Government of Canada tables its response to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Report on income tax objections

June 21, 2017             Ottawa, Ontario             Canada Revenue Agency 

Canadians are entitled to a fair and equitable tax administration – one which allows them to resolve disputes when they disagree with a tax decision made by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA understands that the resolution of income tax objections in a timely manner gives Canadians the certainty they need to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, tabled today the Government of Canada’s response to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts’ report, entitled: "Report 2, Income Tax Objections – Canada Revenue Agency, of the Fall 2016 reports of the Auditor General of Canada." In doing so, Minister Lebouthillier accepted all the recommendations in the report, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving the objections process and providing better service to Canadians.

Since fall 2016, the CRA has begun implementing a multi-phased action plan to respond to delays in the processing of objections. This includes publishing a new service standard for low-complexity objections (180 days, 80% of the time) and contacting taxpayers or their representatives within 30 days of receiving their low-complexity objections. These measures will improve timeliness of CRA decisions, and will also help keep taxpayers informed about the status of their objection.

The CRA recognizes the importance of resolving income tax objections in a timely manner, and will continue to build on its progress to provide helpful and fair client-focused service to Canadians.