CRA - COMMUNITY VISIT PROGRAM - July 13, 2011

Canada Revenue Agency Community Visit program comes to Bracebridge

Bracebridge, Ontario, July 6, 2011 … On Wednesday July 13, 2011, representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be talking to businesses in Bracebridge as part of the CRA’s Community Visit Program.

CRA officers’ conduct community visits as part of the Agency’s Outreach program. The purpose of these visits is to ensure that business owners are aware of the services and support available to them from their nearest tax services office. During the community visit, CRA representatives will provide information and answer questions on topics such as filling out tax forms, and filing on time. The visit is not a form of enforcement action or investigation. It is an opportunity for community businesspeople to ask questions, learn more about CRA services, and discuss any tax-related issues or concerns.

The community visits are also a tool used by the CRA to communicate the risks associated with the underground economy to taxpayers in these communities. The underground economy includes business activity that goes unreported or underreported, and is often associated with the exchange of goods and services for cash where no records are kept. Taxpayers will be advised that, for individuals and businesses that choose not to comply with the law, the CRA will take the appropriate enforcement action.

The CRA is committed to ensuring that the public can trust the integrity and equity of the tax system. CRA officials promote voluntary compliance with the law by providing information and services, informing Canadians of the risks associated with the underground economy, and taking appropriate measures against those who do not pay their required share of taxes.

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For media information:
Nona Larrett
Manager, Communications
416-952-7848

HST WORKSHOP - YWCA - June 9th.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is offering free seminars to help businesses make a smooth transition to the Harmonized Sales tax (HST) in time for July 1, 2010. Find out what steps you need to take to prepare for the changeover and how the HST will affect your business.

The YWCA Muskoka is hosting a free information session in Bracebridge on Wednesday June 9th at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at YWCA Muskoka 440 Ecclestone Dr. Bracebridge seating is limited contact Lynda Hutt at wib@ywcamuskoka.com to reserve your space.

Taken from the Muskoka Small Business Centre's May Newsletter

Ontario Real Estate Association - Position on HST

The following message was received from the local real estate community about the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (i.e. combination of the GST and PST) in Ontario

Call for Action

Harmonization of Sales Tax

On March 26th, 2009, the McGuinty government announced its intention to harmonize the goods and services tax with the provincial sales tax.

As a result of this change, provincial sales tax will now be levied on legal fees, appraisals, real estate commissions, home inspection fees and other services related to a real estate transaction.

OREA believes that this tax grab will severely hurt the resale housing market and reduce affordability for Ontarians trying to buy a home.

We encourage all OREA members and their clients to write their MPP to express their outrage at these new taxes and to tell them how badly they will hurt the real estate market in your area.

For more information visit OREA's website (look under media section)