2017-0695711M4 Reform the tax system

Principal Issues: Request for the reform of the tax system

Position: General information provided

Reasons: See below

Author: Robertson, George
Section: -

June 14, 2017

XXXXXXXXXX

Dear XXXXXXXXXX:

The office of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, sent me a copy of your correspondence about simplifying the Canadian tax system. Thank you for your understanding regarding the delay of this response.

As Minister of National Revenue, my goal is to make sure the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers services that are fair, helpful, and easy to use. This continues to be my priority and my focus as I devote all my efforts to delivering tangible results for Canadians.

I note your comments about the importance of making it easier for all taxpayers in Canada to complete their income tax and benefit returns. The CRA administers and enforces the Income Tax Act, while the Department of Finance Canada develops tax policy and legislation. Any changes to tax policy or legislation must be considered by the Department of Finance Canada and approved by Parliament.

The CRA offers many resources to help individuals complete their tax returns. For example, community organizations across Canada host free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. For locations and dates of these tax clinics, go to cra.gc.ca/volunteer.

To assist students and newcomers to Canada in understanding the tax system and filing their tax returns, the CRA has developed several educational programs. These programs can be ordered online at cra.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/dctrs. The CRA also offers online videos, such as “Newcomers to Canada and the Canadian Tax System,” which is available at cra.gc.ca/tx/nnrsdnts/ndvdls/nwcmr-eng.html, and several aimed at students, available at cra.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/stdnts/menu-eng.html.

In addition to tax clinics and educational programs, the CRA offers electronic services to help individuals get information and file a return. With My Account, you can view your personal income tax and benefit information, manage your tax affairs, change your return, change your address or telephone number, register to receive online mail, authorize your representative, and formally dispute your assessment or determination. More information is available at cra.gc.ca/myaccount.

Individuals who use My Account can use the Auto‑fill my return service. Starting with the 2015 tax year, this secure service allows individuals and their authorized representatives to fill in parts of their return with information the CRA has at the time of filing. Go to cra.gc.ca/auto-fill to learn more about this service.

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns and trust the information I have provided is helpful.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier

George A Robertson CPA, CMA
905-721-519
2017-069571

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