or incomplete information.”
Read: CFIB helps small biz get ready for end of penny
The good news is the federal government is listening and acting. Minister Shea was recently awarded CFIB’s Golden Scissors Award for taking some initial steps to improve accountability at CRA, including a new requirement for CRA call agents to provide their ID number to ensure that they are held accountable for the advice they provide.
Read: CFIB exposes “ridiculous” red tape rules
CFIB has launched an online petition calling on Canadians to join the “Red Tape Revolution” to reduce the impact of this hidden tax on consumers and business. Show your support by signing the petition.