Do You Fear the CRA?

While providing mortgage solutions for my clients over the past 12 years, I’ve had the opportunity to deal with the Canada Revenue Agency on several occasions.  It seems that lately I’ve been dealing with them more than I’d like to.  I mostly deal with them on behalf of my clients if there is an outstanding issue but recently I have dealt with them on a personal issue in regards to a rental property that I purchased 3 years ago.

This issue seems like it never goes away and it frustrates me how many departments and people I’ve had to deal with in order to get this issue resolved.  Every time my file goes to another department, I have to go through the whole process again….New signed documents, explaining the situation over and over and ultimately dealing with people who have no accountability and have no power to resolve any issues on their own.  I’m beginning to get ultra frustrated and I’m not sure when and if it will be resolved.

 

The purpose of me writing this is to let people know not to give in to the CRA when it comes to tax concerns or any assessments they have made on your account.  They use scare tactics and confuse people into believing that what they say is true and their main goal is to scare you and force you to pay.  Just pay and all will be well.

This is not right and you have to know that there are other options besides just paying them out.  Here’s what I recommend:

– Make sure your accountant is on the ball. Make sure you have a good accountant that is knowledgable and ready to step in if issues need to be resolved with the CRA.

– Document every phone call and name of people you speak to.

– When you see the words CRA show up on your phone, don’t freak out.  They are just normal people on the other end of the line trying to do their job.

I believe the biggest problem is how their policies and procedures are set up and it makes it virtually impossible for them to resolve a situation in a timely manner.  I actually said this to a CRA employee while on the phone and she totally agreed with me!

I guess that’s why they say that one of the most important people in your life is your accountant.  LOL