What are your rights? - Part three

Transcript

Let's face it. Being audited can be overwhelming. Having the right information, and knowing what to expect, can help. These videos explain the CRA's tax audit process in three parts, and will cover:

1. Why do we audit and what is a tax audit?
2. What are your responsibilities and what happens during an audit? and
3. What are your rights?

Welcome to part three.

What are your rights?

Your rights are outlined in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which states the 16 rights that apply to all taxpayers and registrants.

In this video, we will mention three of the 16 rights that we want to highlight for you as you go through the audit process.

Right number three says you have the right to privacy and confidentiality. The CRA takes security of your information very seriously. Auditors must respect the confidentiality of tax information and are obliged to take safeguards to protect your information.

Right number five says you have the right to be treated professionally, courteously, and fairly. You should expect this treatment from an auditor.

And right number six says you have the right to complete, accurate, clear, and timely information. You should expect to be kept informed throughout the audit.

In addition, there is a five-part Commitment to Small Business. The commitments explain how the CRA interacts with small business and acknowledges the important contributions that small businesses make to the Canadian economy.

This video about the audit process is in keeping with the fifth commitment, which says,

"The CRA is committed to explaining how we conduct our business with small businesses."

To see the complete Taxpayer Bill of Rights and the Commitment to Small Business, go to www.cra.gc.ca/rights.

For more information on anything we've discussed in these three videos, please check out our audit pamphlet RC4188, What you should know about audits, or go to www.cra.gc.ca/audit.