Improving services for businesses

June is a busy time in the tax year for Canadian businesses. A high volume of Canadian corporations are expected to file T2 corporate returns this month. The CRA is working to reduce the time and effort it takes for businesses to manage their tax affairs by constantly improving services for them.

The CRA is improving the tax-filing process for all Canadians. Business owners, though, have unique needs and the CRA works with them to ensure they have the specialized information and services to help them during filing season and year around. Through the Serving You Better consultations, the CRA received over 1,000 comments and suggestions from small and medium businesses and accountants.

CRA Service Offerings for Businesses

Whether your business is small, medium or large, a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or co-operative, feedback to the CRA helps us develop services that are fairer, more helpful and easier to use, such as:

• Business Registration Online allows businesses to register for a business number, register for the four main CRA program accounts (corporation income tax, GST/HST, payroll deductions, import-export), and link to other business online registries for some provincial programs, such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia
• My Business Account is available for businesses to file returns, view account activities, manage banking information, respond to notices, and complete a number of tax-related transactions online.
• The Enquiries service, available in My Business Account, lets users ask a question relating to a GST/HST return or rebate, corporation return or specialty business return and get an answer in writing. The CRA aims to answer these enquiries within two weeks, 95% of the time. For many businesses, this service is more convenient than calling the CRA’s business enquiries line.
• CRA BizApp allows business owners to keep on top of their business accounts securely, anytime and anywhere. CRA BizApp is a mobile web application for small business owners and sole proprietors. The application offers secure access to view accounting transactions, pay outstanding balances, and more.
• The Liaison Officer Service is available to owners of small unincorporated businesses to help them understand their tax obligations. Liaison officers will make in-person visits or arrange group seminars to answer tax-related questions and address concerns, for free.

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